Entertainment

Martin and Gary Kemp to star in mockumentary about lives and careers

The BBC Four programme will be titled The Kemps: All True.
The BBC Four programme will be titled The Kemps: All True.

Spandau Ballet’s Gary and Martin Kemp are set to feature in a spoof documentary about them recording a new album.

The brothers, whose band sold more than 25 million albums, will be interviewed by comedian Rhys Thomas about their lives and careers.

In the mockumentary, Martin, who has starred in EastEnders, will also discuss his plans to launch a new film franchise while Gary will talk about his idea for a new vegan meat substitute called Wonge.

National Lottery Awards 2019 – London
In the show, Martin will discuss his plans to set up a film franchise (Isabel Infantes/PA)

The Fast Show’s Simon Day, Line Of Duty’s Anna Maxwell Martin, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ Alan Ford and Christopher Eccleston, who played Doctor Who, will also feature.

Perry Benson, who starred in Benidorm and This Is England, will play Martin and Gary’s fictional brother Ross in the BBC Four show The Kemps: All True.

Martin said: “After being known as Roman Kemp’s dad for a few months, I’m really happy to be getting back in the limelight and being known for being that one from Spandau Ballet who hit someone over the head with an ashtray in EastEnders; as well as spending some time with my brothers, Gary and Ross.”

‘The Krays’ Premiere – Gary and Martin Kemp – London
Perry Benson will play the pair’s fictional brother Ross Kemp (Sean Dempsey/PA)

Spandau Ballet, who have had 23 hit singles worldwide, celebrated their 40th anniversary in December.

The new wave group also received a BMI award in 2011 for their song True after it became one of the most played songs in US history.

Gary said: “I’m thrilled that the BBC are making this probing documentary into the lives of my brother and me, and great to be in the delicate yet blood-stained hands of the wonderful Rhys Thomas.

“Anyone who knows Rhys’ work can expect a little more probing than is usual. Our lawyers await.”

Isle of Wight Festival 2010
Spandau Ballet sold more than 25 million albums (Chris Ison/PA)

Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said: “I had to look up the word hagiography in relation to this as it’s the complete opposite of that.

“Fair play to Gary and Martin for being good sports and going along with the screwball comedy brain of Rhys Thomas.”

The BBC are yet to announce when the programme will air.