Mark Wright’s beloved grandfather dies at the age of 92 ‘surrounded by his family’ just days after TOWIE star revealed he is expecting his first child
Mark Wright’s grandfather Eddie has died aged 92.
A spokesperson for the former TOWIE star confided the sad news to MailOnline on Tuesday, explaining: ‘Mark’s grandad passed away last night. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Eddie, a former champion boxer and paramedic, was hospitalized after a fall last June, with family rushing to be by his side.
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.
Family history: In contrast, he discovered that his father’s side of the family was descended from an East End boy, for whom he eventually discovered great respect
Eddie, a former champion boxer and paramedic, was hospitalized last June after a fall that left family rushing to be by his side
TOWIE star Mark revealed his grandfather was his motivation for going on the show, explaining:
‘I’ve always wanted to know our family history, because my grandfather always guessed where we came from. But no one ever knew.’
“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.”
Mark learned a lot about his father’s side of the family over the course of the programme, as he told viewers how Eddie grew up in London’s East End.
“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.
Mark’s sad news comes ten days after he revealed he is expecting his first child with wife Michelle Keegan.
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.