PEPSI & Shirlie were well known in the 1980s for their work as backing singer for WHAM!
Shirlie went on to marry Martin Kemp, and now their son Roman is competing in I’m A Celebrity. Here’s what we know about the pop singer’s life and career…
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Who is Shirlie Holliman?
Shirlie Holliman was born April 18, 1962 and is an British pop star.
She joined Wham! after her then boyfriend Andrew Ridgeley suggested she come and dance while he and his friend George Michael’s band played a local gig.
Shirlie married hunky Spandau Ballet guitarist bassist and singer Martin Kemp in 1988.
They went on to have two children, daughter Harley and son Roman – who is famed for hosting the Capital Radio Breakfast Show and now stars in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
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Who are Pepsi & Shirlie?
Pepsi and Shirlie are an 80s pop dup who began as back singers and dancers for George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley band Wham! backing vocalists.
After Wham! split, the girls went out on their own and in 1987, they released their debut single Heartache
which was a smash hit.
They then released their follow-up single Goodbye Stranger, followed by their debut album All Right Now.
In 1991, they returned with the album Change and single Someday, a song produced by George.
Pepsi & Shirlie returned in 2000 to record backing vocals on Geri Halliwell’s UK number one hit Bag It Up.
The duo also re-united in 2011 for the Here & Now 10th Anniversary tour’ starting on 24 June 2011.
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Who is Pepsi DeMacque-Crockett?
Helen “Pepsi” DeMacque-Crockett was born December 10, 1958 and is a British pop singer.
Pepsi’s family came from Canaries on the West Coast of St Lucia, but she was born in London after her parents emigrated to Britain in the 1950s.
She joined Wham! as a backing singer and dancer to replace Dee C. Lee, who had earlier left the group to join the Style Council.
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How close were Pepsi & Shirlie to the late George Michael?
The girls stayed close to George Michael through the years.
Shirlie was even due to have dinner with him on Boxing Day 2016, the day AFTER he died.
The pop icon was discovered dead at his Oxfordshire home on Christmas Day after a long battle against drug and alcohol addition – aged just 53.
Shirlie along with her hubby Martin and their kids, Harley and Roman, were due at his house the next day.
Speaking before George passed away, Roman, who was also George’s godson, said: “We’re going to George’s house on Boxing Day.
“To me, you do the Christmas rounds and you see all those
people who are big influences on my life.
“I speak to him quite often. He speaks to my mum every week.
“He’s just family to me, fame is not a big deal.
“I know it sounds strange but I’ve known him my whole life.”
