Former The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright has humorously claimed his wife, actress Michelle Keegan, "pretends to have nothing to do with him" after viewing his latest professional antics. The revelation came during a light-hearted segment on Heart Breakfast radio.
Waterworld Woes and Wife's Wit
Wright, 38, has been competing against fellow Heart FM presenter and former X Factor contestant Olly Murs, 41, in a series of challenges filmed on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The pair tackled everything from the world's fastest rollercoaster to chaotic water slides. However, it was their struggle in the rapids of Yas Waterworld that Wright singled out as particularly tough.
"It was probably the rapids because we had flippers on which didn’t really fit us," Wright explained. He described a comical scene where ducks and items sped past them in the water, impossible to catch.
When show host Amanda Holden asked if Keegan had come to watch any of the challenges, Wright quipped: "It’s that bad she doesn’t even come down." He added that his wife of nine years preferred to watch the video footage from the comfort of a sun lounger. "She’s said by the pool with a pina colada and Palma," he joked, referencing their daughter born in March 2025.
Family Dynamics and Mother-in-Law Diplomacy
The playful banter continued as Holden suggested Keegan was so embarrassed she "has nothing to do with you." Wright later extended mock thanks to his "family who supported him," prompting Holden to cheekily interject: "You just said she doesn’t watch." Wright clarified he was referring to his mother, Carol.
This family focus echoed recent discussions on the Wright family's podcast, Wright at Home. Carol Wright, 65, recently opened up about her delight in babysitting her granddaughter, Palma, describing her as "so good" and loving busy environments like shopping trips.
In a candid moment, Carol also discussed the delicate balance of being a mother-in-law to Michelle Keegan. She admitted she consciously "holds back" to avoid being overpowering, acknowledging that it can be challenging when "a woman comes along and they do take your son." She was quick to distance herself from the "wicked mother-in-law" stereotype.
From TOWIE to Heart FM
Mark Wright, who left TOWIE nearly 15 years ago, has since built a varied career spanning reality TV, presenting, and radio. He married Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan in 2015. The couple announced the birth of their first child, Palma, last year.
Since 2024, Wright has co-hosted the Saturday morning slot on Heart FM with Olly Murs. Their partnership has extended to these filmed challenges, designed to entertain their listeners with a blend of camaraderie and gentle competition.
The episode provided a humorous glimpse into the Wright-Keegan household, blending showbiz banter with relatable family anecdotes, all while promoting the presenters' adventurous content from the UAE.
