Mark Wright has issued an emotional statement after the death of his grand-father. The former TOWIE star posted a heart-felt tribute on Instagram and said that he will “never be replaced.”

Speaking to his 1.9 million followers, he wrote: “For 37 years that I have known you Grandad, I wondered and even asked you when I was a little boy numerous times “when do you think you will go to heaven” I posed this question often, because I dreaded it so much. I’ve had messages from hundreds of people, some I haven’t seen in over 20 years.

“EVERY message has the same words written in some way. GENTLEMAN – KIND – LEGEND!! All these things you were and more. You loved your family so much and your biggest success is how close we all are and how many of us there is.

“You never got angry, you backed us no matter what, you never said no, even when I asked you to come on my stag do in Vegas at 83.

“You waved us off from the window every time we left your house & even 3 hours before you fell asleep forever, short of breath & not much energy left, you uttered the words “il come down and see you off son” that sums you up, you put EVERYONE first. You made everyone feel so special and left a lasting impression on everyone I know.”

He concluded with: “Thank you grandad for everything. I’m so grateful I got to love you, be your mate, that you was my teacher, my boxing coach, my taxi driver, my idol, MY GRANDAD EDDIE you legend I LOVE YOU FOREVER.”

Many of his followers flooded the comments section with warm words of sympathy. One fan said: “Sorry for your loss Mark. Thoughts with you and the family.”

A second person commented: “such lovely words he would be so so proud of you mark !! what a beautiful man you have all lost my thoughts are with you all.”

A third also typed: “Beautiful words, sending love to all of you at this heartbreaking time.”

The tragic news comes weeks after it was announced that Mark was expecting to become a father for the first time.

It was announced at the end of December that Mark’s wife, Michelle Keegan, was pregnant with their first child. The pair tied the knot in 2015 and revealed the sweet news in an Instagram post.

Showing off her baby bump on a sun-soaked beach, Michelle penned: “2025 is going to be a special one for us…” along with a baby emoji.