The pair put on a united front two days later, when Michelle supported Mark at a charity football match – before pictures emerged of them appearing strained the day before.
And pals tell Closer their latest rift is down to Michelle – who moved to Brentwood, Essex, two years ago to live with Mark – becoming frustrated over fears Mark is too reliant on his tight-knit family.
A source says: “Mark is very close to his family and they’re involved in almost every aspect of his life.
"He tells them everything – it’s like therapy for him – but Michelle finds it frustrating and is always telling him they need to discuss their problems as a couple first.”
Recently Michelle has been spotted out without her wedding ring, sending the rumour mill into overdrive that there may be trouble brewing in paradise for the pair.
Our source adds: “Michelle feels that every time they have a spat, Mark’s straight round his mum Carol’s house for advice.
“While she understands that Mark needs to offload and knows his family have both their best interests at heart, she also feels they need to be given some space to sort out their own problems."
We reveal all in this week’s Closer magazine – pick up your copy now!