Shirlie Kemp is recalling the moment she showed her best friend George Michael her son Roman's early YouTube videos. What should have been a simple proud mum moment was far more profound for George, who saw in his godson something he had always longed for the ability to be unapologetically himself.
"Roman was just a teenager then and had started doing his own YouTube show," says Shirlie. "I was showing George and he said, 'I'm so proud of him, he's so confident.' He was absolutely fascinated. Going back to George as a teenager, he didn't have that confidence and what he saw through Roman he thought was incredible there's this young boy who was just being himself. In our era, you had to create something to be someone, like Prince and Madonna, whereas in my kids' generation it's all reality TV."
Shirlie, 60, is "hiding from the builders' at her new countryside home when we chat over Zoom. She shares the house with her husband, Spandau Ballet bass player Martin Kemp, also 60. They have two children together - Harley, 32, a singer-songwriter, and radio DJ and presenter Roman, 29.
Joining us is fellow Wham! backing singer Pepsi DeMacque-Crockett, who's fresh from a workout. She's 4,000 miles away in sun-soaked St Lucia, where she lives with her husband James Crockett. The 63-year-old, born Helen De Macque, runs a sailing charter company and is also writing a novel.
Even via video link, the pair's 40-year friendship is a joy to witness as they digress to discuss the Queen's star sign. Pepsi thinks Aries, Shirlie correctly says she's a Taurus. "She's so strong and stoic. When the going gets tough she just goes quiet and when she's silent you know she's really fuming," says Shirlie, laughing.
Bu hikaye OK! UK dergisinin June 20, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye OK! UK dergisinin June 20, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event