New mum Michelle Keegan looked sensational as she stepped out at Cannes Film Festival last week, dubbing it a ‘pinch me moment’ that she’ll ‘never forget’.
But despite rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s A-listers – including the likes of Gillian Anderson and Elle Fanning – insiders tell Closer that the glitz and glam hasn’t won Michelle over.
More than anything, the Fool Me Once star is craving quality time with her husband Mark Wright, 38, and their baby daughter Palma, two months.
Revealing that her whirlwind trip to France was more work than play for Michelle, 37, a source tells Closer, ‘Getting all glitzed up for Cannes was exciting, but at the same time, it was also quite overwhelming for Michelle. Being around so many people who want something from you can be a lot – especially with all the producers and directors that Michelle has been encouraged to network with. She absolutely wants to turn on the charm in these situations and do what’s best for her career, but she’ll never lose sight of what comes first, which is the precious family she’s built with Mark.’
Revealing that she’s ‘still navigating her new mum chapter,’ the source continues, ‘While it was fun to be in the company of some major movie stars, it made Michelle yearn for some time away with her little family. Michelle realises that this is the all-important juggle, and it’s striking the fine balance between motherhood and career. It’s exactly why taking a break this summer is so necessary for Michelle. She’s craving some quiet, quality time with Mark and Palma, where they can make memories that will last a lifetime.’
Since becoming first time parents back in March, Michelle and Mark – who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last week – have been basking in their baby bubble. Describing Palma as the ‘biggest achievement of my life’, proud dad Mark gushed, ‘[Being a dad] is the best thing ever.’ Brassic star Michelle has also jumped headfirst into motherhood, revealing during her pregnancy that her acting career will be placed on the back-burner. ‘I’m going to take a good chunk of time off to enjoy being a mum,’ she shared.
The couple has already been busy making memories with baby Palma. In her two months on earth, the tiny tot has already enjoyed plenty of family getaways – including a lavish stay at luxury hotel Corinthia London, and a relaxing visit to celeb-favoured Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds.
And with Michelle craving some alone time with her family, our source says she has her sights set on a low-key overseas trip. Mark’s family, however, reportedly have other plans. The source reveals, ‘Both Mark and Michelle are excited to have their first big summer holiday this year as parents, and they’ve got so many ideas of magical and stunning locations to visit – but there’s one issue hanging over them, and it’s the fact that a lot of their family members want to join. Some of the family are eager to do a group thing so they can look after Palma and allow Mark and Michelle some quality time. Mark’s under a lot of pressure from those who really want to come along, and he doesn’t want to upset them.’
Rising to fame on TOWIE, Mark – who appeared on the show alongside his sister Jess, 39 – is also close to his siblings Josh, 35, and Natalya, 24. A tight knit unit, the Wright family often spend lots of time together – even joining in with Michelle’s first Mother’s Day celebration lunch.
But while Michelle is more than happy for their extended family to join in on Palma’s milestone moments, this family getaway is one she’d rather keep private. ‘Michelle wants to go off the beaten path and head somewhere tropical, where it can be just the three of them. She doesn’t want their first holiday to be like their wedding, where they’re having to invite a whole list of family members and get stressed about upsetting those that aren’t invited,’ reveals the source.
They continue, ‘Mark’s trying to avoid a fallout and doesn’t see why they can’t come to a compromise. He’s even suggested that they just do the first week alone before opening it up for others to join. He’s wondering if it might actually be nice for them to have dinner just the two of them some days, and have a family member on standby to babysit Palma. But he doesn’t want Michelle to worry. They’re both trying to stay in their blissful baby bubble, and he’s assured her that they’ll figure it out. They’re just hoping that everyone in their family circle will respect their decision to have a family-of-three getaway.’