MARK Wright has been “blacklisted” by ITV according to those working at the broadcaster – with one telling The Celeb Report: “His name is mud.”
Insiders said the only show bosses 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 energy prices.
It comes after The Celeb Report revealed how Mark sensationally quit their upcoming flagship show The Games by texting one of ITV’s top brass.
Since then a number of people working for ITV have told The Celeb Report how they’re no longer going to approach the telly star to appear on their shows.
It is a stark snub towards Mark, 35, who started his career at the channel on The Only Way Is Essex back in 2010.
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.
“The only show they are happy for him to be on is Soccer Aid as he is one person in a sea of faces and has been a part of the event for years.
“But in terms of new shows – Mark won’t be approached by ITV.
“Those at the top have been bruised by this and it feels like a huge snub.”
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, including Colson Smith, 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.
A source said: “ITV were gobsmacked when Mark pulled out after the first day of filming.
“He was in great spirits on the day in Manchester but the following morning he appeared to have had a change of heart.
“Rather than call to explain what had happened he sent a text. It went down like a lead balloon.
“Mark’s excuse was that he was basically going to be too busy to commit, which to some feels absolutely incredulous given he’d already committed to filming.
“Those working on the show are furious as it’s become a nightmare. Mark was filmed in the background of so many shots on the day, as were many other members of the cast.
“Editing him out will be a mammoth task in itself. And then they have the process of re-casting him.
“It’s not what ITV expected of Mark and they’re really disappointed as they have such a great relationship with him.
“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.”
