Michelle’s warning to Mark:

Pals say Mark Wright is trying to reassert himself after Michelle Keegan has outshone him as the star in their relationship

“Don’t turn our marriage into a competition”

After he landed A his first big US presenting gig at the start of last month, insiders say there is growing tension between Mark Wright and wife Michelle Keegan as the power balance in their relationship has shifted.

Earlier this month, Mark, 30, filmed hit US programme Extra, rubbing shoulders with Mariah Carey and Nicole Kidman.

He’s also promoting the new series of Take Me Out: The Gossip and has been surrounded by bikini-clad women every week during his DJ gigs in Mallorca.

And as Michelle, also 30, admits she’s missing her man as she films Our Girl in South Africa, insiders say Mark is finally regaining his confidence.

A source says: “Mark watched Michelle take the starring role in their marriage last year when she got some huge gigs while he was struggling to land jobs. His ego took a big hit.”

FEELING ON EDGE

The insider adds: “Tension has been building between them ever since Mark landed his US gig. Michelle’s told him about her insecurities, how the dynamic of their relationship is changing and how he’s been acting differently.

“She’s supportive but she doesn’t like how he’s making her feel – as if she’s the one who has to put herself out to support his dreams. She doesn’t want it to feel like it’s turning into a competition between them.

“Michelle’s facing a dilemma because if she’s going to fit in with Mark’s plans, she’ll need to be more selective about the work she does. She’s fed up with spending long periods of time away from Mark and agrees they both have to compromise.

“It’s made her feel on edge and emotional, especially as they’re currently so far apart. They knew it was going to be tough, both being in showbiz, when they got married, but it’s still a bit of a shock as now Michelle’s worried about how they are going to hatch a plan that suits them both. She’s begged Mark not to get carried away with his career.”

Mark recently admitted the pair’s relationship was evolving, saying: “Michelle is filming abroad now for a few more months and that finishes when [Extra] starts, so it will be her turn to travel to where I am working.”

A source adds: “Mark is adamant that if they’re both working away, they’ll never see each other so one of their careers needs to take priority. After he supported Michelle last year, he feels it’s his turn. Michelle has told Mark she’s going to take more of a step back next year when all her current projects are finished, and he has six months to carve out his career in the US.”

HUGE CHANGES

Mark – who was previously engaged to Lauren Goodger following an on/off 10-year relationship – made a name for himself as an Essex playboy before meeting Michelle.

Back in his TOWIE days, his former co-star Kirk Norcross revealed how he has a super competitive side, saying: “I’ve never seen eye-to-eye with Mark because he’s so competitive and sees me as a challenge. Mark’s a goodlooking guy but he’s got a fat arse! Mark’s an alpha male.”

But pals say Mark’s adamant he has to resurrect

the alpha male persona he was famed for, which is why he’s snapped looking like he’s having the time of his life at his DJ gigs alongside his fans.

A source adds: “Mark feels like he’s taken the back seat for Michelle and, while he still wants to respect her feelings, he’s also conscious he needs to get back some of his old spark.

“His pride has taken a hit with Michelle posting pictures of her and her attractive co-stars while she seemed to be crushing him in the career stakes. Mark’s one of the most ambitious people in the industry and he’s going all-out to be noticed, even if it ruffles his wife’s feathers.”