Mark Wright has opened up on the difficulties of having a long-distance relationship with wife Michelle Keegan.
The couple, who are currently renovating their £3.5million Essex mansion, have often spent months at a time away from one another due to their busy work schedules in the UK and LA.
Ex-TOWIE star Mark, 35, has opened up on what it’s like for him to spend such a long period of time apart from former Coronation Street star wife Michelle, 34, and how they manage their expectations when they are finally reunited.
Appearing as a special guest on Loose Women on Thursday, the panel were discussing whether it’s possible for love to survive during long-distance relationships.
Speaking about his wife of seven years, Mark explained: "If you're in love and if you're in a happy relationship, when you first see each other it's the best feeling in the world, even if it’s been two days.
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"But I do think in our earlier days of being apart we were expecting a lot when we got back together. If there was a bit of a silent patch in this moment – 'why are you being silent, is there a problem?' – but you've just got to learn that you've been together a long time, it's been like ten years now.”
Mark then stressed it was important to manage expectations and keep communication open throughout the couple’s time apart.
He added: "But when you've not seen each other for three weeks, you see each other and it’s exciting at first, but then quickly you go back to it being a ten year relationship, which is still amazing but it’s not that 'oh my god, it's so good to see you!'
"So, yeah, I think there is a bit of pressure on that but as long as you communicate… communication is so important."
The couple are set to spend even more time apart after it was confirmed that Michelle will be appearing in the BBC period drama Ten Pound Poms, which is filming in Australia.
Mark and Michelle got married in 2015 after dating for a few years previously.
The couple celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary last month, both leaving sweet messages for each other on social media.
Mark took to his Instagram page to share a snap of the pair on their wedding day, writing: "7 years of being your husband. It never gets old. Happy anniversary love you."
Michelle, meanwhile, also took to her Instagram page to wish her husband a happy anniversary.
Sharing several snaps from their wedding, the actress wrote: "4.5.2015. Happy Anniversary to my husband, my best friend & biggest supporter. Love you."
The snaps showcased the pair walking down the aisle of the church, a black and white shot of Michelle facing a camera, the couple outside in a garden, as well as the reception pamphlets, which had the letters 'M&M' for their names 'Mark' and 'Michelle'.
Michelle has previously opened up on the pressure she feels the couple is under to explain why they haven’t had children.
Speaking about the pressures she faces, Michelle told Women's Health: "I get asked about children whereas Mark wouldn't for example.
"Why haven't I had a child? When am I going to have a child? I don't know what they want me to say. I don't know what the right or wrong answer is."
She told You magazine: "I’m used to people asking me but it’s no one else’s business. Nobody else knows what goes on behind closed doors. I think that’s the reason that question affects me so much – it’s very private!
"Mark is asked about it occasionally but I’m asked every single time."
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