A former reality TV star who appeared on a string of hit shows has been found dead in Thailand.

Several outlets reported on the death of Jordan Wright, who previously dated Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison. His body was found in a drainage canal in Phuket, a popular tourist destination in Thailand.

Here's everything we know about Jordan Wright and his tragic passing.

Who was Jordan Wright?

Jordan Wright was a 33-year-old from Basildon, Essex. He started out in firefighting before pivoting into reality TV. He later left the spotlight and returned to firefighting, writing on Instagram in 2023 about the toll of being a reality TV star.

"I had [an] enjoyable career for six years before I resigned to pursue a life in the limelight of reality TV. A choice that left me hugely unfulfilled, stagnant and lost," he said. "People think it's glitz and glamour, but the truth is very far from public perception. I really struggled. When I left, I lost a huge part of myself and my sense of purpose."

"Today I received the news that I have a role as a firefighter and I can't tell you how much this means to me," he went on ."Those of you close to me understand just how much I've struggled to find direction. Redemption is a road that we all walk at some stage in our lives."

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What TV shows was Jordan Wright on?

Jordan appeared on ITV's The Only Way Is Essex (also known as TOWIE) in 2018 and on MTV's Ex on the Beach in 2017.

When did Jordan Wright move to Thailand?

It's unclear when Jordan left firefighting in the UK and moved to Thailand. However, based on his recent Instagram posts, he had only been in the country for a few months before his death.

What happened to Jordan Wright?

Jordan's body was found in a canal in Phuket, Thailand, on March 14, according to local police chief Sutthirak Chuthong, who spoke to the Daily Mail.

Concern about Jordan was first raised when the hotel he was staying at was unable to contact him. He had checked into a Phuket hotel alone and was due to depart on March 13. "Staff reported that he never checked out," the local police chief explained. "A search of the room revealed no signs of forced entry or other irregularities."

After being tipped off by the hotel about Jordan's disappearance, investigators analysed CCTV footage from the area and were able to track his earlier movements. This led them to a nearby drainage canal where they found Jordan's body, which had been there for some time. His iPhone and wallet were found on the bank of the canal, which enabled investigators to identify his body.

Officials have said a post-mortem examination is now underway to determine the cause of death, but there were no immediate signs of assault or a struggle.

How have Jordan Wright's friends reacted to the news?

Since news of Jordan's passing broke, there has been an outpouring of condolences from celebrity friends and fans alike.

"Rest in peace Jordan," fellow TOWIE star Chloe Brockett wrote on one of his recent Instagram posts. "Miss you already, brother," shared TOWIE's Liam Gatsby. "Glad I got to see you in Thailand a couple of months ago. Big love to all your family."

"RIP Jord, you had the most infectious energy. Thank you for the laughs," someone else commented. "Lost for words, bro. Amazing memories with you, mate. Rest easy, brother," penned another friend.

A spokesperson for TOWIE also gave a statement to the media. "Everyone at TOWIE sends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jordan Wright at this very sad time," it said.

Our thoughts are with Jordan's loved ones at this difficult time.

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Jade Biggs
Freelance Writer
Jade Biggs (she/her) is one of Cosmopolitan UK's freelance writers, working across all sections including entertainment, beauty, body, and sex and relationships. She previously held the position of Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and the latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. Jade has a degree in journalism and has been a journalist and content editor for ten years, interviewing leading researchers, high-profile influencers, and industry experts in that time. She is a cat mom to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches, and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.