Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan spotted together for first time since he was banned from ITV for quitting show by text

MARK Wright and Michelle Keegan have been spotted together for the first time since he was banned from ITV for pulling out of a new show by text.

The celebrity couple were pictured leaving an Essex sushi restaurant along with Michelle’s mum Jacqueline.

Radio host Mark looked relaxed in an all-black tracksuit while Michelle wrapped up in a full-length quilted coat.

He led the way as they crossed the road and climbed into their black Range Rover.

Earlier this year we revealed Mark has been replaced by Michelle’s ex fiancé Max George on The Games – after he quit the show over text.

ITV have signed up The Wanted singer, 33, who was engaged for actress Michelle, 34, before they split after three years together in 2012.

Insiders claimed the move was seen by some at ITV as a swipe against Mark, 35, who infuriated the channel’s top brass with his decision to walk out after filming had begun.

A source said: “Max has been drafted in to replace Mark on the show and it’s caused a real stir.

“For some it’s become a joke behind the scenes at ITV. If they can’t have Michelle Keegan’s husband – they’ll have her former fiancé.

“It seems like it’s a clear message to Mark for leaving them in the lurch.

“His decision to walk out left a really bad taste in their mouth. Now they’re having a good old laugh about it – and Max is the cherry on the cake.”

Max, who is in a relationship with Stacey Giggs, previously appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 and danced on the tour this year.

Insiders said he had joined the line up and was preparing to start filming with his co-stars, who include Coronation Street actor Colson Smith and singer Wes Nelson.

The Celeb Report revealed last week how Mark had been banned from being booked onto future ITV shows after he snubbed The Games.

Mark, who found fame on ITV as part of the cast of Towie in 2010, quit after filming scenes for the show last month [February].

Insiders said the only show ITV were happy for Mark to appear on for the foreseeable was Soccer Aid as he would be “one in a sea of faces” during the fundraising footie match.

A source said: “Mark’s name is mud at ITV at the moment.

“Bookers who are working on shows aren’t going to be approaching Mark to appear.

“His reputation has gone massively downhill since he walked away from The Games.”

After leaving Towie Mark carved out a hugely popular career – hosting US TV show Extra and presenting a show on Heart FM.

Alongside this Mark launched his Train Wright fitness brand with his brother which has gone from strength to strength.

His relationship with ITV hit a stumbling block earlier this month however when he pulled out of The Games.

Mark signed up for the broadcaster’s new challenge earlier this year and on February 15 was in Manchester to film his fitness assessment.

He was joined by other members of the show’s cast for the day of filming before returning to London.

Alongside angering some of the top brass at ITV, insiders said it was going to be a mammoth task to take Mark out of the show as he was captured on screen during some of the assessments during the day.

An insider added: “Those working on the show aren’t sure what is harder to swallow, the fact he dropped out so last minute or the fact he decided to send a text rather than call in the first instance.”