Once the shy 19-year-old girlfriend of Mark Wright on The Only Way Is Essex, Lucy Mecklenburgh has come a long way. By the time she bid farewell to the reality TV world in 2013, she had transformed into a savvy businesswoman who had already taken charge of her own destiny.
Fans of TOWIE have long believed that Mark Wright was the one who ended things with Lucy. However, insiders have now confirmed that it was actually Lucy who pulled the plug on their relationship, and there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Lucy Realized Mark Was ‘Skint’
The explosive love triangle between Lucy, Mark, and Lauren Goodger made TOWIE one of the most iconic reality TV shows of the time. Their relationship, filled with intense drama and fiery confrontations, was the talk of the town. But behind the scenes, Lucy was already making strategic moves that would set her up for success.
By 2011, their relationship had ended—though fans assumed Mark was the one who ended it, the truth is Lucy was the one who chose to walk away. A source revealed, “Lucy was always destined for bigger things. Once she realized Mark was financially struggling, she swiftly moved on.”
Lucy’s path took a turn when she met Ryan Thomas, a former Coronation Street star, during her time on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. She found herself trading reality TV for the world of acting, and suddenly, her status skyrocketed. Lucy’s relationship with Ryan, a household name from his years on Corrie, was seen as an upgrade—she had gone from reality star to actress, and it was only up from there.
But while Lucy’s life was moving forward, Mark’s was still unfolding in unexpected ways. He is now married to Corrie alum Michelle Keegan, but things weren’t always so glamorous for him. Once a low-paid club promoter, Mark is now a major TV and radio presenter, earning a fortune with a combined net worth of £20 million. Michelle, now a Netflix star, also adds to their financial empire.
Lucy’s ‘Thomas-Proofing’ Financial Strategy
Fast forward to 2026, and Lucy is now the one calling the shots in her relationship with Ryan. Despite their engagement back in 2019, their wedding plans remain “on ice” as both Lucy and Ryan focus on their family and careers. Insiders speculate that Lucy, while deeply in love, is making sure her finances are fully secure before tying the knot.
While Mark may have found financial success with Michelle, Ryan’s financial journey has been a rollercoaster. Despite earning a six-figure salary on Coronation Street, Ryan declared bankruptcy in 2013 and has faced financial challenges in the years since. His company has faced setbacks, with recent reports revealing it had only £1 in its accounts. He now works with his twin brothers on their podcast, At Home With The Thomas Bros, where Ryan shares glimpses into his life with Lucy.
But Lucy’s financial savvy is truly impressive. With a £25-a-month fitness brand, Results With Lucy, she’s built an empire. The company recorded £400,000 in profit in 2025 and has reserves of over £500,000. Lucy’s business acumen, learned from her wealthy father, has put her in a position where she doesn’t need anyone to secure her future.
Alongside her fitness empire, she also runs a property business and has turned her mother-of-two lifestyle into a money-making machine. With 24 employees under her belt, she’s clearly not relying on her fiancé’s fortune to secure her future.
The Real Winner: Lucy Mecklenburgh
“Being part of the Thomas family is still a major coup for Lucy,” a source revealed, “But let’s be real—she’s making enough money on her own. She’s more financially stable than ever.”
Lucy’s rise from TOWIE star to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience and intelligence. While others may have thought her relationship with Mark was the peak of her story, it’s clear that Lucy is the one in control of her narrative—and her wealth.
