Kemp’s original reaction captured the nerves of watching England attempt to close out a match that had already swung in their favour. Harry Kane scored twice in nine minutes, but the late stages still provided enough anxiety for supporters - and for Kemp - to reach for the air-punching celebrations.
“Yeah! Yeah! Harry Kane! Harry Kane! That’s what we’re talking about,” Kemp shouted after the striker’s second goal, before complaining about the emotional strain of England’s closing minutes.
Murs’ imitation worked because it recognised something familiar to every England fan: relief often arrives alongside celebration.
Kemp’s phone-shot video spread widely, with public figures joking about his famous EastEnders character Grant Mitchell and supporters suggesting he should join England’s coaching staff.
Murs’ version added another layer to the moment. Rather than simply discussing the result, he performed the emotional rollercoaster - the panic, the hope and the final release - that made Kemp’s reaction so relatable.
The mood now shifts from celebration to preparation. England’s next World Cup match against Mexico will demand a sharper performance, even after Kane’s decisive contribution against DR Congo.
For supporters, the next storyline is whether England can make the contest less stressful - and spare Kemp, Murs and the rest of the country another nervy finale.