A former reality TV star who appeared on some of the UK’s best-known programmes has been found dead in Thailand, with new CCTV footage raising fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Jordan Wright, 33, who featured on The Only Way Is Essex and MTV’s Ex on the Beach, was discovered at a construction site in Phuket on 15 March, just weeks after relocating to the country for what he described as a fresh start.
The released footage, captured shortly before midnight on 12 March, shows Wright running through the grounds of the four-star Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao Beach, repeatedly glancing back over his shoulder. He was also seen clutching a white pick-up truck as he moved through the complex, appearing visibly distressed before leaving the hotel grounds entirely.
Local police described his behaviour in the footage as restless, noting that he was seen pacing back and forth before sprinting away. Officers have confirmed that the circumstances leading up to his death remain unclear and that the involvement of other people has not been ruled out. His body was found face down in water by a worker at a nearby construction site, with his iPhone and wallet discovered on the bank of a drainage canal.
Wright had checked into the hotel alone and was due to depart on 13 March. Staff raised the alarm when he failed to check out and could not be reached. A search of his room revealed no signs of forced entry or any obvious irregularities, and investigators used CCTV footage from the surrounding area to piece together his final movements before locating his body.
A post-mortem examination is now under way, and police have indicated that results will help determine whether alcohol, drugs, or other factors played a role in his death. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting Wright’s family and is in contact with Thai authorities.
Before his career in television, Wright had worked as a firefighter in Essex. He stepped back from reality TV several years ago, speaking candidly on Instagram about the toll the experience had taken on his sense of purpose and identity. He later returned to firefighting before eventually moving to Thailand, where his social media showed him enjoying motorbike rides, gym sessions, and beachside socialising in the weeks before his death.
Tributes have poured in from former co-stars and fans. Fellow TOWIE cast members expressed their shock and grief on social media, with several describing Wright as warm, energetic, and deeply loyal to those close to him. A close friend posted a lengthy tribute describing their daily life together, calling him an inspiration who had lived more lives than most.
Wright had appeared on TOWIE in 2018 and was previously in a relationship with TV presenter and Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the reality TV community, with many remembering him as someone who was searching for something more lasting than fame.
About the Author
