Actress Michelle Keegan has reportedly sparked concern in her husband, Mark Wright, due to her close relationship with her handsome new co-star, Douglas Booth. The pair are set to star together in the forthcoming drama 'The Blame,' where their characters, DI Emma Crane and DI Tom Radley, fall in love.
Keegan's professional trajectory appears to be diverging significantly from Wright's, leading to speculation about his feelings. A television insider noted that Keegan referred to Booth by a nickname, 'Dougie,' during an event showcasing upcoming ITV projects, before quickly correcting herself. She described their chemistry as 'organic,' bonding over quizzes and food during filming.
Sources close to the couple suggest Wright, a former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star, is proud of Keegan's acting career but finds it difficult that she spends considerable time with Booth. One family friend stated that while Wright is besotted with Keegan, the situation must be a 'wrench,' adding, "Was he jealous? Of course."
Keegan, 39, has established herself in the acting industry, working with sophisticated actors, while Wright, also 39, is a radio DJ for Heart FM and has a property empire. Booth, 34, comes from an affluent background, with a father who worked in finance and a mother who is a painter. He attended a fee-paying school and was involved with the National Youth Theatre and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from a young age.
Booth is married to actress Bel Powley, whom he met in 2017. Keegan and Wright began dating in 2012 and married in 2015. Keegan previously quit her role in 'Coronation Street' to move from Greater Manchester to Essex to be with Wright. At the time, sources expressed concerns about her career potentially ending.
The couple previously presented a united front, participating in joint interviews, appearing on red carpets together, and launching a business. They also shared a significant following on social media. However, their social media presence has become more individualistic, and their joint clothing brand, Aytee, has closed down. While both are ambassadors for Marks and Spencer, they appear separately.
Family sources have also indicated some friction regarding judgmental comments made by Wright's mother and sisters on their podcast, 'Wright At Home,' about women wearing thong bikinis. These comments reportedly caused concern for Keegan, as they could potentially affect her high-profile acting reputation, leading her publicist to intervene.
'The Blame' is scheduled for release in the coming weeks, and Wright will have the opportunity to watch six episodes of Keegan starring opposite Booth.