Martin and Shirlie Kemp share 36-year marriage secret

Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie, who found fame in Wham! and Spandau Ballet, have been together for 36 years and share their tips to keeping the romance alive

Martin and Shirlie Kemp have opened up about maintaining that spark in their relationship, juggling parenting alongside. Emphasising the significance of fun, putting down the tech, and appreciating one another, the couple shed light on their approach to staying loved up.

Having risen to fame in their 20s with legendary bands Spandau Ballet and Wham! Martin and Shirlie Kemp nurtured a family over the years. Their offspring - Harley Moon Kemp, 34, a talented musician and singer, along with 31 year old broadcaster Roman Kemp might be grown-ups but that doesnt stop them from showing embarrassment when their parents indulge in a bit too much PDA.

The celebrated pair, far from shy, are keen to share tips for keeping the emotional fire alive. Cheekily commenting on the challenges of romance amid family life, Martin said: "It's so easy to let the romance fizzle, especially when your adult children are calling you every five minutes for advice on how to turn on the oven or you're trying to keep on top of after school activities, playdates, and the never-ending pile of washing up.", reports the Mirror.

Read more: I went to Costco and can't understand why everyone was buying the same thing

See our top stories and avoid ads by downloading our app to your phone or tablet

Collaborating with easyJet Holidays, the Kemps have become faces for the newly launched 'Rekindle the Romance' package. This comes as findings from a survey of nearly 1700 duos pointed out that common romance dampeners include insufficient sleep, cluttered homes, and constant meal prep.

Shirlie added her voice, stating: "We go on multiple trips a year to stay connected, so we've loved this campaign and sharing how we've kept the passion alive for over 36 years."

Endless to-do lists, including housework, entertaining the kids and tackling DIY jobs, are taking their toll on romance. It's also been revealed that parents typically spend three hours a month glued to children's TV shows and two hours tidying up after playtime.

And it doesn't get easier for those with older offspring, who find themselves constantly on call.

A mere one in five couples (20%) manage to squeeze in date nights with their other half. Yet, a staggering 91% acknowledge that spending time as a couple is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship.

However, the study indicates a strong desire to rekindle the flame, with two-thirds (62%) of couples planning to book a romantic mini break. Top spots for a love-filled escape include Sorrento, Santorini, Nice, Madeira, and the Algarve.

Nearly half of all couples (49%) confess they're at their best when on holiday, with 48% savouring the chance to dine out together. Holidays see four in 10 couples holding hands more frequently, while 28% dedicate more time to meaningful conversations with their significant other.

Paul Bixby, Chief Commercial Officer at easyJet Holidays, commented: "Parents are multitaskers and tend to put the kids first which leaves little room for romance. We're excited to offer parents the chance to reconnect and reinvigorate their relationships with our Autumn getaways, so couples can truly unwind without the usual distractions of daily life."