Ian Wright: From ITV Earnings to Family Tragedies & Love Life

Ian Wright: From ITV Earnings to Family Tragedies & Love Life

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Updated on: October 8, 2024 12:42 pm GMT

Arsenal legend Ian Wright is set to showcase his extensive football knowledge as a pundit for ITV Sport during England’s upcoming match against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, scheduled for Saturday. With a notable career that transitioned from a late start in professional football to becoming a celebrated analyst, Wright’s journey has been marked by significant personal and professional milestones.

Wright began his professional career later than most athletes, signing his first contract with Crystal Palace at the age of 21. His remarkable skill on the field quickly established him as a prolific scorer, and he eventually joined Arsenal, where over seven years he transformed into the club’s record goalscorer before being surpassed by Thierry Henry. This tenure laid the foundation for his post-retirement career in media, which commenced with his debut appearance on Match of the Day in 1997. His extensive experience on this platform continued until he parted ways with the BBC at the end of the last season. Currently, he is active with ITV Sport, hosts the Wrighty’s House podcast, and participates in other football-related programs.

Financially, Wright has been quite successful, with estimates of his net worth hovering around £15.27 million (approximately $20 million). His earnings from punditry roles, particularly with ITV and BBC, are reported to be around £150,000 per year. Additionally, he has dabbled in other television ventures, hosting shows such as ITV’s Moneyball and gaining notoriety from his participation in the reality show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, where he reportedly earned £400,000.

Wright’s personal life has been equally eventful. He is a father to eight children, including Shaun and Bradley Wright-Phillips, both of whom made their marks in professional football. Shaun became an England international, while Bradley enjoyed a successful career in Major League Soccer (MLS). Wright’s journey as a father has seen him navigate complex relationships, including his first marriage to Deborah in 1993, which ended in 2004 following infidelity on his part. The couple had two additional children during their marriage: Stacey and Bobbi-Lee. Wright has also expressed his support for his daughter Coco, despite not having contact.

In his autobiography, he openly reflects on his past mistakes, admitting the pain caused by his actions: “I got caught up in all of that and cheated on first wife, Debbie, which destroyed my marriage. That was a really horrible period. If there’s ever been a time in my life I wish I could change, that would be it.” Such admissions highlight his awareness of the challenges faced in balancing personal relationships with the pressures of his public life.

Wright found love again with his current wife, Nancy Hallam, whom he married in 2011. They share two daughters, Lola and Roxanne, and Wright’s reflections on his family life indicate a commitment to wanting to provide a nurturing and loving environment. He has shared insights into his upbringing, acknowledging that lacking love from his mother has shaped his journey towards understanding emotional well-being: “I didn’t experience an enormous amount of love from my mum when I was a child, so I’ve had to learn what it is, and learn how to be happy and at peace,” he stated. “My love for them is unconditional, and my upbringing means I have a lot of love to give now.”

The past few months have been particularly challenging for Wright, as he faced significant personal losses. In June, he mourned the death of his close friend and Arsenal teammate Kevin Campbell. Shortly thereafter, he dealt with the loss of his brother, which he described as a profound emotional challenge. He candidly spoke about the difficulty of these experiences: “It’s been a tough summer. My man Kevin Campbell and a couple of weeks later I lose my brother. It’s been one of those situations where you just have to get on with it. It catches you every now and then.”

Wright shared memories of his brother, recalling their relationship and the isolation he sometimes experienced. He revealed that he often found himself trying to connect with his brother only to be faced with the abrupt reality of his passing: “I’m driving along and I’m thinking of my brother. He was a really good cricketer, a really good footballer. He didn’t come up to the house as often as [I’d] like but that’s because he’s just a loner. And then all of a sudden, you’re constantly trying to get in touch with him… and then bam, he’s gone.”

Wright’s approach to grief underscores the unpredictability of emotional recovery. He noted, “It helps being among people. Grieving is a process. You never know when it’s going to come and it’s not like it ever leaves you. It’s going to come at some stage.” His reflections reveal a man grappling with loss while striving to honor the memories of those he has lost.

Wright is getting ready to be a commentator again on a big international stage. His experiences connect with many people who have faced tough times in their own lives, both at work and at home. His story shows how strong we can be and how tricky it can be to balance being famous, spending time with family, and growing as a person.

Celebrity writer at Future, specializing in delivering captivating stories and in-depth features about the world of entertainment and celebrities. With a keen eye for detail and a flair for storytelling, Ariana brings the latest news, interviews, and insights to her audience, making her a go-to source for fans looking to stay updated on their favorite stars. Her engaging writing style and ability to connect with readers have made her a respected voice in the world of celebrity journalism.