Mark Wright has found himself at the centre of a bidding war between ITV and BBC.
The former ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star – who has hosted and starred on a number of shows for ITV since finding fame on the ITV2 reality series in 2010 – has revealed he has also entered into negotiations with rivals BBC after his stint on their dance competition ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ this year.
Mark – who also presents ‘The Gossip’, the ITV2 spin-off show of dating series ‘Take Me Out’ – told TV Biz: "I have just filmed Take Me Out, which will run for ten weeks, and I have meetings about projects from a few channels, including ITV and BBC."
Mark also announced plans to front a serious documentary about abuse in care homes – a topic close to his heart.
He said: "I want to make a documentary about abuse in care homes.
"My uncle was put in a care home about six months ago, so it is personal for me.
"I was really upset by seeing the stories about abuse and although my uncle is fine and nothing like that has happened to him, it made me want to do a documentary."
ITV bosses are hoping the 27-year-old star – who is engaged to former ‘Coronation Street’ actress Michelle Keegan – will stay "loyal" to the channel.
A source said: "ITV have been good to Mark. They will hope he stays loyal."
However, the insider added that Mark’s change in direction may be better suited to another channel.
They explained: "That said, if he wants to start making more serious programmes they may be a better fit on another channel."
Mark Wright at centre of ITV and BBC bidding war
