Martin Kemp, 62, opened up to his son Roman, 31, about his previous brain tumour diagnoses, revealing that he felt resigned to the fact that he was going to die. He was diagnosed with two benign brain tumours in the ’90s, which required radiotherapy and surgery for removal. While the growths have not reoccurred, Martin continues to battle epilepsy as a side effect. In the first episode of their podcast FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp, titled Death, Martin and Roman had a candid conversation about the topic, where Martin predicted he has about 10 years left to live.
Martin shared that after going through the brain tumour scare at the age of 34, he spent two years thinking he was going to die. Despite this, he considered every experience from that point on as a bonus and felt grateful for the incredible experiences he had lived. He expressed his contentment with his life and stated that every day, month, and year he lives is a bonus. Martin revealed that he would be happy if he lived to 80, giving him an additional 18 years of life. The duo’s podcast aims to capture their daily conversations and banter, shedding light on personal topics such as Martin’s health journey.
During his recovery period, Martin was approached by EastEnders for the role of Steve Owen. Despite hesitation from those around him due to concerns about his brain function post-surgery, Martin accepted the role. He described how his brain did not function properly at the time, making it challenging to learn lines and perform basic tasks. However, taking on EastEnders was a chance for him to get his life back together, and playing Steve Owen helped him overcome his difficulties. The character’s villainous run from 1998 to 2002 remains highly regarded in the soap opera.
Martin discussed his treatment process in 2009, revealing details about the size and location of the tumours. The first tumour, the size of a squashed grapefruit, was successfully removed through surgery. The second tumour, which doctors avoided discussing, required radiation treatment using early Gamma Knife technology. After six months of treatment, the tumour showed signs of dying, and today, there is no trace of it left. Martin’s wife played a crucial role in finding an alternative treatment option that minimized collateral damage, contributing to his successful recovery.
Reflecting on his health journey, Martin emphasized that facing the possibility of death at a young age had a profound impact on his perspective on life. He expressed gratitude for the life he has lived, acknowledging every moment as a bonus. Despite the challenges he faced, including epilepsy and brain tumour diagnoses, Martin remains hopeful and optimistic about the future. The podcast FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp provides a platform for Martin and Roman to discuss personal topics openly, sharing their insights and experiences with listeners. Through their conversations, they aim to inspire others to confront challenges with resilience and positivity.
