Friends reveal:
Insiders say Michelle Keegan has turned to pal Luke Pasqualino for support as she works away from hubby Mark Wright
“Michelle’s extremely close to Luke – it’s hit Mark hard”
She’s already been S linked to her Our Girl co-star Ben Aldridge, but last week Michelle Keegan was unwittingly drawn into more speculation when she was snapped on set in Manchester “cosying up” to another handsome co-star, Luke Pasqualino. Pals say that behind the scenes Michelle – whose 13-month marriage to Mark Wright, 29, has been plagued by reports of problems as they struggle with working in different cities – has been turning to Luke for support as she battles to keep her marriage alive.
CLOSE FRIENDS
A source tells Closer: “Michelle has become extremely close to Luke over the past few months and he’s become a good friend. They’ll often chat in each other’s trailer or go for walks together. Luke’s really good at helping
Michelle see Mark’s point of view and will tell her if he thinks she’s overreacting. Michelle appreciates his opinion and has learnt to trust him during their time together as they’ve all become like family while being away filming.”
PRESSURES OF FAME
Former Musketeers actor Luke, 26, has a history of dating his leading ladies, including a romance with Skins castmate Klariza Clayton and a longdistance relationship with Love Bite co-star Jessica Szohr – something sources say has helped him bond with Michelle as he understands the pressures being placed on her and Mark.
An insider reveals: “Luke understands what it’s like constantly working away from home. He’s been in Michelle’s shoes, feeling guilty for being away from a loved one for so long for work – so it’s been great for Michelle to have that support.”
As Closer previously reported, the couple’s problems seem to have stemmed from Mark’s desire to start a family – something sources say Michelle, 29, has said she’s not ready for while her acting career continues to thrive.
The actress – who has reportedly earnt almost £1m in brand endorsements and TV work since she quit Corrie in 2014 – recently landed a role in a new ITV drama about the life of footballer Bobby Moore. And despite Mark Tweeting his support of her new job, pals say tension is mounting between them.
A source says: “Mark was furious when he saw Michelle was linked to Luke. He trusts her implicitly, but the gossip hit him hard. Having Luke described as a ‘Mark Wright lookalike’ in reports online made things worse and he said it felt like he’d been punched in the stomach.
“Mark feels uncomfortable about their close friendship, he doesn’t like the idea of Michelle confiding in another man about their marriage.”
Since they tied the knot last May, the couple have spent huge chunks of time apart, with Michelle filming in Bulgaria for ITV2 series Plebs, then jetting off to South Africa in January for two months to shoot BBC1 drama Our Girl, before continuing filming in Manchester. Meanwhile, Mark has been based in Essex. He has a regular DJ slot at a London radio station and performs at sporadic gigs in Europe.
BITTER SPAT
Last month, Mark was pictured talking to scantily clad girls on a stag-do in Las Vegas and as Closer previously reported it sparked a bitter spat between him and Michelle. Then last week the star hinted at his boredom while his wife worked away, Tweeting: “You know when you’re on the sofa and need to go to bed but just cannot be bothered to move… Locking up, shower, teeth brushed.”
A source adds: “Every time Mark and Michelle think they’re getting somewhere, another hurdle presents itself and they feel like they’ve taken 10 steps back. They’re both committed to making their marriage work, but they know they still have a lot of issues to work through if they’re going to have a future together.”