Michelle’s joy over new life with Mark
The former TOWIE star has laid his demons to rest after returning to his first love: football. And pals say his marriage is thriving as a result
He has a successful media career spanning over a decade, but for Mark Wright, who made his debut for Crawley Town FC last week, realising his lifelong dream of being a professional footballer is a moment of personal triumph.
In what was considered a sensational 3-0 FA Cup win against Premiere League side Leeds, Mark took to the pitch in the 91st minute of the game, later describing the feat as a “huge achievement”.
LOW SELF-ESTEEM
Soon after, the former reality star – who’s been documenting his return to the sport on new BBC docuseries Mark Wright: The Last Chance – told his Instagram followers, “[It’s] a day I will never forget!”
In spite of his impressive accomplishments – making a name for himself on TOWIE before going on to land a Hollywood presenting gig and his own radio show – Mark, 33, admits to being plagued with low self-esteem since being “dropped” as a Tottenham Hotspur Academy player in his late teens, often comparing himself to his footballer brother Josh, 31, who boasts 119 Championship appearances and has now also been signed to Crawley Town.
In his docuseries, Mark – who revealed last week that his COVID-stricken dad was out of hospital – candidly admits, “Every time I watch him [Josh] I wonder if I could’ve done this. I see my grandad and dad looking on, smiling at him, proud. My dad loves what I do, but he doesn’t love anything like he does what my brother does.” He added, “I understand why people doubt me.”
And sources say that while Mark’s lack of confidence has spilled over into his personal life at times, reigniting his sporting ambitions has brought him even closer to his actress wife, Michelle Keegan.
The couple have been plagued with split rumours ever since they tied the knot in July 2015, as they lived apart for long periods of time due to work commitments.
CONQUERING DREAMS
But instead of derailing the couple for good, the time apart only served to strengthen their relationship. While working in LA as an entertainment host on Extra TV in 2018, with Michelle, 33, flitting between the UK and South Africa filming BBC1 drama Our Girl, Mark revealed how they were focusing on “conquering their dreams” while they were still young.
And the source adds that the last year has also been a turning point as lockdown has given them more quality time together.
Mark’s promising football career as a youngster came to a crashing halt after he says he became distracted by partying, instead of focusing on his fitness. He has described that period as the “worst days of my life”.
But insiders say Michelle – who last year praised her husband as a “hard-working determined person” – has been instrumental in encouraging him to reignite his passion.
And pals say she couldn’t be happier with her new life.
The source adds, “Despite his bravado, Mark’s self-doubt has crept in at times, especially given Michelle’s meteoric rise in the acting world.
“But she’s always insisted his ambition is one of the things she finds hugely attractive about him. Michelle’s even happy to take on the role of WAG as it’s proof they support one another and there’s no power struggle. They’re both ambitious and, when they’re content in their work, it reflects in their home life. They’re happier than they’ve ever been.”
❛ SHE’S EVEN HAPPY TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF WAG ❜