Martin and Shirlie Kemp have emotionally dedicated their new memoir to their dear friend George Michael.
The Spandau Ballet star, 58, has teamed up with his wife to write an autobiography about their relationship.
The couple, who have two children together, son Roman, 27, and daughter Harley Moon, 30, revealed their new publication is dedicated to the late George in an interview on BBC Radio 2 today.
They revealed the singing superstar was to thank for their meeting.
Speaking to Zoe Ball, Martin said: “Everyone knows he was one of our dearest friends one of Shirley’s childhood friends he brought us together and he got me the job on Eastenders.
“He was on our first date, I arranged this date with Shirley and I go there and she brought her wingman George and we spent all night trying to get rid of him but he hung about.
“We miss him and love him so much and we had to dedicate it to him.”
The duo’s book, written over lockdown, recounts their relationship from the start, in the ’80s, when they were both pop stars.
Martin found fame as the bassist in Spandau Ballet and Shirlie, one half of pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie, began as backing dancers and singers for Wham!.
They went on to marry in St Lucia in 1988.
Following their appearance on Radio 2, Martin uploaded a clip to his Instagram, plugging their new book.
The pair beamed excitedly into the camera as Martin revealed: “Hey guys as you know Shirlie and I, over lockdown, have been working on a book – a joint biography – which is going to be a lot of fun and here it is, this is the cover.”
Shirlie, 58, added: “Yay, we’re really excited, it’s called It’s A Love Story’ as Martin said and you can pre-order it from today on Amazon so that will give you plenty of time, so you don’t miss out on the whole life story we’ve had together in the music business and our journey.
“We are really excited to have worked on this and created a great book.”
The Kemps' memoir It’s a Love Story is out on October 29.
