Jess Wright revealed the ‘extremely brutal’ tradition the Wrights compete in every year – with Mark being ‘so competitive’
IT might be the season to be jolly, but things are feeling a little frosty over in Essex, as Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan come under fire for their “distasteful” Christmas decorations.
But we can reveal it’s not just keyboard warriors trolling the couple for shelling out thousands on festive decor at their £3.5m Epping Forest home.
According to sources, the locals have been up in arms too, leaving Michelle devastated that her first Christmas with daughter Palma has been blighted by cruel whispers in the local community.
“Mark and Michelle go big every Christmas, but a lot of the local mums thought they would tone it down this year, given they have a nine month-old baby and, presumably, not much time on their hands,” our local mole said.
“But instead they went bigger than ever, possibly because they’re both so excited that it’s Palma’s first Christmas and Mark in particular wants no expense spared for his little girl.
‘No expense spared’
“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of very put-together, glam local mums who just can’t compete with that level of grandeur, and it’s winding them up. Essex is competitive. Everyone wants to be bigger and better than the next person, but let’s face it, no one’s touching Mark and Michelle.”
Earlier this month the couple showed off their stunning decorations, calling it “the most wonderful time of the year, an extra special one for us this time.”
Fan reaction was mixed, with one sniping, “Opulence is starting to look distasteful,” and another blasting, “over the top as usual”.
But it’s the scathing critique from local mums which will hit Michelle the hardest, especially given her working-class roots.
The down-to-earth actress, now worth a whopping £4m, began her career on Coronation Street after working at the makeup counter of a department store in Manchester.
She once said it was the “simple things” in life that mattered to her and recalled how she would take food from neighbours, referring to herself as “a little pest, scavenging food”.
The source continued, “The decorations are the talk of the town, with some mums calling them ‘tacky’ and others saying it’s just showing off, which is rich given how many of these women live very comfortable, wealthy lives.
“And it will get to Michelle. She certainly doesn’t have to take food from neighbours anymore, but she is still incredibly grounded, so this sort of criticism will hit her hard. She’s worked her socks off for her money, she should be able to spend it as she likes.”
This isn’t the first time Michelle has come under fire from local mums. In June she faced scrutiny for “rubbing people up the wrong way” by “not showing the ‘reality’ of life with a newborn,” thanks to her stunning bikini pics taken just weeks after Palma was born in March.
‘Simply jealous’
Unfortunately for Michelle, who should be excitedly preparing every part of Palma’s first festivities, there’s also tension brewing in the Wright family, which will only add to her woes.
Last month, Mark’s sisters, Jessica and Natalya and mum Carol launched a new podcast in which they openly talked about how competitive Mark gets when it comes to the holidays and how things can get “extremely brutal” between the family.
“Every year our family has a huge competition for who’s got the best Christmas tree,” Jess, 40, explained on the Wright at Home pod.
“It gets extremely brutal, there’s slander thrown across the WhatsApp group and insults. Mark’s the one who goes in on everyone; he’s so competitive with it.”
Carol, 65, then chipped in, “If he was last he’d go mad. He thinks he wins every year anyway, he won’t have it, will he?”
‘It gets extremely brutal’
According to our source, the ‘banter’ can stress Michelle out.
“She’s so desperate to keep everyone on an even keel so nothing goes wrong on the day,” they said. “She doesn’t want any drama, or anyone throwing insults and she knows the Wrights don’t hold back at Christmas.”
Indeed Michelle has been vocal about how much she loves this time of year, calling it “the best time” and recently showed off pictures of her and Palma in matching festive pyjamas.
So there’s no question she and Mark will be pulling out all the stops when it comes to catering for their nearest and dearest over the holidays, while mum Carol takes the reins on Christmas Day.
Our insider confirmed that Michelle, while thrilled to host, will be keen to ensure all the children take centre stage.
“Of course, Mark wants Palma surrounded by family and wants loads of attention on the baby,” our source said.
“But let’s not forget his brother Josh has two kids with his wife Hollie and Jessica’s son Presley is three, which means he’ll be completely enthralled by the magic of it all.
“Both Josh and Jessica will be very keen to give their kids an unforgettable Christmas too, it can’t just be about Palma and Michelle is well aware of that.
“She’s determined to make it extra special for everyone this year.”
