Carol Wright, the 65-year-old mother of television personality Mark Wright, has publicly addressed and dismissed the long-running narrative that she was 'the worst mother-in-law in the world' to her sons' wives, actress Michelle Keegan and digital creator Hollie Kane Wright.
A Family Podcast Addresses a Common Dilemma
The mother-of-four made her comments during an episode of her family podcast, Wright at Home, which she hosts with her daughters Natalya, 25, and Jessica, 40. The discussion was prompted by a listener's dilemma about a mother-in-law who acts as though 'I stole her son'.
As Carol began to share her thoughts, her daughter Jessica Wright immediately interjected with a warning. 'Be careful what you say, mum,' Jessica said, 'cause the narrative of you at the minute is that you were the worst mother-in-law in the world.' Carol laughed in response before explaining her own approach.
'I Hold Back': Carol's Defence Against the 'Evil' Label
Carol Wright argued that her nature is fundamentally different from the portrayed image. 'I'm a bit different, because I actually hold back, because of that reason,' she stated. She suggested that new partners might feel overwhelmed joining their large, close-knit family, leading her to be more reserved.
Jessica expressed frustration with the persistent public perception, calling it 'so bad'. Carol agreed wholeheartedly, asserting, 'It's nothing like me, I'm totally the opposite.' Jessica reinforced this, confirming her mother's positive relationships with both daughters-in-law: 'You're so not like that, and you couldn't be more opposite with Hollie and Michelle.'
From TOWIE Drama to Public Support
The 'difficult mother-in-law' narrative has followed Carol for years, partly stemming from her appearance on the reality show The Only Way Is Essex. In one memorable scene, she was seen in a supermarket with Mark's then-girlfriend, Lauren Goodger, revealing that his rumoured new love interest, Sam Faiers, was coming for dinner. Many viewers interpreted this as meddlesome behaviour.
However, Carol's support for her sons' partners has been clear in her statements to the press. Following Mark and Lauren's split, she told The Evening Standard she felt 'relieved' as they weren't right for each other, but pledged to always be there for Lauren. When Mark married Michelle Keegan, Carol told new! magazine that the actress was the 'perfect partner' for her son. Michelle has, in turn, affectionately referred to Carol as her 'second Mummy'.
The Wright at Home podcast, where this latest discussion took place, is available on platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
