Mirror Books to publish Martin and Shirlie Kemp's love story

Mirror Books has acquired Martin and Shirlie Kemp's joint autobiography in a world rights deal to publish this October.

It's a Love Story will tell the couple's "full story" spanning 40 years—"from the moment they set eyes on each other, through their stellar careers, to raising a family together". It will also delve into the couple's personal highs and lows, seeking to explore "the unbreakable bond that kept them strong, no matter how hard the fight got".

Ajda Vucicevic, senior commissioning editor at Mirror Books, secured world rights from Issy Lloyd of Insanity Management, commenting: "As a long-time fan of both Martin and Shirlie, I have always wanted to hear from them personally about their life together. To me they represent the best of us: loyal, dedicated, hardworking, but above all deeply committed to their family and being the best they can be. They have brought joy to me over the years, and we hope the book will spread that joy and inspire people. It's a dream come true to work with them, and I cannot wait to publish the book this October."

Both Shirlie and Martin Kemp found fame in the 1980s, Shirlie as a backing singer with Wham! and one half of the duo Pepsi & Shirlie and Martin having formed Spandau Ballet in 1979 playing bass guitar. The pair married in 1988. 

Shirlie Kemp will include some of her journal entries and writings from over the years in the book. She commented: "From Wham! to Spandau Ballet, from success to chaos in the blink of an eye—Martin and I are two ordinary people who have been on an extraordinary adventure together. Through it all, our commitment to each other and to our family is what has always mattered the most. I am so pleased to be able to share our incredible story with Mirror Books and with you all."

Kemp said: "Shirlie and I are both thrilled to be working on It’s a Love Story with Mirror Books! 40 years together has been filled with incredible highs, when every teenage dream and every wish literally came true, to the most horrifying of lows that belonged in our nightmares. Shirlie and I are always asked, 'What's the secret to a long marriage?'—well, hopefully within the pages of this book we all might find the answer to that question! Shirlie and I think this is the perfect time to share our story."

Martin Kemp's autobiography True was published by Orion in 2000.