Mark Wright: what is the TV personality’s new BBC Two fitness programme for teenagers - and when does it start?

With the nation instructed to stay at home during the nationwide lockdown, finding motivation to keep fit and healthy is becoming increasingly difficult for some.

But giving people a welcome helping hand to stay fit inside their living rooms is the BBC’s morning lockdown fitness regime, which began last week.

Former reality TV star Mark Wright is one of the famous faces that has been drafted in to take fitness classes for children while they’re unable to return to classrooms.

He joins the likes of Joe Wicks and Strictly Come Dancing professionals who feature in some of the new fitness-related programmes.

Here’s everything you need to know about Mark Wright’s fitness classes, including how to watch.

What is Mark Wright’s fitness show?

TV personality turned professional footballer Mark Wright will be bringing energising fitness classes to secondary school children while schools stay closed during lockdown.

He will be leading daily morning workout sessions on BBC Two.

In a fun twist, Mark, who often posts his workouts on Instagram, will be joined by a host of his celebrity friends as they aim to encourage the teenagers to keep active and push themselves to their limits.

Speaking about the new show, he said: “When I started training on Instagram during the first lockdown, I could not believe how many people joined in with me – to make even a small positive difference was so rewarding.

“To continue this journey and team up with the BBC to help motivate teens to get healthy and to get moving is something that I’m really proud to be a part of.”

When is it on TV?

The BBC’s lockdown workout programmes kicked off on 11 January, with celebrity fitness guru Joe Wicks, Mr Motivator and other sporting legends giving viewers workouts and tips to stay healthy throughout the pandemic.

Mark Wright’s fitness offering will start from Monday 25 January, and will continue every weekday morning.

How can I watch it?

You can watch Mark’s workouts live on BBC Two or iPlayer.

Don’t worry if you miss them, as they will be available to watch on iPlayer’s catchup.

What other BBC fitness shows are on?

Apart from Lockdown Life on BBC Breakfast, the network is offering other fitness shows to motivate those missing the gym during the fresh restrictions.

Also on Monday 25 January, the BBC’s latest morning show Morning Live will return to BBC One at 9:15 am, where presenters Gethin Jones and Kim Marsh will be joined by a different Strictly Come Dancing professional each day.

The dancing show’s judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel-Horwood will be dropping by to teach viewers easy-to-follow daily routines alongside Oti Mabuse, Gorka Márquez, Janette Manrara, Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice, Amy Dowden, Anton Du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Neil Jones and Nadiya Bychkova.

Who is Mark Wright?

Mark Wright, 33, was a regular cast member on the ITV reality show The Only Way Is Essex for years.

Apart from that he has modelled and become an international TV presenter and radio DJ.

He has recently started his “dream” career as a professional footballer, signing for League Two side Crawley Town FC in December 2020.

He has been married to actress Michelle Keegan, known for playing Tina McIntye in Coronation Street and Corporal Georgie Lane in BBC’s Our Girl, for five years.

The pair have been dating since 2012, and say having children is included in their future plans.