Mark Wright has reportedly turned down a return to The Only Way Is Essex to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary.
The hit ITVBe show will celebrate a decade on air this October, and bosses have invited a whole host of the show’s former cast back to Brentwood to film scenes for a special anniversary episode.
But it seems 33 year old Mark won’t be taking part in the celebrations, claiming he has “moved on” from his time on the show.
Michelle Keegan’s husband was an original cast member of the show, alongside then girlfriend Lauren Goodger, sister Jessica Wright and Amy Childs, who is retuning to the show full time.
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A source said of Mark’s refusal to return: “It’s a shame as Mark has clearly forgotten his roots.
“The show made him who he is and he wouldn’t have had all of his work gigs, like his radio show, without Towie putting him on the map.
“He’s said he’s in a different part of his life now and doesn’t want to go back to Towie again.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
(Image: Dave M. Benett/WireImage)
“ITV bosses have got the real king of Essex back, Joey Essex, though, so they aren’t losing any sleep over Mark’s decision.
“They hope Mark will be the only former castmate who has refused to take part,” the insider continued to tell The Sun Online.
Despite the bosses’ hopes, Ferne McCann and Sam Faiers also revealed they are not keen to return to the show.
(Image: Instagram/Amy Childs)
Speaking to new magazine, mum-of-one Ferne said: “I look back on it with fond memories, but I’ve always said that chapter of my life is done.
“It was the start of my whole career and really holds a special place in my heart.
“With the 10-year anniversary, of course I’ll be celebrating. But how? I’m undecided!”
The Mummy Diaries star Sam explained to The Sun on Sunday: “I won’t be getting involved because, to be honest, it’s like I’m at a completely different stage in my life now. I don’t even know what I would do on there any more.
“I’ve got my own life with my kids, and TOWIE is ten years ago for me. You just can’t compare my life then to my life now.
“If someone had said to me back then, in ten years, you’re going to have your own long-running TV show and loads of lucrative endorsements, I would have just laughed and said, ‘Yeah right!'”