News Beat
Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright beam as they enjoy first Christmas with baby Palma in sweet family snaps
MICHELLE Keegan and Mark Wright were all smiles as they marked their first Christmas as parents with a slap-up family meal.
The parents of baby Palma, who arrived in the world in March, joined the TOWIE alum’s sisters Jess and Natalya, mum Carole and brother Josh, as well as their partners for a very special festive celebration.
Reality TV star Jess, 40, uploaded a snap to her Instagram grid showing her family all smiles as they sat around a huge table adorned with a white table cloth.
It captured mum of one Michelle, 38, looking stylish in a pale grey knit jumper, with her brunette locks styled in natural waves over her shoulder.
She clutched a glass of orange fizz and leaned in to Mark, 38, who donned a white T-Shirt.
He had his arms around both Michelle and his dad, Mark Snr, as they posed for the special image.
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Later in her photo carousel, Jess proved that the pair’s daughter Palma was also dressed to impressed.
She was seen in a Christmassy red dress with a matching bow on the back, paired with a sweet white headband.
Palma was seen playing with her cousins before her proud auntie Jess took her for a look at the family’s Christmas tree.
In her caption, ITVBe alum Jess wrote: “Christmas all wrapped up.
“I feel beyond lucky to be surrounded by family.
“Thinking of all those without this year or missing loved ones.”
Michelle, who recently shared a sweet snap with Palma showing the pair donning matching festive PJs, did not give a festive update on her page.
Proud dad Mark also didn’t update his page.
It came after the duo were slammed for flaunting their wealth after the festive decorations at their lavish Essex pad came to light.
The pair are said to have planned a “no expenses spared” festive period at their £3.5million pad.
Mark Wright’s career timeline
Since rising to fame over a decade ago as a reality TV star, popular personality Mark Wright has gone on to enjoy a successful career.
- The Only Way is Essex (2010-2011, regular): Mark was an original Towie cast member from its October 2010 launch and spanning series 1-3. He left the programme in 2011 but has returned for a handful of cameos.
- I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (2011): After leaving Towie, Mark signed up for the famed ITV jungle. He finished in second place behind McFly star Dougie Poynter.
- Heart (2012-2017; 2019 – present): Mark first joined radio station Heart in 2012, leaving five years later to pursue work in the United States. He made a return to the station in July 2019.
- Strictly Come Dancing (2014): The star took to the Strictly ballroom in 2014, finishing fourth behind Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe and Frankie Bridge.
- The Dengineers (2015-2017): Mark was a co-presenter of the children’s programme for its first two series. After his departure, later hosts have included Joe Swash and Meryl Fernandes.
- Extra (2017-2020): Mark was an entertainment reporter for this US outlet for three years.
- The Bachelor UK (2019): A revived UK iteration of the popular American dating show. Mark’s version of the programme aired on Channel 5.
- The Challenge UK (2023): Another UK rendition of an American format, this aired on Channel 5 in February 2023.
- Clean It, Fix It (2024 – present): Mark has joined the popular BBC daytime show from its fourth series onwards.
An insider close to the couple told OK!: “Mark loves Christmas and he’s wanted a family for a long time, so for him it couldn’t get any better.
“He’s like an excited puppy dog and cherishing every minute of it. It means the world to him.
“When it comes to presents, he’ll be spoiling them both – Mark doesn’t know how to reign it in!”
The source added that busy actress Michelle can’t wait to spend some quality time with her little family this Christmas.
“She’s been really busy but family is her priority. It’s lovely to have some special time together, especially because at one point she and Mark were practically living separate lives because of work,” they said.
“Her family are coming down from Manchester but it’s very much a Wright Christmas – family comes first and it’s very important for them to be all together. It’ll be lovely seeing all the kids together.”
BABY JOY
Michelle and husband Mark welcomed Palma into the world on March 6 this year.
They announced the happy news with a black and white photo of their baby swaddled in a crochet blanket.
The couple shared: “Together we have a new love to share. Our little girl. Palma Elizabeth Wright, 06.03.25.”
Recently, Mark posted a picture of his little girl on a playdate with pal Olly Murs’ daughter Madison.
