Viewers of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! have finally received an explanation for one of this series' most curious mysteries: why music legend Martin Kemp has yet to tackle a solo Bushtucker Trial.
The Mystery of the Missing Trials
As the competition narrows to just seven celebrities, the absence of the 64-year-old Spandau Ballet star from the gruelling star-winning challenges had not gone unnoticed. While he participated in early group trials, a solo outing had eluded him, sparking chatter on social media and even a playful dig from his son, radio presenter Roman Kemp.
Now, Vogue Williams, who was recently eliminated from the jungle, has shed light on the situation. During a Q&A on her Instagram, the broadcaster and model clarified that Kemp was not avoiding the trials by choice.
"Martin did want to do the trials, but Martin was exempt from some," Williams revealed. She suggested that his quiet and generous nature also played a part, adding, "I think that because Martin's a bit quieter, he was happy to let everyone else go ahead."
Health Considerations and Fan Reactions
Kemp's exemption is understood in the context of his health history. The actor and musician was left with epilepsy, which he manages with medication, following surgery to remove two brain tumours when he was 34.
Despite this context, fans had been vocal about their desire to see him participate. On social media platform X, one user questioned, "Surely Martin does a trial soon, where has he been?" Another joked about the camp sending others to compete while "Martin Kemp hasn't left his bed for three weeks."
Roman Kemp later confirmed his father's willingness, posting: "Can tell you now my dad wants to do trial but just how he is, if it'll make someone happy he'd rather that. Can't even make a joke out of it, it's the truth." Roman, who finished third in the 2019 series, has also jested about not wanting his father to beat his own record.
The Wait is Over: Lethal Libraries Awaits
The anticipation is set to end in tonight's episode (Wednesday, December 4). ITV has confirmed that Martin Kemp will finally face a Bushtucker Trial, teaming up with fellow campmate Tom Read-Wilson for a challenge named 'Lethal Libraries'.
The pair will have to hunt for seven hidden books while confronting the show's signature array of snakes and creepy crawlies. This development comes after Kemp was the bookmakers' favourite to be eliminated on Tuesday night, with odds of 1/2 from Betfred. Instead, comedian Ruby Wax, 72, became the fourth celebrity to leave.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
