They’ve faced plenty of ups and downs during their ten-year marriage — but as Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright prepare for their 10th wedding anniversary, sources say they’re in a jubilant mood.
Their milestone celebration – at the end of this month – follows the recent birth of their adored baby daughter Palma which has ‘toughened their unbreakable bond’. And our insider says they’re not only feeling grateful for their beautiful girl, happy marriage and stunning home – they’re also enjoying the satisfaction that their critics are having to eat humble pie.
The source tells Closer, ‘Mark and Michelle have completely defied the odds by being married for ten years — people didn’t hold much faith for the womanising ‘pretty boy’ reality star and the gorgeous actress when they first got together. But they have proven their doubters very wrong, and it’s not lost on them that they’ve probably annoyed those who trashed their relationship in the early days who said it would never last. Being in their bubble of bliss with Palma is a strong message to the cynics – and they feel it’s saved them from being on the receiving end of any more negativity in future. If anything, it's been the challenging times they've gone through together which have made them stronger.’
The couple stepped out on a walk recently looking the picture of happiness with their two-month-old daughter. But while they’re clearly smitten and enjoying their family bubble, it hasn’t always been plain sailing.
Mark, 38, who rose to fame on TOWIE, quickly became known for his tumultuous decade-long relationship with ex-girlfriend, Lauren Goodger, 38. While some recently resurfaced TOWIE clips have highlighted just how bitter the end of their relationship was, the pair have been at odds for years. The exes—who were childhood sweethearts— have not exactly kept it civil, with Mark lashing out at his ex in 2015 on Twitter, writing, ‘Please respect my wife and STOP. I wish you well but leave me, my life and my wife out of it. I’m sure there is other ways to make money [sic].’ In 2018, Lauren also took to social media to slam Mark, calling him ‘pathetic’ after she alleged he had her thrown out of Sheesh restaurant in Chigwell.
As well as overcoming these public spats, Mark and Michelle, 37, have also endured long-distance love. Michelle’s stints in South Africa, Malaysia, and Australia for shows like Our Girl and Ten Pound Poms had her away for months at a time, while Mark spent 18 months living in America while filming Extra. Mark previously revealed, ‘If you’re in love and in a happy relationship you will be happy to see each other. The longer you go, the more pressure there is. It’s tough though with Australia, it’s a lot of flying.’ Meanwhile, Michelle admitted, ‘It was really tough, and people were going, “How did you deal with it?” But thank God for FaceTime and things like that. You’re on a countdown the whole time to just get home.’
With their anniversary just around the corner, they’re undoubtedly preparing to celebrate this milestone in style with a bash at their mega mansion. In August 2023, they christened their Essex home with a Coachella-themed blowout called ‘Marchella’. The lavish housewarming featured performances from Scouting for Girls and Olly Murs, as well as a slew of celebrity guests. On their last wedding anniversary, proud hubby Mark jetted off to Australia to visit Michelle and posted a carousel of loved-up pics to his Instagram, writing, ‘Best 9 years of my life. Happy anniversary babe.’
Becoming parents hasn’t squashed their partying ways either, and in the past couple of months they’ve whisked the newborn away to luxury stays in Soho Farmhouse and the Corinthia London Hotel.
Now, this happy Palma bubble has not only allowed Michelle and Mark to move forward from their past, but she’s also united the Wright family— although the lead up to baby Palma’s birth was also a trying time for the pair.
Our source says, ‘Mark’s family had put a little pressure on them to have a baby and it got tricky for him. But that’s water under the bridge and they’ll be celebrating their anniversary with all the family. They’ll be spending a lot more time together in the future, having baby Palma has united not only them as a couple but the Wright family as a whole.
