MARK Wright and Michelle Keegan made no secret of their desire to be parents.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2015, have this week welcomed their first baby into the world.

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Before little Palma Elizabeth’s arrival, both Mark, 38, and 37-year-old Michelle lifted the lid on their plans for parenthood.

Just three days before Palma was born at London’s private Portland Hospital, Mark couldn’t hide his excitement about becoming a dad.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Mark told us how he hoped to be a father just like his own dad, Mark Snr – or ‘Big Mark’, as he is affectionately known.

The Heart FM presenter told us: “I’m just excited for the whole process. I’m just really excited and can’t wait for it to happen.

“A parent shapes you. If you haven’t got a good upbringing, you can still end up being a good person but if you’ve got good parents, like we have, you’re going out into life [with] a massive head start.

“My dad is everything you’d dream [of] in a dad. He’s always put us first, no matter what, whether that was financially or in terms of love and care.

“We’ve always felt so loved and that’s one of the most important things for any parent – to make your child feel loved and to [let] them know [you’re] there.”

Mark and Michelle announced their pregnancy news in December.

The couple revealed that Michelle was expecting a baby by sharing a gorgeous bump snap taken on the beach in Mallorca.

In homage to their “favourite place in the world”, Mark and Michelle have even named their daughter Palma, which is the capital of Mallorca.

Last month, Michelle spoke about her pregnancy in a candid interview with Grazia magazine.

The actress also revealed her blooming baby bump in a stunning ‘at-home’ style photo shoot.

Michelle, whose parents split up when she was nine, spoke about her own plans for motherhood and insisted “discipline and respect” were incredibly important to her.

She said: “Mum and Dad broke up when I was nine and my brother was seven, but it didn’t affect us on a personal level because we felt so loved.

“My dad was always very involved in my life. They put the children first, above their own needs – which is probably very difficult when going through a break-up.”

Echoing her husband’s sentiments, Michelle added: “As long as a child feels loved and safe, you can’t go far wrong.”

The star, who has just finished wrapping the final series of Brassic, also revealed she is set to take a well-earned break this year to enjoy motherhood with Palma.

“I’m going to take a good chunk of time off to enjoy being a mum,” she said.

“I’m never normally at home in the summer, I’ve always been away working, so I can’t wait.”

Mark and Michelle’s daughter Palma was born on March 6.

Following her arrival, they shared a beautiful black and white photograph of their little girl and said: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl 🤍 Palma Elizabeth Wright. 06.03.25.”

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