BBC and ITV reality show family's 'unfunny' prank leaves fans unimpressed

Edinburgh Live

14 hours ago

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Mark Wright has faced a wave of criticism from his followers after posting a video of himself pushing his dad into a swimming pool in seemingly shallow water. The 38 year old former star of The Only Way Is Essex is the son of ex-car dealership businessman Mark Wright, Sr, 68, and former events organiser Carol Wright, 64.
The Wright family - which also includes reality TV star Jess, 39, footballer Josh, 35, and model Natalya, 24 - have made appearances on various reality shows, including the BBC's A Wright Old Adventure as well as ITV's Towie. As a result, fans have had hours of footage about the family and have been given an intimate look into their personal lives.
Moreover, fans have felt even closer to Mark and his family through social media. However, over the weekend, Mark seemed to cross the line when he shared footage of a prank that many fans feared could have gone disastrously wrong.
On Saturday, Mark took to Instagram to share a video clip of himself sneaking up on his father who was standing at the edge of a swimming pool. Other family members were gathered in and around the pool as Mark quietly approached his father.
As he got to the older businessman, Mark reached out and pushed his dad into the pool - shoving him in at the shallow end where tiled steps led down to the water and where a young boy was swimming casually. After being submerged, Mark Sr resurfaced and appeared less than pleased, reports the Mirror.
He let out a string of expletives as he fished his mobile phone from his shorts, which was in jeopardy due to the water. In the background, Mark could be heard chuckling at the scene.
The ex-Towie celebrity posted the video on his profile with an apologetic caption: "Sorry for the language the old man didn't like that one @bigmarkwright," accompanied by laughing emojis.
However, the prank fell flat with many of his audience, who voiced their concerns in the comments. One person responded: "Not funny with the steps and the child, could have ended badly."
Another expressed their anxiety: "Did anyone else has anxiety over the little boy getting squashed in that water? ?" This sentiment was echoed by others, with one commenting on the potential for injury: "that and his dad breaking his ankle on steps" and another adding: "also that his old man could have seriously gone over on his ankle or hurt his knee, hip etc. I'm all for fun but no chance I'd be doing this to my dad."
One follower criticised the act as "So bloody dangerousl pushing someone into a pool ffs." Another simply stated: "Not even slightly funny."
Some accused Mark of repeating disrespectful behaviour towards his parents, with a comment noting: "This is not funny why you so rude to your parents I've seen this in your reality shows as well."
However, some came to the star's defence with a comment: "God what a load of Karen's, in the top message.hes dads fine it's a family thing. So stop."
Meanwhile, there was more empathy for Mark Sr's apparent frustration from another user who posted: "With his phone in his pocket I'd be fuming."
The family's reaction was also visible online, with Mark's elder sister chiming in with: "Of course daughter Jess comes to the rescue."
The youngest sibling, Natalya, added her own take, saying: "Poor dad" accompanied by a crying-with-laughter emoji.