Mark Wright was seen for the first time since it was announced that his beloved grandfather Eddie had passed away at the age of 92.
A spokesperson for the former TOWIE star confirmed the sad news to MailOnline on Tuesday, saying: ‘Mark’s grandfather passed away last night. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Mark, 37, who is expecting his first child with Michelle Keegan, 37, put on a brave face as he headed out in the early morning with a group he coaches in Essex on Wednesday.
The TV personality has spent his time training others while keeping track of his own fitness goals.
Mark cut a sporty figure and kept warm in a Prostate Cancer UK charity pumpkin hat.
Mark’s paternal grandfather, Eddie, was a former champion boxer and was hospitalized last year after a fall.
Mark Wright was seen for the first time since it was announced that his beloved grandfather Eddie had passed away
Mark’s paternal grandfather, Eddie, was a former champion boxer and died on Monday evening (pictured together in 2019)
Mark, 37, who is expecting his first child with Michelle Keegan, 37, put on a brave face as he went for an early morning run with a group he coaches in Essex on Wednesday
Mark’s dad Big’ Mark Wright shared a photo of his dad on Instagram at the time and wrote: “Happy Father’s Day to the best unfortunately currently in hospital after a fall a few days ago but dad I’m on the way see you soon stay strong xxx” .
Eddie has been part of the Wright family spotlight over the years, most notably alongside his grandson Mark for the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? in 2019.
Mark revealed that his grandfather was his motivation for going on the show.
‘I’ve always wanted to know our family history, because my grandfather always guessed where we came from. But no one ever knew,” he said.
“He was told by my family that we were Italian and it’s great to be able to give this back to him. He has done so much for us, he is our king.
“It’s hard to pay him back, but this was the moment before it’s too late.”
On the programme, Mark described Eddie as ‘a tough ex-British champion boxer, but on the other hand he’s just a lovely gentleman’.
Mark learned a lot about his father’s side of the family over the course of the program and told viewers about growing up in London’s East End.
The TV personality has spent his time training others while keeping track of his own fitness goals
Mark cut a sporty figure and kept warm in a Prostate Cancer UK charity pumpkin hat
Mark was up bright and early for the run
Eddie has been part of the Wright family spotlight over the years, most notably alongside his grandson Mark for the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? in 2019
Mark Jr pictured with his grandad Eddie and his dad Mark Snr in Who Do You Think You Are
Mark’s sad news comes ten days after he revealed he is expecting his first child with wife Michelle
“My great-great-grandfather was a bit of an East End boy. He was a bit of a thief, but everything he did was to support his family.”
‘He had eight children who lived in a small house in East Ham. Ultimately, I saw the good in him. He lied about his age to get into the army and he was a great soldier.”
Mark also expressed his love for Eddie during lockdown and fought back tears on his Heart Radio show as he read out messages from listeners missing their relatives.
“That grandpa message right there got me: I miss my grandpa very much, Grandpa Eddie, I love you so much and I can’t wait to see you again soon,” he said.
Eddie’s death comes ten days after he revealed he is expecting his first child with his wife Michelle.
TV and radio star Mark and actress Michelle shared their happy news that they are expecting their first child on December 29 in a sweet Instagram post.
Netflix star Michelle cradled her blossoming bump and wrote: ‘2025 is going to be a special year for us…’
The couple received hundreds of well wishes from friends and family on their Instagram post, including from Rochelle Humes, Kelly Brook, Vicky Pattison and best friend Arg.