Michelle: “I’ve had to make sacrifices to be happy with Mark”
❛SHE’LL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE THINGS WORK❜
After repeated reports their marriage was in trouble, Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright are finally back on track
They looked every inch the loved-up couple as they strolled hand-in-hand in Majorca last week, shunning any suggestions of a rift – but pals say Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright’s newly found happiness has come at a price.
Insiders reveal the pair – who were in Spain for Mark’s brother Josh’s wedding – turned a corner after the 31-year-old actress came round to the idea of moving to LA, where Mark, also 31, is based as a presenter on showbiz new show, Extra.
And after insisting late last year that a baby wasn’t in their immediate plans, sources close to the star say she has also had a change of heart about starting a family together.
BIG CHANGES
A source says, “It’s not been an easy year for either of them with the pro-longed separations, but Michelle is finally feeling happy. She’s just focusing on the positives right now and believes that they can make things work, no matter what life throws at them. The marriage is a priority for both of them, but with Mark based in LA, the pressure was on Michelle to make big changes, in terms of relocating to America and starting a family. “She’s had to make sacrifices to be happy with Mark, but she feels it’s entirely worth it. She’s willing to temporarily move to America to see how it goes – and if they feel settled, she’s even open to raising a family there. They’re seeing this as their fresh start.”
TIME APART
Mark and Michelle – who celebrated their third wedding anniversary last month – have spent the majority of the past 12 months apart after the former TOWIE star relocated to LA, while Michelle was based in Asia and the UK for various filming and fashion commitments.
Closer previously reported how tension had been brewing over their long-distance marriage for months, as well as clashes over starting a family. Michelle also caused concern when she publicly ruled out a permanent move to the States, with the former Coronation Street star insisting, “It’s just not me. I’m not an LA woman.”
However, the actress appeared to have a change of heart earlier this month, when she backtracked in a radio interview, saying, “Never say never” and explaining, “I like the option, I like going out for a month, coming back for a few weeks, going out again.”
Friends say that Michelle has been gradually warming to the idea after realising the pressure the huge distance was putting on her marriage.
The source says, “Marriage is everything to Michelle, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make things work. After a heart-to-heart with Mark, she’s now looking into real options to live and work in the US for an extended amount of time.
RECONNECTING
“She’s told her US agents that she wants to have another go on the audition circuit, and ideally would like to find a job that would keep her out there for six months at a time to be with Mark, and then they can both travel back to be with their family in Essex and in Manchester during the holidays.
“Whatever happens, Michelle wants to have a baby in the next few years, and if Mark is still going to be working over there for Extra, then she’s decided raising a child in LA could be a possibility. She’s not making any immediate plans, but feels she’ll know when the timing is right.”
Last week Mark – who shot to fame as the lovable Lothario on TOWIE in 2010 – was snapped on a night out with friends Jack Tweed and James “Arg” Argent – although pals say he’s toned down his partying recently for Michelle’s sake.
The source says, “Mark really appreciates how supportive Michelle has been over him working in LA. Spending time together for his brother’s wedding has really helped them reconnect as a couple and he’s realised they’re at their happiest when they’re around friends and family.”
“Mark is thrilled that Michelle is open to giving LA a fresh shot. He knows she’s a home bird and is going to support her as much as he can with their new adventure.”