Candids – January 1 – Nasimi Beach Resort in Dubai

Mark Wright cuddles up to Michelle Keegan at a Dubai beach after telling the Sunday People : “I want to get married.” The ex-Towie star revealed he has a new lover and aims to settle down. But he refused to name the mystery woman. Now we know he was talking about Coronation Street beauty Michelle and they seem happy to let the world know.

The couple, both 25, were spotted showing each other pictures on their mobiles at a Nasimi Beach resort. Hours earlier, on New Year’s Eve, clubbers at Atlantis, The Palm hotel, saw them kissing.

Mark shot to fame in the reality TV show that highlighted fake tans and private parts adorned with crystals – vajazzle for her, pejazzle for him. But during the summer he split from fellow Towie celebrity Lauren Goodger, 25. And a month ago he told us: “I have a girlfriend but I want to keep it a secret. I don’t want my relationships in the public eye like it was with Lauren. I’m ready to move on from all of that. I want nothing more than to settle down, get married and have kids. I’ve grown up.”

Mark, who fronts ITV2 show Take Me Out – The Gossip, was in Dubai to host a New Year’s Eve party. He was introduced to Michelle last year by mutual friend Antony Cotton, 37 – Corrie’s Sean Tully. Michelle broke up with The Wanted singer Max George, 24, in August after 19 months.