Mark Wright

Mark Wright rocketed to fame after appearing in the first three series of ITV2’s scripted reality show The Only Way is Essex. TOWIE as it quickly became abbreviated to, followed the format of putting real people in produced situations. It’s also probably the only show that can give Strictly a run for it’s money when it comes to glitz and glam and lots of fake tan!

No stranger to fancy footwork, before he joined TOWIE, Mark was a semi-professional footballer. Starting his youth career at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Mark played for the England U18’s national team, before later playing for Southend, Crawley Town and most recently St Neots Town.

Mark now focuses on his presenting work. In 2012, he presented Take Me Out: The Gossip where newly paired couples would debrief after their first dates on the Isle of Fernando. He also fronted Party Wright Around the World, a show where he had the enviable job of travelling across the globe visiting the world’s best parties - so he should be used to getting his groove on!

In December 2012, Mark branched out into the world of DJ-ing with a regular spot on Heart FM, playing Club Classics on Friday and Saturday nights - but will his sense of rhythm and timing be enough to cut it on the Strictly dance floor? Mark’s fiancée actress Michelle Keegan hopes so, (though seems more excited about seeing him in sequins!)

When it comes to the Strictly leaderboard, Mark’s hoping the only way is up!