Mark Wright dealt tragic family blow as grandfather, 91, dies just days after wife Michelle Keegan’s pregnancy news
Mark Wright’s grandfather Eddie has died at the age of 91, his family has confirmed.
A spokesman for the former TOWIE star told MailOnline on Tuesday: “Mark’s grandad passed away last night. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.”
The sad news comes just days after Wright and his wife Michelle Keegan announced they are expecting their first child together.
Eddie Wright was a beloved figure in the family, described by his grandson as “our king” during a previous television appearance.
Eddie, a former champion boxer and paramedic, had faced health challenges in recent months.
Last June, he was hospitalised following a fall, prompting family members to rush to his bedside.
Wright’s father, ‘Big’ Mark Wright, shared the news on Instagram at the time, posting: “Happy fathers day to the best unfortunately in hospital at the moment after a fall a couple of days ago but dad I’m on my way up to see you now keep strong xxx.” (sic)
Despite his advanced age, Eddie had remained an active presence in the Wright family’s public life, joining his grandson for various media appearances over the years.
In 2019, Eddie appeared alongside his grandson in the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are?, where they explored their family history together.
During the programme, they discovered a Jewish ancestor who had been tortured during the Spanish Inquisition.
Wright spoke fondly of his reasons for participating in the show, saying: “I’ve wanted to find out our family history forever, as my Grandad has always guessed where we’re from. But nobody’s ever known.”
“He was told my family of his that we were Italian and to be able to give this back to him is great. He’s done so much for us, he’s our king,” the former Towie star had shared.
The show also revealed details about Eddie’s East End roots, with Wright learning about his great-great-grandfather’s struggles to support his family.
Wright first rose to fame as a cast member on The Only Way Is Essex before appearing on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! where he finished as runner-up.
He later competed in the 12th series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in fourth place, and has established himself as a television personality and radio presenter.
Wright currently presents Heart Radio’s Saturday afternoon slot and has previously worked as an entertainment reporter for EXTRA in the United States.
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The loss of his grandfather comes at a significant time for Wright and his wife Keegan, who announced in December 2024 that they are expecting their first child after nearly a decade of marriage.
The couple wed in May 2015 and have now entered a new chapter in their lives with both the joy of expecting a baby and the sorrow of losing a beloved family member.