Mark Wright has reportedly left ITV in the lurch after quitting their new show The Game last minute by text.
Show bosses are reportedly fuming at the former TOWIE star’s decision to drop his plans at the last hurdle.
The fitness guru is believed to have informed ITV bosses of his decision by a text message where he claimed he was “too busy” to take part in the show.
Mark, 35, had signed up for the new challenge earlier this year and is thought to have attended a fitness assessment on February 15 in Manchester for the programme.
He was also joined by other co-stars which included Corrie’s Colson Smith, before returning to London.
It wasn’t just his last-minute choice that irritated bosses, it is reportedly also now difficult to cut him out of the show as he was captured on-screen during some of the assessments during the day.
An insider told The Sun that bosses were gobsmacked when he pulled out after the first day of filming.
According to the source, they were even more confused as he appeared to be in great spirits on the day in Manchester but seemed to have had a change of heart the following morning.
(Image: Michelle Keegan/Instagram)
The source said: “Rather than call to explain what had happened he sent a text. It went down like a lead balloon.
“Mark’s excuse was that he was basically going to be too busy to commit, which to some feels absolutely incredulous given he’d already committed to filming.
“Those working on the show are furious as it’s become a nightmare. Mark was filmed in the background of so many shots on the day, as were many other members of the cast.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
They also added that editing him out will be a mammoth task and will then have the jarring process of re-casting him.
The insider added: “It’s not what ITV expected of Mark and they’re really disappointed as they have such a great relationship with him.
“Those working on the show aren’t sure what is harder to swallow, the fact he dropped out so last minute or the fact he decided to send a text rather than call in the first instance.”
The Games is expected to air on ITV later this year after it was initially delayed by two years due to the pandemic.
The show is based upon the idea of stars competing in a number of sporting challenges to see who will come out on top.
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
