Mark Wright ‘devastated’ as he misses out on career dream due to baby’s arrival

Mark Wright has expressed his joy over having daughter Palma with his wife Michelle Keegan, but also said he missed out on a career because of being a parent.

Presenter Mark Wright has revealed that he’s missed out on a long-awaited career opportunity due to the arrival of his newborn daughter Palma. It comes after he announced the baby’s birth with his wife Michelle Keegan just last week.

Mark, 38, and Michelle, 37, announced the Palma’s birth in a joint post on social media, with the couple sharing that she was born two weeks ago on March 6. They were met with supportive messages from pals and have both since shared updates from their life as parents of a newborn.

Former the Only Way is Essex cast member Mark has now revealed that his daughter’s arrival meant he wasn’t able to interview Robert De Niro, 81, in person recently. The actor visited the Heart studio with Debra Messing, 56, for the interview whilst promoting their new film the Alto Knights.

The interview – released today but thought to have been recorded prior – was for Heart’s Saturday Breakfast show, which Mark co-hosts with his pal Olly Murs, 40. Whilst Olly was in the studio to speak to the two guests, Mark instead appeared through a video call displayed on a screen.

Olly informed Robert and Debra that Mark was “devastated” not to appear in person. He said, “Mark can be seen behind my left shoulder.” Unfortunately, he is unable to speak with you today. He is in complete disbelief.

I was supposed to be there, Mark said. The one time..”. He continued, “Robert, I interviewed almost everyone in your field when I lived in LA, and the one thing I never got to do was to do it myself.”

He then said, “I was like “yes” when it became apparent that you were entering Heart. Then, my wife made the decision to become pregnant. And it prevents me from working in the studio. Mark made the adage, “Literally a few days ago.”

The two guests both expressed congratulations to Mark for the announcement. When he asked about his baby’s specifics, he responded, “A little girl called Palma.” Robert responded, “Ah, that’s nice,” while Debra described it as “beautiful.” Nice name.

Mark lived in Los Angeles between 2017 and 2019, before moving back to the UK. He worked as a host on Extra whilst based in the US and interviewed the likes of Jane Fonda, Jamie Foxx and Chris Pratt whilst a presenter on the show.

Robert was able to ask questions over the video call, even though Mark was unable to interview him in the studio. The radio host has previously expressed his joy and pride over having a child, despite his glaring disappointment.

It comes after he and Michelle announced their daughter’s birth in a post on Instagram last week. Alongside a photo of the newborn, they wrote: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl. Palma Elizabeth Wright. 06.03.25.”

Mark later paid tribute his wife during a discussion on parenthood on his radio show last weekend. Asked how he was feeling, Mark said: “It’s actually hard to put it into words. I’ll start by saying it’s the biggest achievement of my life. It’s all I think about.”

He continued, “But obviously, my wife deserves hats.” She brought this baby into the world as a total superhuman superhero. And it makes you realize, just like our mothers did for us, and it gives me so much more respect than I do, and it reflects what women go through.

It’s the best feeling in the world, Mark continued, telling Olly’s pal, “but aside from that.” Every morning, I’m so excited to see her face that I wake up. Every time I wake up, I think, “Oh, she’s there.” And now that I’m holding her in my arms, I mean, it makes me feel emotional.

He continued to say at the time, “It’s just, I suppose, everything else goes out the window.” And it made me realize just what life is all about. And I adore you so much, Palma, my baby. I’m looking forward to sharing my life with you.

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Source: Mirror