Carol Wright, the mother of former TOWIE star Mark Wright, has candidly discussed the delicate balance of being a mother-in-law, specifically addressing her relationship with actress Michelle Keegan.
Addressing the 'Evil Mother-in-Law' Label
During an episode of the family's Wright at Home podcast, Carol, 63, responded to a listener's letter describing a mother-in-law who acts as though her son had been 'stolen'. Jess Wright, Carol's daughter, read the query and quizzed her mum on the topic, prompting a frank conversation.
Carol was quick to dismiss any notion that she fits the 'wicked' stereotype. "It's nothing like me, I'm totally the opposite," she insisted. However, she acknowledged the complex emotions involved when a son marries. "It's a hard one because everyone's sons are like, you know, they're your sons and… a woman comes along and they do take your son," Carol explained.
A Deliberate Approach to Family Dynamics
Rather than being overbearing, Carol revealed she consciously adopts a different strategy. "But I'm a bit different because I actually hold back because of that reason," she said. She expressed sensitivity towards how a new daughter-in-law might feel entering a large, close-knit family.
"I always think that when the girl comes into our family it's quite they feel a bit overpowering to so many of us, so I seem to be like I hold back a bit," Carol added. This thoughtful approach is her way of ensuring Michelle, who became a first-time mum this year with the birth of daughter Palma, feels comfortable.
Lasting Happiness and TOWIE Legacy
Carol also touched on when a mother-in-law might feel compelled to intervene, stating "Of course a mother-in-law should step in a little bit" if she believed a marriage was fundamentally wrong and would lead to unhappiness. "You want them, once they get married, to be happy and stay married forever," she affirmed.
Her approval of Michelle is long-standing. Years ago, Carol told new! magazine she knew immediately Michelle was "the perfect partner for Mark," describing her as "the girl next door" and "so down to earth."
The conversation also turned to the family's roots in reality TV. Both Carol and Jess left The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) eight years ago. Reflecting on the experience before Christmas, Carol told the Mirror the show was "intense" but they have no regrets. "It's why we are here today doing this type of work. It all stems from being on the show," she said. Jess added they look back on their time with "fond memories."
