Pals tell Mark: “You’re a totally different man”

Pals fear Mark Wright’s marriage to Michelle Keegan has changed him as he struggles to play second fiddle in their relationship

hey met when she T was in Corrie and he was famed for being TOWIE’S lothario, yet fast forward three years and Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright are on very different paths. Michelle’s acting career has skyrocketed, while hubby Mark continues his successful DJ and personal appearance work, plus TV presenting roles, but pals say Mark, 29, is struggling to adjust to living in his wife’s shadow.

As the marriage trouble rumours rumble, there are also reports that the pair are living increasingly separate lives due to Michelle’s filming commitments.

A source says: “Mark’s from a traditional Essex family where the gender roles are quite set. It’s been difficult for him to play second fiddle in the relationship and, while he’s really proud of Michelle, he struggles being in her shadow. He’s always been the ultimate alpha male who’s called the shots in a relationship, so it’s a tough adjustment to have his wife on an equal footing, let alone with a higher profile.”

FRICTION

Michelle, 29, moved from Manchester to Essex in 2014 to be with Mark, but has spent most of her time working away on a string of projects. Earlier this year she was filming in South Africa where Mark visited her on set, then she was in Manchester where Mark temporarily relocated in a bid to get their marriage back on track. Despite this, Michelle hasn’t been seen at any of Mark’s DJ sets or personal appearances.

As Closer previously reported, Michelle has been encouraging Mark to focus on securing acting roles rather than relying on his other less high-profile work. But insiders say Mark’s attempts to overhaul his life have caused friction between his friends and family.

A source says: “Mark’s been trying to keep up with Michelle and he’s been distancing himself from some of his Essex pals in a bid to shed his old image. But his inner circle have told him he’s turning into a totally different guy. His dream has always been for him and Michelle to crack America together, and they’re planning on heading to LA to meet agents again in September, but it means the clock is ticking for him to prove himself equally worthy of success.”

BABY PLANS

Adding to the pressure, Mark’s family have made several public comments about the pair starting a family soon, and just last week, Mark’s sister Jess said during an interview: “Hopefully it’s not too long until I’ll be an auntie.” But Michelle – who is notoriously private and has argued with Mark in the past over his family interfering in their relationship – now wants his family to stop speaking about their baby plans.

A source says: “Michelle’s made it clear to Mark that she’s not ready for children, and his family’s comments could be damaging to the roles she’s offered – directors might not risk signing her up for a long filming schedule if they read that she’s trying for a baby.

“There’s always been tension about how Mark confides in his family, but Michelle’s really putting her foot down now. She feels the baby stuff has hit crisis point and she wants his family to stop discussing their private life in public.”