Mark Wright is swerving Soccer Aid this year in case he gets a second series of his new family travel show – before the first has even aired.
Reports claimed ITV, which screens the June clash between celebs and former pro footballers, was upset after he decided to pull out of their reality show The Games last year.
But the former Towie star insists it’s down to his new BBC series A Wright Family Holiday, which will see him travel Britain and take on challenges with dad “Big” Mark and brother Josh.
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He says: “I’ve taken a step back this year because we did a show called A Wright Family Holiday and it’s coming out on the BBC hopefully in June. We film it in June because of Josh’s football career and we’re on the road for five weeks.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I wouldn’t be able to take time off so I can’t risk agreeing to Soccer Aid and then us going off to potentially film a second series.”
But Mark, 36, doesn’t rule out making a return next year “It’s always the best day of the year and I love it. Maybe I’ll come back next year, who knows?” he says.
(Image: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)
For now he’s looking forward to A Wright Family Holiday hitting screens. Mark says: “We’re going around the country taking on really tough challenges then just spending quality time as a dad and two sons, on the road seeing beautiful parts of Britain. We think it will be a really good show.”
He is also taking part in his second London Marathon next month – and this time he’s roped in dad Mark, 67, mum Carol, 63, and Ebbsfleet United footballer brother Josh, 33.
The last marathon was only in October but Mark loved it so much he jumped at the chance to do it again so soon. He’s aiming to complete it around 3hr 30 min – 11 minutes faster than last time. He says: “Everyone in the crowd was smiling, shouting your name.
“The training was so hard but it felt so amazing on the day.”
His wife Michelle Keegan – currently filming new Netflix drama Fool Me Once – will be there to cheer on the Wrights.
(Image: instagram.com/wrighty_)
Mark says: “When I told her I was doing it again she was like: ‘Why? I’ve got to do all that again.’
“You end up walking miles – mum and Michelle just made it to the finish line by seconds, sweating and stressed.”
The Wrights are taking part in Flora’s Making Healthy Switches campaign, aiming to help Brits to make lifestyle changes that are better for them and the planet.
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Mark says: “People who are trying to lose weight – what do you have in the morning? A large latte. Take it down to a small latte. How many slices of toast? Four. Take it down to two. It’s just little healthy switches.”
Meanwhile, Mark recently hosted The Challenge UK which saw reality stars, including Love Island’s Kaz Crossley, compete in brutal tasks to represent the UK in the show’s world championship, currently airing on Paramount+.
He says: “It was an amazing show to be part of.”
Mark is the ambassador for Flora’s Making Healthy Switches campaign. For more info head to Flora’s Instagram.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
