The Kemp dynasty – Martin, the 80s icon, and Roman, the radio and reality TV fixture – are heading to Ireland for a three-part Channel 4 series. But this isn’t just a father-son bonding trip with a scenic backdrop; it’s a carefully curated piece of content designed to tap into the current appetite for “experiential” travel and, crucially, leverage the enduring appeal of Irish folklore. In a media landscape saturated with manufactured drama, authenticity (or the *illusion* of it) is the new currency, and Ireland’s myths and traditions offer a rich vein to mine.
- The series, produced by Rock Oyster Media, will explore Ireland’s spooky myths, ghosts, banshees, and legends.
- Martin and Roman Kemp will travel through Antrim, Derry, Tyrone, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, and Meath.
- Tourism Ireland is co-producing, explicitly aiming to inspire viewers to visit Ireland.
This collaboration with Tourism Ireland is the key here. It’s a textbook example of destination marketing cleverly disguised as entertainment. The itinerary – coasteering, hurling, traditional music sessions – isn’t random. It’s a highlight reel of activities designed to appeal to a broad demographic, particularly the UK market, where Martin Kemp still holds considerable name recognition from his Spandau Ballet days. The fact that Martin lived and recorded in Dublin with his bandmates in the 1980s adds a personal layer, subtly reinforcing the idea of Ireland as a welcoming and culturally vibrant destination. It’s a smart move; nostalgia sells, and associating a beloved figure with a location is a powerful marketing tool.
Channel 4, known for its willingness to experiment with format and embrace personality-driven content, is a fitting home for this project. Expect a heavy emphasis on the father-son dynamic – the “adventure you only get when you’re exploring with someone who knows you inside out,” as Tourism Ireland puts it. That emotional core is what will likely drive viewership, while the Irish backdrop provides the picturesque scenery and intriguing cultural elements. The series is slated to air later this year, perfectly positioned to capitalize on the summer travel season.
The success of this series will likely hinge on whether it can genuinely capture the spirit of Ireland, or if it falls into the trap of superficial tourism promotion. Either way, it’s a fascinating case study in how entertainment and marketing are becoming increasingly intertwined, and how destinations are leveraging celebrity power to boost their appeal.
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