Mark & Michelle’s secret pact to save their marriage
● The pair are set to renew their wedding vows ● They battle yet more reports of marital strife as Michelle returns from an eight-month filming schedule ● She plans to move to LA to support Mark
They’ve spent T most of the year apart, with Michelle Keegan’s gruelling eight-month filming schedule for Our Girl only coming to a close just weeks before Christmas.
Now pals close to the couple say they’re fully focused on getting their marriage back on track and believe that renewing their vows will mark a fresh start.
Last year, Mark and Michelle, both 30, were forced to endure continued speculation that their marriage was on the rocks and those rumours resurfaced as they spent more time apart this year with him in LA enjoying a blossoming TV presenter career on US television. But pals say they’re both determined to change the dynamic in their relationship in 2018.
A source says, “Michelle wants to get their marriage back on top form next year. She thinks by “marrying again” they’ll prove how much they love each other. They’ve both felt drained this year from trying to make things work alongside hyper-busy careers, and they’re fed up with always having to defend their marriage. There have been some really tough times. They’ve really missed each other and they’ve done their best to be strong, but the truth is they need to spend more time together.”
WINTER SUN
Earlier this month, Mark posted an emotional message on Instagram alongside a picture of Michelle on set, writing, “Done. 8 months away from home, away from loved ones. @michkeegan you amaze me more & more every day. I’m so proud of you, words can’t even explain. It’s going to be the best Christmas ever !! I love you so much my little trooper x.”
The source adds, “Mark has been going out of his way to make sure this will be a Christmas Michelle is never going to forget. He wants to make up for the lost time and spoil her rotten. He was thinking of whisking her away for some winter sun, and wants them to have a special family Christmas with all her loved ones around her.”
Following the festive period, the couple – who were married at a celebrity-packed ceremony in Bury St Edmunds in May 2015 – are said to be looking to into renewing their vows in the New Year.
Although Michelle had seven bridesmaids on her big day – including Mark’s sisters Jessica and Natalya – this event will be a much more intimate affair. The source says, “Mark suggested they renew their vows and Michelle was thrilled. It has been such a testing time for their relationship so she feels this is just what they need. They’re thinking of renewing them on a private beach
in California. There’ll be a small group of family and friends invited – this is just about regrouping them as a couple. They believe it’s going to make their love even stronger.”
BABY HOPES
As Closer previously reported, the couple have also begun talking about finally having children together after Michelle turned 30 in June this year – and it’s still at the top of their wishlist for 2018.
The source says, “They’re both really serious about starting a family and want to start trying next year.
“Michelle is hoping to spend more time in LA with Mark. They think it would be the perfect time to conceive as they can finally spend more time together as a family unit. They’re really excited about the future.”
❛THEY’RE BOTH REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT STARTING A FAMILY NEXT YEAR❜