Talking about romance and intimacy can sometimes get a little awkward, especially when it’s about finding time for it in busy lives.
Recently, Martin Kemp gave a refreshingly blunt and funny insight into his own marriage when he appeared on Loose Women alongside Kaye Adams, Paul C Brunson, and Judi Love.
The topic? Whether couples should schedule sex.
Martin’s Unfiltered Opinion on Scheduled Intimacy
While Paul, a Celebs Go Dating expert, shared his belief that scheduling intimate time is actually a smart idea, Martin wasn’t having it.
The 63-year-old, married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988, made it clear: “I don’t think you can schedule sex. If my diary says 7:30 pm on Thursday, I’m going to do it… but I don’t think it works.”
He even admitted to feeling awkward about the idea: “I feel pressure even on a Sunday morning!”
The live audience burst into laughter, and Martin jokingly asked if everyone else actually does it on Sunday mornings.
“Oh, it’s Sunday morning, I’m going to have to do it soon,” he said with a grin.
Finding Time for Connection — Without Pressure
Paul jumped in to explain that couples often spend only about an hour a week just together, so setting aside time isn’t a bad idea — even if it’s just for sharing a meal.
“You don’t have to say sex,” he clarified, “but schedule time to connect.”
Martin asked if Paul meant like a date night, and Paul confirmed: “Exactly. You have some wine, watch a show, and who knows what happens after that.”
Later, Kaye Adams teased Martin, asking if he would actually try scheduling a date night.
Martin laughed and promised, “I’ll definitely give it a try. I’ll give Shirl a call in a minute.”
Then, realizing the cameras were live, he added cheekily, “I’ll book it in… Hang on, this is going out live, isn’t it?”
Pointing at the camera, he joked, “Shirl, get yourself ready, I’m on my way home!”
From Wham! to Wedded Bliss: Martin and Shirlie’s Love Story
Martin and Shirlie’s romance dates back to the early 80s when he first spotted her performing with Wham! on Top of the Pops in 1982.
They tied the knot in 1988 on the beautiful island of St. Lucia and started their family soon after, welcoming daughter Harley Moon in 1989 and son Roman in 1993.
A Funny Father-Son Moment About Marriage
Martin’s openness about his marriage doesn’t stop there.
On a recent episode of FFS! My Dad is Martin Kemp, his son Roman was both baffled and amused by one of Martin’s candid confessions.
Martin revealed that Shirlie isn’t shy about giving him “tongue lashings” during their 37 years together — which left Roman stunned and exclaiming, “What the actual f*** does that mean?”
Despite the awkward phrasing, the exchange was full of laughter and love.
Martin assured Roman, “I love coming in here and talking to you. Even when I’m out with my mates, I never laugh as much as when I’m here with you.”
Catch Up on Loose Women
If you missed Martin’s entertaining appearance and honest chat, Loose Women airs on ITV1 and is available to stream anytime on ITVX.