Mark Wright incurs wrath of ITV after quitting flagship show The Games at last minute by TEXT

MARK Wright has infuriated ITV after quitting their brand new show The Games at the last minute – over text.

Those working on the flagship new series said they were stunned that one day after filming the reality star turned fitness guru sent a message to ITV bosses saying he was “too busy” to take part.

Mark, 35, signed up for the broadcaster’s new challenge earlier this year and on February 15 was in Manchester to film his fitness assessment.

He was joined by other members of the show’s cast, including Colson Smith, for the day of filming before returning to London.

Alongside angering some of the top brass at ITV, insiders said it was going to be a mammoth task to take Mark out of the show as he was captured on screen during some of the assessments during the day.

A source said: “ITV were gobsmacked when Mark pulled out after the first day of filming.

“He was in great spirits on the day in Manchester but the following morning he appeared to have had a change of heart.

“Rather than call to explain what had happened he sent a text. It went down like a lead balloon.

“Mark’s excuse was that he was basically going to be too busy to commit, which to some feels absolutely incredulous given he’d already committed to filming.

“Those working on the show are furious as it’s become a nightmare. Mark was filmed in the background of so many shots on the day, as were many other members of the cast.

“Editing him out will be a mammoth task in itself. And then they have the process of re-casting him.

“It’s not what ITV expected of Mark and they’re really disappointed as they have such a great relationship with him.

“Those working on the show aren’t sure what is harder to swallow, the fact he dropped out so last minute or the fact he decided to send a text rather than call in the first instance.”

The Games is expected to air later on ITV this year after it was pushed back two years by the pandemic.

It will feature a host of stars competing in a number of sporting events to see who can come out on top.

The Games was formally announced by ITV last year with Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff signed up to host the series.