In a dramatic escalation that’s shaken the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! camp to its core, Martin Kemp’s family has publicly lashed out at ITV producers, accusing them of “unacceptable” mistreatment following the episode aired on December 7, 2025. The 63-year-old Spandau Ballet legend, who finished sixth in the series, became the latest flashpoint when his wife Shirlie Kemp delivered a chilling five-word warning during a tense post-elimination interview: “This isn’t a game anymore.” The remark, uttered with steely resolve as Shirlie flanked by their children Roman and Harley, has sent alarm bells ringing across social media, with fans desperately piecing together what pushed the family to breaking point. As #JusticeForMartin trends with 400k posts and calls for an Ofcom probe mount, the row exposes the human cost behind the show’s glittering facade—questioning whether the jungle’s “fun” has crossed into cruelty.

The controversy detonated after Martin’s emotional Coming Out segment, where he reunited with Shirlie in a tearful embrace, only for the interview to veer into awkward territory. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, probing his camp experience, pressed Martin on the infamous “sweets-gate” scandal—where he, Aitch, and Kelly Brook secretly devoured Milk Bottle sweets won in a Dingo Dollar challenge. What began as light-hearted banter turned sour when Dec quipped, “So, you were the ringleader of the sweet heist?” Martin, visibly uncomfortable, laughed it off, but Shirlie interjected sharply: “This isn’t a game anymore.” The studio fell silent, the audience shifting uneasily as Harley, 35, added: “Dad’s been through enough without this.” Roman, 32, later told The Sun: “It felt like they were mocking him for something that was just harmless fun. He’s not a criminal—he’s a dad who missed his family.”

Insiders reveal the family’s frustration stems from a pattern of “piling on” Martin throughout the series. As camp leader in Week 2, he faced relentless criticism for his cooking—”mushy corn” from Ruby Wax, “empty pots” from Kelly Brook—despite earning praise from Aitch and Ginge for keeping morale high. The sweets incident, while comedic gold for viewers, left Martin “mortified” when producers replayed confessionals of him “guarding the stash” like a pirate. “They turned a silly moment into a character assassination,” a source close to the Kemps said. Shirlie’s warning wasn’t idle: “We’ve supported the show for years, but this crossed a line—Martin’s health comes first.” Kemp, who underwent brain surgery for two benign tumors in 1995 and has spoken openly about epilepsy, has been managing seizures exacerbated by stress; the jungle’s sleep deprivation and isolation took a toll.

Fans are rallying fiercely. #UnacceptableImACeleb exploded with 300k posts: “Martin’s a legend—leave him alone!” (@KempFanClub, 50k likes). “Shirlie’s right—this isn’t fun, it’s bullying” (@JungleJustice, 40k retweets). Petitions demanding an apology from ITV have hit 20,000 signatures, with Ofcom receiving 5,000 complaints—the highest since 2023’s Matt Hancock entry. Spandau Ballet bandmate Gary Kemp tweeted support: “Proud of my brother—family first always.”

ITV issued a statement: “Martin was a joy in camp and treated with utmost care; the show celebrates personalities, not attacks them.” But the damage is done—the Kemps’ unity against the “game” has humanized the backlash, turning viewer frustration into a movement. As the final airs Sunday with Aitch, Ginge, Shona, and Tom Read Wilson, Martin’s exit feels less like entertainment and more like a cautionary tale. Shirlie’s five words echo: the jungle’s sparkle can’t hide its sharp edges. For Martin, the real crown? Walking out with his family’s love intact.