Mark Wright was seen for the first time since it was announced his beloved grandfather Eddie had died aged 92.
A spokesperson for the former TOWIE star confirmed the sad news to MailOnline on Tuesday, with the statement: ‘Mark’s grandad passed away last night. He passed away 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 on an early morning run with a group he coaches in Essex on Wednesday.
The TV personality has been dedicating his time to training others while keeping up with his own fitness goals.
Mark cut a sporty figure and kept warm in a Prostate Cancer UK charity bobble hat.
Mark’s paternal grandfather Eddie was a former champion boxer and was last year hospitalised after a fall.
Mark Wright was seen for the first time since it was announced his beloved grandfather Eddie had died
Mark’s paternal grandfather Eddie was a former champion boxer and passed away on Monday night (pictured together in 2019)
Mark, 37, who is expecting his first child with Michelle Keegan , 37, put on a brave face as he headed on an early morning run with a group he coaches in Essex on Wednesday
Mark’s father Big’ Mark Wright, shared a photo of his dad on Instagram at the time and wrote : ‘Happy fathers day to the best unfortunately in hospital at the moment after a fall a couple of days ago but dad I’m on my way up to see you now keep strong xxx’.
Eddie had been part of the Wright family limelight over the years, most notably joining his grandson Mark for the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? in 2019.
Mark revealed his grandfather was his motivation for going on the show.
‘I’ve wanted to find out our family history forever, as my Grandad has always guessed where we’re from. But nobody’s ever known,’ he said.
‘He was told my family of his that we were Italian and to be able to give this back to him is great. He’s done so much for us, he’s our king.
‘It’s hard to repay him but this was that moment before it’s too late.’
On the programme, Mark described Eddie as ‘a tough ex British champion boxer but on the flipside he’s just a sweetheart gentleman’.
Mark found out a lot about his father’s side of the family during the course of the programme and he told viewers how they grew up in London’s East End.
The TV personality has been dedicating his time to training others while keeping up with his own fitness goals
Mark cut a sporty figure and kept warm in a Prostate Cancer UK charity bobble hat
Mark was up bright and early for the running session
Eddie had been part of the Wright family limelight over the years, most notably joining 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 on Who Do You Think You Are
Mark’s sad news comes ten days after he revealed he is expecting his first child with his wife Michelle
‘My great great grandfather was a bit of an east end wide boy. He was a bit of a thief but everything he did was to support his family.’
‘He had eight kids living in a tiny house in east ham. In the end I saw the good in him. He lied about his age to get in the army and he was a great soldier.’
Mark also expressed his love for Eddie during lockdown, fighting back tears on his Heart Radio show as he read out messages from listeners who were missing their family members.
‘That grandad message there got me, I’m missing my grandad very much, grandad Eddie, I love you loads and I can’t wait to see you soon,’ he said.
Eddie’s passing 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 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 one for us…✨’
The couple received hundreds of congratulatory messages from friends and family on their Instagram post including from Rochelle Humes, Kelly Brook, Vicky Pattison, and best pal Arg.