SPANDAU Ballet heartthrob Martin Kemp, said he is looking forward to returning to Bournemouth later this week because he has so many happy memories of the town.

After spending a month stranded on a desert island for Channel 4’s The Island with Bear Grylls, the 80s legend will be bringing his Back to the 80s DJ set to Bournemouth’s 02 Academy on Friday, November 23.

Martin Kemp told the Daily Echo that his mum and dad lived in Poole for years and he spent many happy summers at Sandbanks and Shell Bay.

He said: “They have passed now, but I will always love the place.”

Kemp was also a regular visitor to the town in the 80s when he toured with Spandau Ballet. Since then he has turned his hand to many artistic challenges over the years, also famed for acting roles in 1990 British film drama The Krays as well as a four year stint as Steve Owen in EastEnders

Described by many as a multi-talented household name, Martin Kemp also has credits for directing, television presenting to name a few.

Presented by Mr Kyps, promoter Mark Kyprianou says: “We are so pleased to welcome Martin Kemp to Dorset.

“Since the closure of our venue back in June, Mr Kyps Events has been booking artists into venues all over the south coast.

“Having already booked Martin for one of our venues in North Devon, we were keen to ensure Martin could also perform in Bournemouth for our home crowd.”

Tickets for Martin Kemp’s Back to the 80s are available at website ticketmaster.co.uk