Jess Wright says she ‘finally’ has a niece as Mark and Michelle welcome first child
A THRILLED Jess Wright has said she “finally” has a niece, after her brother welcomed his first baby.
Actress Michelle Keegan 37, and husband Mark Wright, 38, confirmed yesterday that their baby had arrived, leading to a rush of messages from friends and family.
The happy couple announced they were expecting their first baby back in December.
The Sun previously revealed that the TV favourite was “weeks” from giving birth.
Friends of Fool Me Once star Michelle then told us that she gave birth last week with Towie legend Mark by her side.
Michelle and Mark – who have been married for nine years – shared their baby news on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon.
They posted a black and white photo of their baby swaddled in a crochet blanket.
They shared: “Together we have a new love to share. Our little girl.
“Palma Elizabeth Wright, 06.03.25.”
AUNTIE JESS IS ‘IN LOVE’
Today, Mark’s sister, Jess Wright, gave her verdict on the new arrival.
The siblings are very close and often spend family holidays together.
Sharing the couple’s first baby picture, Auntie Jess wrote below it: “Most beautiful addition to our family.
“I finally have a niece and I am so in love.”
Mark’s brother Josh also shared an emotional message, writing: “Made up for you both and incredibly proud.
“You will be amazing parents to your beautiful princess who is perfect in every way.
“Can’t wait for Palma to grown with her cousins who will protect her forever and make memories for a lifetime. Welcome to the world my little niece, we love you so much.”
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Ever since they announced their baby joy news, the couple have been flooded with messages congratulating them.
Pop star Una Healy wrote: “Congratulations!” alongside red hearts.
Mark’s best pal James Argent said: “She’s perfect” alongside a red heart and singer Jessie Ware penned: “Congrats xxxxx”
Body Coach star Joe Wicks said: “FFS I’m crying over here. I know how much you’ve wanted to be a dad and you’ll be an amazing dad too. This is the most beautiful thing to see. So happy for you both.”
ALL IN A NAME
Michelle and Mark picked the unique name Palma for their love of the Spanish island of Majorca.
Mark renovated a luxury apartment in Magaluf, not far from Palma in 2023 and they use it as their holiday bolthole, a place to escape to when they want to get away from normal life.
Their newborn baby’s middle name also has a particularly poignant meaning for Michelle.
The Netflix star picked the name Elizabeth after finding a connection to her great great grandmother while filming her episode of ancestry show Who Do You Think You Are.
Michelle was overcome with emotion when she discovered her great-great-grandma was a suffragette.
Holding back the tears in the show, filmed in 2018, she said: “I’ve always been proud of my heritage and my family.
“From my grandma to my mum I’ve always been around strong women and looking at my ancestors and bloodline I understand why that is.”
Mark Wright's career timeline
Since rising to fame over a decade ago as a reality TV star, popular personality Mark Wright has gone on to enjoy a successful career.
- The Only Way is Essex (2010-2011, regular): Mark was an original Towie cast member from its October 2010 launch and spanning series 1-3. He left the programme in 2011 but has returned for a handful of cameos.
- I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (2011): After leaving Towie, Mark signed up for the famed ITV jungle. He finished in second place behind McFly star Dougie Poynter.
- Heart (2012-2017; 2019 – present): Mark first joined radio station Heart in 2012, leaving five years later to pursue work in the United States. He made a return to the station in July 2019.
- Strictly Come Dancing (2014): The star took to the Strictly ballroom in 2014, finishing fourth behind Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe and Frankie Bridge.
- The Dengineers (2015-2017): Mark was a co-presenter of the children’s programme for its first two series. After his departure, later hosts have included Joe Swash and Meryl Fernandes.
- Extra (2017-2020): Mark was an entertainment reporter for this US outlet for three years.
- The Bachelor UK (2019): A revived UK iteration of the popular American dating show. Mark’s version of the programme aired on Channel 5.
- The Challenge UK (2023): Another UK rendition of an American format, this aired on Channel 5 in February 2023.
- Clean It, Fix It (2024 – present): Mark has joined the popular BBC daytime show from its fourth series onwards.
BABY NEWS
The birth of her first child comes just three months after the couple announced they were expecting a baby in December.
They announced the news alongside a photoshoot showing a pregnant Michelle on the beach in Majorca.
She was glowing dressed in a chic white outfit with an off-the-shoulder jumper and matching skirt.
They captioned the post: “2025 is going to be a special one for us…”