Mark Wright has come under fire after a controversial scene from “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE) resurfaced online, leading to a wave of criticism labeling him as ‘cruel’ and ‘vile’.

The 38-year-old, who was among the original stars of the hit reality series when it premiered in 2010, decided to exit the show after the third season concluded in 2011. Wright’s tumultuous on-screen relationship with Lauren Goodger, which spanned eight years, ended in 2012. He is now married to actress Michelle Keegan.

Recently, a clip from TOWIE’s first Christmas special, nearly 15 years old, has gained traction on TikTok, stirring public outrage. The scene depicts Wright involved with three women simultaneously, causing quite a stir among viewers.

In the clip, Wright is seen conversing with his former girlfriend Lauren at a party. Despite her lingering feelings for him, he initially seems to suggest a possible reconciliation, only to later shatter her hopes in a manner many have deemed heartless.

His then-ex-girlfriend Lauren, who is still madly in love with him, is seen chatting to Mark at a party where he appears to give her hopes of a reunion – before cruelly dashing them. 

Moment before this chat Mark had been flirting with co-star Sam Faiers – who he later gets into a taxi with, kisses and drives away, before winking at the camera.

Mark Wright has been branded ‘cruel’ and ‘vile’ after a ‘diabolical’ old TOWIE scene with his ex Lauren Goodger went viral online

Almost 15 years on, a scene from the show’s first Christmas special where Mark is seen juggling three women has resurfaced on TikTok – and people are furious

The scene begins with Mark strolling up to Lauren and asking: ‘What would be your ideal Christmas present?’ 

‘I don’t know. Go to New York, get away,’ Lauren says, before Mark asks: ‘Who with?’

Lauren replies with ‘you’, to which Mark coldly says: ‘Obviously you know if we could work it out I’d get back with you tonight. But I don’t feel that can happen right now. 

‘I do still love you. I don’t need to lie to you.’

‘If you had to choose anyone in your life, who would it be?’ Lauren asks, and Mark says it would ‘of course’ be her – because she is the ‘easiest option’. 

‘What do you mean the easiest option?’ Lauren says, getting visibly emotional, as Mark replies: ‘Because you’re the one I love. I don’t love anybody else.’

Lauren replies: ‘I know you love me and obviously I love you too but this can’t go on.’

Mark goes on to say: ‘Over Christmas I wouldn’t mind spending a bit of time with you if you’d accept that and you know… I just don’t know. I need time to think about things.’

His then-ex-girlfriend Lauren, who is still madly in love with him, is seen chatting to Mark at a party where he appears to give her hopes of a reunion – before cruelly dashing them

Moment before this chat Mark had been flirting with co-star Sam Faiers- who he later gets into a taxi with, kisses and drives away, before winking at the camera

He walks off and Lauren turns her face away before staring to cry as an emotional song plays in the background and she wipes a tear from her face.

Mark is then seen leaning on a car outside the stately home on the phone to his friend James Argent.

‘Arg I’m sorry mate I’ve had to go. The girls are all driving me mad. Listen merry Christmas I’ll speak to you tomorrow. Bye,’ he says, before getting into the back of a taxi.

But the shock factor comes when it is revealed that his co-star Samantha Faiers is waiting for him in the taxi and the pair hold hands before sharing a passionate kiss.

People on social media were horrified by the clip, branding Mark ‘cruel’ and ‘vile’ for his treatment of Lauren – who he had been in a relationship with for eight years. 

They commented: ‘He was so cruel for that – asking what she wants for Xmas (and that poor cow said go New York thinking she’s gonna get wicked away and engaged) then he followed it up with NOTHING? What was the point in asking,’;

‘What a nasty piece of work he was and how his mother supported all his bad behaviour,’;

People on social media were horrified by the clip, branding Mark ‘cruel’ and ‘vile’ for his treatment of Lauren – who he had been in a relationship with for eight years

‘When I rewatch the old ones I realise how awful he was so Lauren. I really love her now,’;

‘him and his family were nothing but vile towards lauren,’; ‘How did mark have a career after this? He was diabolical!!’;

‘He was so awful, I can’t believe he got the opportunities in TV that he did,’; ‘He was so cruel to Lauren she deserved so much better,’; 

‘he was so vile to lauren,’; ‘He absolutely broke poor Lauren! She deserved so much better, he’s horrible and ill never understand how people fell for his rebrand.’