The 64-year-old music icon—famous for hits like True, Gold, and Through the Barricades—skydived dramatically into camp on Day 1, full of charm and quiet confidence. But on Thursday night (December 4, 2025), hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly delivered the crushing blow around the campfire: Martin was heading home, having landed in the bottom two alongside Lisa Riley in the latest public vote.

The announcement came amid a wave of mixed emotions from fans, many of whom had dubbed him the “jungle ghost” due to his surprisingly minimal screen time. Even his son, radio star Roman Kemp (who finished third in the 2019 series), had jokingly begged viewers to vote his dad out earlier in the week to avoid surpassing his own placement—though in the end, Martin didn’t quite make it that far.

As Martin crossed the famous bridge for the last time, he was greeted by a beaming reunion with wife Shirlie (formerly of Wham! backing vocals fame) and family. In an emotional post-exit interview with Ant and Dec, he admitted: “I’m ready for a hot shower and a proper meal—but what an experience. The jungle stripped everything back; it’s humbling.”

The Quiet Giant of the Camp: Martin’s Low-Key Journey

From the moment he touched down via parachute, Martin positioned himself as the calm, steady presence in a camp full of big personalities. The Spandau Ballet star—once considered for the role of James Bond in the 90s (losing out to Pierce Brosnan)—brought decades of showbiz wisdom, but fans quickly noticed something unusual: he was barely on screen.

No major Bushtucker Trials. No explosive arguments. No viral moments. Viewers took to social media in confusion: “Where’s Martin? He’s vanished!” one tweeted. Another quipped: “Martin’s the jungle ghost—appears once an episode then poofs!”

His wife Shirlie appeared on ITV’s Lorraine to explain: “Martin’s quite quiet by nature. He likes to listen more than shout. Sometimes I wanted to yell, ‘Come on, Martin, do more!’ But it’s been a good rest and detox for him.” Eliminated campmate Vogue Williams echoed this, revealing Martin had been exempt from several trials due to his laid-back approach.

Despite the low visibility, Martin formed genuine bonds—sharing laughs over camp chores, offering fatherly advice, and even strumming a ukulele in quiet moments. His son Roman later admitted on air: “Dad’s doing better than I expected—he’s surviving without the spotlight!”

The Fateful Vote: Bottom Two Drama

Thursday’s episode ramped up the tension after Ruby Wax‘s shock exit the night before. The remaining celebs tackled smaller challenges, but the real drama hit when Ant and Dec revealed the public had spoken: Martin and soap star Lisa Riley were in the bottom two.

The camp erupted in hugs and tears. Coleen Rooney wiped away tears, while others praised Martin’s grace under pressure. As he packed his bag, Martin reflected: “I’ve loved the simplicity—no phones, no distractions. It’s made me appreciate the little things.”

In his exit chat, he addressed the lack of trials: “I didn’t push for them—I let others shine. Maybe that’s why I flew under the radar.” He also took a cheeky swipe at former Spandau Ballet bandmate Tony Hadley (who appeared in series 15 and was famously quiet too), joking on Good Morning Britain the next day: “At least I didn’t moan about the food like some!”

Family Pride: Roman’s Mixed Feelings

Roman Kemp, who narrowly missed the crown in 2019, watched his dad’s journey with pride—and a touch of rivalry. Earlier in the week, he tweeted: “How has Dad survived another elimination? Vote him out before he beats my third place!” But post-exit, Roman posted a heartfelt tribute: “Proud of you, Dad. You handled it with class. Jungle ghost no more!”

Martin’s exit means he didn’t outlast his son, but fans insist he left with dignity intact. “He didn’t need trials to prove himself—he’s a legend already,” one viewer commented.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Regret, and Love

Social media exploded after the episode. Many lamented the lack of screen time: “It’s a shame Martin got so little airtime—he was fun in the bits we saw,” one wrote. Others praised his quiet strength: “Martin was the calm in the storm. Proper gentleman.”

A few grumbled about the vote: “Lisa in bottom two again? Martin deserved more!” But the overwhelming sentiment was affection: “Safe travels home, Martin. You were gold.”

Martin’s Legacy: From New Romantic Icon to Jungle Survivor

Martin Kemp’s career spans decades: co-founding Spandau Ballet in the New Romantic era, starring as Steve Owen in EastEnders (earning a British Soap Award for Villain of the Year), acting in films, and authoring best-selling memoirs. At 64, entering the jungle was a bold move—especially following in Roman’s footsteps.

His 20-day stint proved age is no barrier: he tackled skydiving with glee, endured camp life without complaint, and emerged “changed for the better.” Wife Shirlie’s first words upon reunion? Reportedly: “You look shattered—but glowing!”

As the series hurtles toward its finale (with Angry Ginge eventually crowned King of the Jungle on December 7, 2025), Martin’s exit marks the halfway point in eliminations. Remaining campmates—including Oti Mabuse, Coleen Rooney, and others—now face fiercer trials and tougher votes.

For Martin, it’s back to family, music, and perhaps a well-deserved holiday. “The jungle teaches you who you really are,” he said. “I’m grateful for every moment—even the quiet ones.”

Rest up, Martin—you’ve earned it. And to the fans still buzzing: Gold indeed.