'They feel they can't do anything right'

After coming under fire last week for their extravagant Christmas decorations, a source tells us Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan have learnt to ignore the hate

- Zara Zubeidi

Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan are “ignoring the hate” after their attempts to spread some seasonal cheer backfired last week.

One follower described the couple’s festive home makeover – which includes a gigantic Christmas tree, garlands running up either side of their sweeping staircase and light-up outdoor reindeers – as “ostentatious”, while another blasted the pair for showing off their “gifted” decorations when “some people out there can’t even pay their electric bills”.

Sharing a video online and thanking Liverpool-based company 4 Seasons Events LTD online for their slice of “Christmas heaven”, Mark told his fans, “Christmas 2023 has begun.”

But in spite of the criticism, a source close to Mark and Michelle say that they’re “proud” of their £3.5 million mansion in Essex – and don’t see why they should hide the results of their success.

“They’re both very driven people and they work hard,” our source said. “That’s why they have the most beautiful home and they’re proud of it. They don’t care about the negative comments – they’ve learnt to ignore the hate.”

The pair have been happily married for eight years, but Mark, 36, and Michelle, also 36, have regularly had to defend their lifestyles, as well as their relationship.

In September, ex-TOWIE star Mark made a cheeky joke about him and Michelle getting a divorce as he and co-host Kimberley Walsh spoke to a family law specialist for a segment on BBC One’s Morning Live.