After 12 years together, their love story has reached its most exciting chapter yet – with Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan welcoming their first child together. Now, a source reveals that their baby girl is a much-needed bundle of joy following some tough months.
Last week, Mark, 38, and Michelle, 37, announced the birth of their baby daughter. Palma Elizabeth – who some have suggested is named after the Majorcan capital – was born on 6 March, with the new parents initially keeping her arrival under wraps. Introducing their bundle of joy to the world, they wrote on social media, ‘Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl.’
Now, a source reveals that baby Palma is a ray of sunshine for the couple – who recently faced a terrifying ordeal when their home was burgled.
The source says, ‘These last few months have been tough for Mark and Michelle, but now Michelle is living out her dream role – being a mum! These first few days have been incredibly precious for both of them. They’re feeling very protective of their little girl and their new family unit. They just want to be living in their bliss without too many people interfering. It’s really just immediate family that will be allowed inside their bubble, and they’re not thinking too far ahead.’
Last month, Mark and Michelle – who met in 2012, a year after Mark ended his 10-year romance with TOWIE co-star Lauren Goodger, 38 - were subject to a terrifying burglary. It’s thought the ordeal happened while the couple were in their £3.5 million Essex mansion home, with insiders saying the scary situation had left them ‘very shaken up.’
But with the birth of their daughter, the source says Mark and Michelle are now feeling positive. They reveal, ‘This is a brand-new chapter for them, and one that they have been talking about for over a decade. If anything, the arrival of baby Palma has made them fall even deeper in love with one another, which they didn’t think would be possible. Of course they’ll be grateful for their family and friends helping out here and there, but right now it’s all about them and their little girl. Michelle feels like a completely different person already. They both do, in the sense that their bond is even stronger now they’re bound to their child.’
After announcing Palma’s arrival on social media, the couple’s friends and family were quick to send their well wishes – including the newborn’s proud auntie and uncle. Mark’s sister and former TOWIE star Jess Wright, 39, wrote, ‘Most beautiful addition to our family. I finally have a niece, and I am so in love.’ Mark’s brother Josh, 35, also added, ‘You will be amazing parents to your beautiful princess, who is perfect in every way. Can’t wait for Palma to grow up with her cousins who will protect her forever and make memories for a lifetime.’
Palma will be joining a bustling family. Mark has often gushed about his role as a proud uncle – with Jess mum to son Presley, two, and Josh sharing sons Josh Jr, two, and Dustin, one, with wife Hollie. The role of uncle has proven perfect practise for Mark, who often posts snaps of family time with his nephews.
Palma’s arrival has been a dream come true for Mark, who has long spoken about his hopes to become a dad. The radio presenter shared in 2020, ‘We say we’re going to try [for a baby] every year, but something always comes up with work.’ In recent years, the couple – who tied the knot during a lavish Suffolk ceremony in 2015 – have lived a largely long-distance relationship. In early 2024, Michelle relocated to Australia to begin filming BBC drama 10 Pound Poms, with Mark remaining in the UK.
However, Fool Me Once star Michelle has now confirmed that the birth of Palma will see her take some much-needed downtime. Although the former Corrie actress has plenty of projects in the pipeline, Michelle said earlier this year, ‘I’m going to take a good chunk of time off to enjoy being a mum. I’m never normally at home in the summer, I’ve always been away working, so I can’t wait.’
And for now, the source says that Mark and Michelle are enjoying their baby bubble –with no plans to burst it anytime soon. They share, ‘When it comes to bringing Palma home, it’s all been very smooth sailing because they have everything that they need already set up. There is just so much love and support surrounding them.’