Martin Kemp reveals the advice son Roman gave him ahead of ITV I'm A Celebrity stint: 'Going to get his revenge!'

The English musician and actor told ITV he expects that cancelling some of his DJ gigs to join the show this year will be worth it.

“I’ve had to cancel some jobs, but when Roman was on I’m A Celebrity… I was addicted. I watched it every day and enjoyed it so much,” he explained.

“I felt it was now time in my life for an adventure. I have been on this journey of DJ’ing over the last five years, it has been non-stop and I thought it was time to give something back to myself. I absolutely love the show – it’s iconic TV, which I love being part of.”

Reflecting on the advice his famous son has given him, Martin said: “He told me to go in and enjoy it all. He said it’s the most fun he has ever had and he said, ‘I am really jealous; I know how much fun you are going to have.’”

The former EastEnders actor added: “I voted for him to do the worst trials! He said to me he was going to get his revenge!

The premise of I’m A Celebrity is that contestants must survive in a jungle environment without luxuries or contact with the outside world, taking on various challenges to earn food and treats for the camp. They often face their worst fears, from heights to creepy crawlies.

When asked about his phobias, Martin said: “Phobias? I always thought I don't have phobias, but when I think about it, there are certain things that make me feel sick.

“I am the spider catcher in our house. Shirlie won’t go anywhere near them and so I am left to do the business. But I will still get a glass or a piece of paper to do it. And if anyone says they are ok with heights, they aren’t telling the truth!”

Martin’s wife, Shirlie, has been married to the bassist and DJ since 1988. The couple have two children: a daughter, Harley Moon, and a son, Roman, who has gone on to become a prominent British broadcaster, best known for hosting the Capital FM breakfast show from 2017 to 2024.

During Roman's time in the jungle in 2019, both Shirlie and Martin openly shared their anxiety and excitement while watching the show from home. They mentioned that Roman, having grown up watching the show, was mentally prepared for the challenges.

Shirlie also revealed a humorous anecdote about Roman's pickiness with food as a child, suggesting the jungle diet might be a real struggle for him.

In the past, Roman has said he’d love to see his dad take part in one of the show’s infamous Bushtucker Trials, which are challenges where celebrities win stars to earn meals for their campmates, often involving eating unpleasant items or enduring encounters with insects and reptiles.

“I’m not looking forward to those ones!” confessed the DJ. “I’m pretty much veggie and even when I eat meat, I have this thing inside me saying, ‘You shouldn’t be doing this’. It will be a real test. But I’m happy to cook in the camp.

"It will be a case of saying, ‘Stick it in the frying pan!’ I’m alright with rice and beans though. I can have the worst fish and chips, finish it off and still say, ‘That’s nice’.”

Martin said he’ll miss his family while in the jungle, but is looking forward to self-reflection.

“Even though Roman and Harley don’t live with us anymore, we talk every day. I’m going to miss my family, but hopefully there will be a footballer in there who I can talk football with.

"And when you do spend time on your own, you do learn things about yourself no matter how old you are. That will be really interesting.”

Upon Martin’s announcement as a contestant entering the jungle, fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions.

“He’s more famous than anyone else there… Martin Kemp is a legend, if you disagree then argue with your nan!” one fan penned, while another declared: “Martin Kemp to win I’m A Celeb!”However, not everyone was thrilled with this year’s line-up.

“The line-up is the worst ever,” wrote one disappointed fan, while another said: “Now I know Martin Kemp is in this year’s line-up of I’m A Celeb, there’s no way I’m watching it.”

To be crowned King of the Jungle, Martin will have to beat his fellow celebrity contestants, a feat which he said would be "amazing".

Ruby Wax OBE, Kelly Brook, Jack Osbourne and rapper Aitch are all confirmed in the line-up, along with Alex Scott MBE, content creator Angry Ginge, Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi and Lisa Riley.

“What a great thing to have on your CV!” he added. “I always thought my CV was full up as I have been around the block, but this is something brand new.

"The time is right to do this show, get myself away from the routine, and there is only one reason why I’m looking forward to it – this is going to be such a great adventure.”

It was almost a close call for Martin’s jungle debut, as the musician was rushed to the hospital just last month after injuring his fingers in a chainsaw accident at home.

He reportedly hurt himself while trying to remove a tree branch from his property, suffering serious hand injuries that required immediate medical attention.

This won’t be Martin’s first reality TV appearance. The musician has competed on several shows, including Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished third, Celebrity Gogglebox and as a judge on Let It Shine.

He also appeared in The Masked Singer and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.