Former "The Only Way Is Essex" star Mark Wright is reportedly experiencing worry and potential jealousy regarding his wife Michelle Keegan's close relationship with her new co-star, actor Douglas Booth. Insiders report that Wright is concerned about Keegan's "organic" bond with Booth, particularly given their characters fall in love in their upcoming drama "The Blame."
Keegan herself alluded to her closeness with Booth during a recent interview while showcasing ITV's upcoming projects. She mentioned being on nickname terms with Booth, referring to him as 'Dougie,' and described their chemistry as "organic," stemming from shared experiences during long makeup sessions and a mutual appreciation for quizzes and food. Despite filming concluding some time ago, the pair appeared to still be on very good terms.
"The Blame" features Keegan as DI Emma Crane and Booth as DI Tom Radley, characters who develop a romantic relationship within the police drama. The show is currently being heavily publicized ahead of its release.
Sources close to the couple indicate that while Wright deeply cherishes Keegan and is proud of her acting career, the nature of her work, which often involves spending extended periods with attractive and sophisticated co-stars, has been challenging. "Was he jealous? Of course," one family friend reportedly stated. "Michelle has moved herself into a professional position where she is surrounded with actors, posh ones, while Mark his at home posting on Instagram, or choosing records to play on Heart FM with his friend Olly Murs."
Booth, 34, comes from an affluent background and attended fee-paying schools, later engaging with the National Youth Theatre and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He is married to actress Bel Powley. In contrast, Wright, 39, who gained fame on "TOWIE," has a background that is perceived as more distant from Keegan's current professional circle. Wright is now a DJ on Heart FM and has a reported net worth of approximately £5 million.
Keegan, also 39, previously made a significant career move in 2014, leaving her role in "Coronation Street" to relocate from Greater Manchester to Essex to be with Wright. At the time, some expressed concerns about her career trajectory, but she has since achieved considerable success in the acting industry.
The couple, who began dating in late 2012 and married in 2015, share a 16-month-old daughter, Palma Elizabeth Wright. Their public presence, which once included joint interviews and ventures like their clothing brand Aytee (now closed), has become more individualized. While both are ambassadors for Marks and Spencer, they appear separately. Wright has also been less prominent on Keegan's social media in recent months.
Reports also suggest that Keegan has been concerned about judgmental comments made by Wright's mother and sisters on their podcast, "Wright At Home," regarding women's attire. These comments have reportedly caused friction, with sources indicating that such "low end trouble" could be detrimental to Keegan's "high end" acting reputation.