I’m addicted to my career but Michelle comes first – she’s a grafter too but we make our marriage work, says Mark Wright

MARK Wright has admitted to being addicted to his career – but insists wife Michelle Keegan always comes first.

The Heart radio host, 35, revealed how he balances work life with his marriage in the new No Boundaries podcast with former footballer Aaron McLean.

Mark explained how his strong work ethic is ingrained in him thanks to his market trader ancestors.

He said: “Your heart is filled with certain things like a pie chart: family, love, money – if that’s it. Mine is work and drive. People love going to the fairground. I love to work.

“I do work hard, but I make sure I have downtime. I’ve got a wife I love spending time with. She works very hard herself, she’s a grafter. We make sure we put it into the diary certain times when we have downtime and are together.”

At the time the podcast was recorded, Michelle was filming Sky comedy Brassic in Manchester.

Mark said the pair have no problem with each other working on location for weeks at a time and aren’t defined by traditional marital expectations.

“We just make it work,” he said. “There’s no rules in life. Another thing people say about my relationship – ‘they’re always working, they never see each other’ – and we’re taught by our parents and grandparents that you marry a person, in your area, she stays at home and cooks and cleans and you go out to work a 9-5. My granddad, that’s how he lived his life.

“If I want to go away and work for two weeks, my wife supports that and vice versa. I have enough quality time with my wife, my family, my friends, but I also work hard at the same time.

“When I say I’m addicted to work, I wouldn’t put it above my family and friends. No way. They come first.”

The couple, who have been married since 2015, recently returned from a dream holiday in Los Angeles.

The fun trip with pals included beach visits, boozy nights and even a ski day.

It was a return to Mark’s home from home, with him previously living in the city while working as a presenter on Extra.

Despite it being a dream job, Mark stepped away after two years in order to return home and be closer to Michelle and his family.