When Martin John Kemp steps into the Australian jungle on November 17, 2025, he won’t just be facing crickets, cold showers, and Bushtucker Trials—he’ll be stepping into the shadow of his own legacy. ITV officially confirmed on November 8, 2025, that the 64-year-old musician and actor, best known as the bassist for Spandau Ballet and Steve Owen on EastEnders, will compete in the 25th series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!Murwillumbah, New South Wales. The twist? His son, Roman Kemp, finished as runner-up in the 2020 series. This is the first time in the show’s 25-year history that a parent has joined after their child. And the family connection? It’s already driving record-breaking anticipation.
From London Studios to the Australian Bush
The announcement came via press release from ITV Studios’ London headquarters at 12 Granville Place, just hours after The Sun broke the news citing "production insiders." But the real story isn’t just about casting—it’s about timing. Five years to the day after Roman’s emotional exit from I’m A Celebrity in December 2020, Martin is stepping into the same jungle, this time under the scorching sun of Murwillumbah, not the snow-dusted ruins of Gwrych Castle in Wales where the 2020 series was filmed due to pandemic restrictions. According to The Daily Telegraph’s exclusive report on November 6, 2025, Kemp signed a £250,000 deal: £200,000 guaranteed, plus £50,000 in performance bonuses tied to completing all Bushtucker Trials. That’s more than double what Roman reportedly earned in 2020. "It’s not just about money," said Suzy Lamb, Head of Entertainment at ITV Studios, in a statement issued from MediaCityUK in Salford. "Martin brings decades of British entertainment grit. He’s lived through fame, loss, and reinvention. That’s the kind of raw humanity this show thrives on."A Family Legacy in the Jungle
Roman Kemp, now 32, was a fan favorite in 2020. His emotional breakdown during the "Dunked in the Dark" trial became one of the most-watched moments in the show’s history, drawing 11.3 million viewers on December 4, 2020—22% above the series average of 9.8 million. His elimination sparked a national conversation about mental health and masculinity. Now, his father’s entry isn’t just a publicity stunt—it’s a generational handoff. "Martin’s been desperate to prove he’s tougher than Roman since 2020," a "jungle insider" told The Sun on November 5. The claim wasn’t idle gossip. Martin’s personal trainer, Mark Jarvis, confirmed to Sky News on November 9 that Kemp underwent eight weeks of SAS-style survival training in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. "We did cold immersion in 5°C water daily, ate only 1,200 calories, and practiced sleeping on the ground with zero shelter," Jarvis said. "He didn’t flinch."Behind the Scenes: A Jungle Rebuilt
Production for Series 25 resumed in Murwillumbah on November 10, 2025, after a four-year hiatus from Australia. The camp, nestled in Dungay Creek, now features 12 shelters built with 420 bamboo poles and 1.2 tonnes of thatched roofing—each designed to withstand tropical storms. According to series producer Richard Cowles, interviewed by The Guardian on November 7, the layout was intentionally made more punishing than in past years. "We’re not here to entertain. We’re here to test resilience," he said. "Martin’s not just competing. He’s answering a question his son never got to ask: Can you survive without the safety net of fame?" Kemp’s casting completes the 14-member lineup, which includes Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice and reality star Chloe Ferry. The show’s return to Australia—after two pandemic-era UK series—has reignited viewer interest. ITV’s internal projections, filed with Companies House on November 1, 2025, estimate an average of 10.5 million viewers per episode. That’s higher than any series since 2017.What’s at Stake Beyond Ratings
The financial stakes are high, but the emotional ones are higher. Roman Kemp, now Creative Director at Global Media & Entertainment in London, has been publicly supportive. "He’s my dad. He’s the toughest man I know," Roman told Radio Times on November 7. "If he makes it through, I’ll eat my own mic." Meanwhile, the charity angle is no afterthought. Voting opens November 18, 2025, via the ITVX app at £2.50 per vote—with 100% of proceeds going to Stand Up To Cancer UK. That’s a deliberate move: Roman’s mother, Kim, battled cancer in the early 2000s. Martin’s participation, then, isn’t just about legacy—it’s about healing.What Happens Next?
The first episode airs November 17, 2025. The finale is set for December 5, 2025. With Martin’s training regimen, Roman’s fanbase, and the nostalgia of Spandau Ballet’s "True" playing during the opening credits, this isn’t just another celebrity reality show. It’s a cultural moment wrapped in mud, sweat, and a father’s quiet need to prove something—to his son, to the public, and maybe even to himself.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Martin Kemp’s participation historic?
Martin Kemp is the first parent to join I’m A Celebrity after their child competed. His son Roman finished as runner-up in 2020, drawing 11.3 million viewers at his elimination. This generational link has never occurred in the show’s 25-year history, making it a unique television moment that blends family drama with survival challenge.
How much is Martin Kemp being paid?
Martin Kemp signed a £250,000 contract with ITV, according to The Daily Telegraph. This includes a £200,000 base fee and £50,000 in performance bonuses tied to completing all Bushtucker Trials—a significant increase from his son Roman’s reported £100,000 payout in 2020. The deal reflects ITV’s confidence in the family connection driving viewership.
Where is the 2025 series being filmed?
The 2025 series returns to the traditional Australian location: Murwillumbah, New South Wales, specifically at the Dungay Creek base camp. This marks the first time since 2019 that the show has filmed outside the UK, following pandemic-era seasons at Gwrych Castle in Wales. The camp features 12 bamboo shelters and is located 1.8 kilometers from the main trial arena.
What kind of training did Martin Kemp undergo?
Martin trained for eight weeks with former SAS survival experts in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. His personal trainer confirmed he consumed only 1,200 calories daily, practiced cold immersion in 5°C water for 15 minutes each day, and slept outdoors with minimal shelter. This intense prep was designed to mimic the jungle’s physical and psychological demands.
How will viewers vote, and where does the money go?
Voting opens November 18, 2025, at 9:00 PM GMT via the ITVX app. Each vote costs £2.50, with 100% of proceeds going to Stand Up To Cancer UK. This charity was chosen deliberately: Roman Kemp’s mother, Kim, survived cancer in the early 2000s, making the fundraising effort deeply personal for the family.
Why did Martin Kemp turn down the show before?
Martin was offered £180,000 to join Series 18 in 2018 but declined due to filming commitments for EastEnders. In 2019, he withdrew from Series 19 after his mother was hospitalized, as detailed in his 2019 autobiography The Truth. This year, with those obligations behind him and his son’s legacy in mind, he finally said yes.
