Mark Wright has reportedly left ITV bosses fuming after he quit a new reality show by text claiming that he was "too busy" after just one day of filming.
The former TOWIE hunk has apparently left bosses at ITV "furious" and "disappointed" after he pulled out of upcoming sports reality show, The Games, via text.
Mark signed up for the new show earlier this year and just days before he reportedly dropped a line to ITV show bosses, he had been in Manchester on February 15 with Corrie's Colson Smith, who is also taking part, for a fitness assessment and day of filming.
The TOWIE legend was supposed to take part in the new show that will be hosted by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff.
The show will see 12 celebs take part in a variety of different athletic and sporty competitions – six males and six females will take part in challenges in an arena, swimming pool and gym.
Alex Scott will be on the show as a trackside reporter, while Chris Kamara will be commentating.
35-year-old Mark had already filmed scenes for the programme but then did a full 180 and claimed that he was "too busy to take part" in a short message, according to sources.
Staff at the TV channel are said to be "enraged" because they now have a huge job on their hands to edit Mark out of the background shots and a fitness assessment he reportedly filmed last Tuesday.
A source told The Sun : "He was in great spirits on the day in Manchester but the following morning he appeared to have had a change of heart.
"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 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 source explained that they are "disappointed" because it's not what ITV expected of Mark.
The Games is expected to air later on ITV this year after it was pushed back two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mirror has contacted Mark's representatives and ITV for comment.
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