Martin Kemp has brushed off whispers that he was being “lazy” during his time in the I’m A Celebrity jungle.
The former Spandau Ballet star became the latest campmate to leave last night. B his exit comes after viewers suggested he’d been swerving Bushtucker Trials throughout the series.
Earlier this week, he chose not to put himself forward for Walk The Plank – the swashbuckling challenge that left Shona McGarty dangling high above the jungle in full pirate regalia.
Even Martin’s family felt compelled to comment on his lack of screen time, but now the man himself is setting the record straight.
Singer called out over lack of trials
Martin – who went under the radar for the majority of the series so far – certainly caught the attention of viewers on Tuesday night. It was announced in camp that the next Bushtucker Trial needed one volunteer.
Both Shona and Jack Osbourne offered to do it, while several others raised their hands. But Martin remained silent. The group eventually picked EastEnders star Shona to go.
Taking to X, fans complained at the time: “Martin Kemp has really gone down in my estimations. I loved him in the 80s but he is coming across as a complete wimp! He votes for all the women to do the challenges and slinks back into the shadows.”
Another added: I’ve moaned about Ginge being lazy with the washing up. But at least he’s done trials and fed the camp. Martin has done (bleep) all.”
Someone else posted: “Anyone else think Martin Kemp is treating #ImACeleb like a holiday camp? What does he actually do? Time to go lazy (bleep)!”
And, staying on this theme, another viewer even mused: “Martin Kemp has been paid £95k to have a month long holiday in Australia, do one Dingo Dollar challenge and a couple of little trials, then just chill. Love him for that.”
I’m A Celebrity star Martin Kemp hits back at ‘lazy’ claims
But Martin has now explained why he didn’t take part in as many trials as viewers would have expected.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I thought, ‘I’m at the end of my career’. I’m at a bit where I’m slowing down a little bit.
“The other guys are at the beginning, and why not give them the chance and time and put them in front of a queue?”
Martin insisted the younger celebrities were “chomping at the bit” to do the trials. He said he let them go ahead, as “it can do brilliant things for their career”.
Martin Kemp leaves I’m A Celebrity
Martin bowed out of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! at the end of Thursday night’s show after picking up the fewest public votes. He became the sixth star to take that famous walk over the bridge.
In a twist of timing, he had actually tackled a Bushtucker Trial with Tom Read Wilson just before his departure. And now he’s out, Martin isn’t pretending he’ll miss jungle life.
“I’m walking away from it!” he joked, revealing the first things he did on the outside were ring Roman and Harleymoon and dive straight into a “really hot shower”.
He’s firmly backing his new pal Tom to take the crown, with the fan favourite still in camp alongside Shona, Jack Osbourne, Lisa Riley, Aitch and Angry Ginge.
Tonight’s episode brings a double elimination, with two stars set to go between 9pm and 10.35pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
So… who are you hoping to see survive the cut?
Read more: Roman Kemp issues heartfelt statement as he reveals who he wants to win I’m A Celebrity star following Martin’s elimination
I’m A Celebrity continues at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Friday December 5, 2025.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know if you think Martin Kemp deserved the backlash over the lack of Bushtucker Trials he completed?
