Former TOWIE star Mark Wright and his wife Michelle Keegan have been hard at work transforming their £3.5 million Essex mansion, which they bought in 2019.
The couple undertook a huge renovation project and finally moved in in the summer of 2022. Their home now features an outdoor pool, a huge patio, a balcony, a gym, a sauna and a steam room. Mark and Michelle – both 37 and married in May 2015 – hosted a lavish “Marchella” housewarming party last summer to celebrate the completion of the renovations. But one thing is for sure, said Mark notebook, When guests come to visit, they are often accommodated outdoors.
He joked: “I’m not lying, I’m a little afraid of people coming into my house and making a mess. I wouldn’t diagnose myself with OCD or anything, but I feel like I have it. I lock the doors and guests can use our outside toilet. That’s one of the things I paid attention to when I built the house.”
Mark also admitted that he and Michelle had to make some compromises regarding their five-bedroom property.
The TV star explained: “Michelle really wanted a nice lounge and I wanted a cinema room, so we compromised. We made it look like a nice lounge, which is what Michelle wanted, but it also has the sound system and screen of a cinema. It’s the best of both worlds – and meant we both got our way.”
In addition to working on their home, Mark, who teamed up with Michelle to launch their own athleisure brand Aytee7, has another big passion in life – sport.
Speaking about his partnership with Babybel – which is encouraging people to get up off their sofas and step out of their comfort zone this summer – and the benefits of trying a new sport, the former semi-professional footballer said: “I’m a huge advocate of keeping fit. I started my business Live Wright during lockdown and it has brought me more joy than anything I’ve ever done.”
“Helping people get fit through a campaign like this is something I enjoy. My favourite exercise is one I can do in my garden. Plus it’s good for my mind. Personally, if I’m feeling a bit sluggish or miserable, I feel immediately better as soon as I exercise.”
Mark has teamed up with Babybel to inspire people to swap their sofas for sport. Babybel is also offering the chance to win money and equipment for sports clubs. For more information visit babybel.co.uk/summerofsport.
