Mark Wright jetting off like wife Michelle Keegan after landing huge TV gig in US
MARK WRIGHT was braced for a long six months in Blighty without wife MICHELLE KEEGAN while she filmed BBC1 drama Our Girl abroad.
But he doesn’t need to put away his passport just yet.
The former Towie star turned TV presenter has landed a huge US gig after a successful few weeks in Los Angeles.
I can reveal Mark is going to be giving me a run for my money in the world of showbiz news, as he has been hired as a reporter on massive US programme, Extra.
I’m told the Take Me Out spin-off host will visit the set of former ONE DIRECTION star ’s music video to do his first behind-the-scenes piece for the show.
He will produce and report on the day and, if it is well-liked, more work could follow on the channel.
And Mark will be in good company. The entertainment programme is hosted by former Saved By The Bell actor MARIO LOPEZ, and other correspondents include former Miss Universe OLIVIA CULPO and presenter TERRI SEYMOUR.
A source said: “This is a massive gig for Mark.
“It will put him in the homes of millions of Americans every day.
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“He’s hoping it will go well so that more work in the States follows.
“He’s been out in LA for the past few weeks having meetings with the major networks and all the noises are very positive.”
It is Mark’s second breakthrough in America as CBBC’s The Dengineers, which he presents, has been picked up by the Discovery Family Channel in the US.
The show sees Mark and co-host LAUREN LAYFIELD transforming spaces into amazing dens for deserving children.
And the good news keeps coming for the family, as I told last week how Mark’s sister JESS is also making waves across the Pond.
Jess, who quit ITVBe hit Towie in February last year, has signed up with renowned agent John Ferriter — who also represents and THE BEACH BOYS.
Things seem to be going all-Wright for them both.
READ ON FOR THE REST OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZ TV COLUMN
New party for Nigel
NIGEL FARAGE was the unlikely guest of honour at my pal LIZZIE CUNDY’s birthday bash.
The ex-Ukip leader received more attention than any other celeb there.
A party-goer said: “Nigel was the life and soul of the party. He took selfies with anyone that asked and danced with birthday girl Lizzie who he said is a good friend. He confessed to enjoying partying so much he would never miss out on a bash with free champagne.”
OLA JORDAN was also at the celebration – as Lizzie was given a pink three-tiered cake.
Only the best for the lucky birthday girl.
Shirley a Strictly shoo-in?
SHIRLEY BALLAS was the surprise entry on the candidate list to replace LEN GOODMAN on Strictly Come Dancing.
And now I can reveal she has been picked for a second audition – the only one to be asked back from a list of seven potential judges.
The Sun revealed last week the veteran dancer had impressed producers at secret screen tests at Elstree studios.
An insider said: “They are definitely interested in Shirley and she’s the only one they’ve wanted to have another look at, which has to be a good sign.
“She has a ballroom background like Len, and BBC chiefs are keen to appoint another woman soon.
"No decision has yet been made though, as there’s still some who want a show favourite to land the role for the fans and to keep continuity.”
Current dancers ANTON DU BEKE and BRENDAN COLE took part in the try-outs last month.
A BBC spokesman said: “As yet, no one has been offered the role of Strictly’s new judge.”
With her top dance credentials Shirley would probably also get a ten from Len.
Bizbit
MEGAN McKENNA has revealed she brought in security to deal with a stalker who repeatedly claimed to be her boyfriend.
The Towie star said: “We had to get the police involved and this guy kept turning up – it was really unnerving.”
Soapbox
THINGS tend to get a bit out of hand in EASTENDERS.
Louise has been looking forward to spending a quiet evening with Madison and Alexandra but their secret scheming gives her a huge shock when loads of people turn up at the house.
When it all starts to get a bit rowdy, Louise battles to keep it under control.
Meanwhile, there’s a nasty robbery in EMMERDALE. Josh and Jamie disguise themselves with hoods and demand cash from Pollard in the shop.
When he stands up to them, they smack him in the stomach with a baseball bat, while a petrified Dan looks on.
After the cattle-rustling incident, this programme is becoming more like Crimewatch.