Mark Wright has taken to the airwaves to voice his mixed emotions following the recent arrival of his baby daughter, Palma, who was born on March 6, 2025. The former TOWIE star has been vocal about his joy in becoming a father, but he’s also missed a significant career opportunity due to the timing of his daughter's birth.
Wright, 37, who co-hosts Heart's Saturday Breakfast show with Olly Murs, had looked forward to interviewing legendary actor Robert De Niro, 81, when he visited the Heart studio recently alongside his Alto Knights co-star, Debra Messing, 56. However, Wright was absent from the studio, a decision made necessary by his family’s newest addition. Instead, he participated in the discussion via a video call, which aired on March 22, 2025.
During their conversation, Olly Murs addressed the viewers: "Behind my left shoulder you can see [Mark]. Unfortunately, he can't make it today to talk to you guys. He's absolutely devastated." Reflecting on his absence, Mark explained his disappointment, stating, "The one time ... Robert, when I lived in LA I interviewed nearly everybody in your field and the one person I never got to do, who I wanted to do, was yourself! So when it came up that you were coming in to Heart, I was like 'yes'. And then my wife decided to have a baby. And it means I can't be in the studio."
Mark Wright’s concern over missing the chance to sit down with De Niro, a career milestone he had long anticipated, was palpable. Notably, he previously lived in Los Angeles from 2017 to 2019, where he honed his interviewing skills working for Extra and conversing with stars like Jane Fonda and Jamie Foxx.
He took a moment to proudly share about baby Palma during the chat, which brought a lighter mood to the conversation. "A little girl called Palma," Wright recalled, with De Niro and Messing offering their congratulations and kind words about the baby’s name.
Last week, shortly after welcoming Palma, Mark expressed his emotions regarding fatherhood on his radio show, describing it as the "biggest achievement" of his life. He fought back tears as he shared, "It's actually hard to put into words. It's all I think about but obviously, hats go off to my wife. She's an absolute superhuman superhero for bringing this baby into the world." His admiration for Michelle Keegan, 37, who he married in May 2015, was evident as he conveyed his newfound respect for what mothers must endure.
Amidst his joy, he humorously acknowledged the challenges that come with parenthood, saying, "I am absolutely all over the shop I'm not gonna lie. It feels like evening, it feels like breakfast but one thing’s for sure I feel good I feel happy." He joked with Olly about their different stamina levels as new dads; while Olly is 10 months in, Mark is just 10 days into his journey of fatherhood.
The name Palma is believed to draw inspiration from the couple's connections to Mallorca, which has been a significant location for them, including the setting for their pregnancy reveal photoshoot.
Mark expressed that being a parent has shifted his perspective, saying, "It's made me realize what life is all about, and my little baby Palma, I love you so much, and I can't wait to spend my life with you." This heartfelt reflection highlights the deep emotional bond that comes with becoming a parent.
As he returned to work shortly after Palma’s birth, Wright mentioned his fondness for his new role as a father, revealing, "I wake up every morning just so excited to see her face. Every time I wake up, I'm like 'oh, she's there.'" Each moment spent with his daughter feels transformative, and Mark is keen to embrace every single experience that comes along with it.
While the excitement of being a new father can often lead to moments of joy as well as some sleepless nights, Wright remains optimistic and committed to his family. Just days after Palma was born, as he handled his broadcasting duties, he reassured his listeners that he was still in touch with his family, sharing that he would be facetime calling them during song breaks.
In the grand swirl of parenthood and the fast-paced world of entertainment, Mark Wright's journey is a testament to how personal milestones can beautifully intertwine with career opportunities, reshaping priorities and fostering a newfound appreciation for life’s most precious moments. Whether experiencing the highs of a career-driven pursuit or the emotional depths of fatherhood, Mark's story speaks to many who find themselves navigating similar life transitions, reminding them that sometimes, the unexpected can indeed lead to the most fulfilling destinations.
