British reality TV figure Jordan Wright, 33, was discovered dead in a drainage canal in Phuket, Thailand, authorities reported.
Wright’s body was found face down in still water near Bang Tao Beach on March 14, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m. local time. A Myanmar worker harvesting morning glory discovered the body and alerted police. The former “The Only Way Is Essex” cast member had checked into Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao by himself and did not check out as expected on March 13. His body was located roughly a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Police Lt. Col. Suthirak Chuthong of Choeng Thale Police Station said CCTV recorded Wright’s final hours, showing him pacing outside the hotel and later running away from the property just before midnight on March 12. That path led toward the isolated construction area where his body was found.
Investigators reviewed new CCTV that shows Wright running frantically and looking over his shoulder before making a sharp turn at 11:25 p.m. on March 12 — about 36 hours prior to the discovery. Guests at a nearby hotel reported seeing him agitated near the drainage canal soon after, shouting and appearing upset, then hearing someone enter the water. Police also say he was arguing with an unknown person on his phone at the time and are working to identify that contact.
Investigators found Wright’s hotel key card in his pocket and his iPhone on the canal bank; the phone was not submerged. He was discovered barefoot, wearing a grey shirt and black trousers, with signs consistent with prolonged water exposure. There were no signs of forced entry in his hotel room, though authorities have not ruled out foul play. Lt. Col. Sutthirak Chuthong said, “The circumstances leading up to the death are quite unclear. It is possible that other people were involved.”
Police estimate he had been dead for no more than two days before being found. An autopsy at Vachira Phuket Hospital is pending to determine the cause of death and whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
Wright first appeared on reality TV in 2017 on MTV’s “Ex on the Beach,” appearing in eight episodes of its seventh series. In 2018 he joined ITV’s “The Only Way Is Essex,” appearing in 17 episodes across seasons 22 and 23, and became known for his flirtation with castmate Courtney Green.
His run on “The Only Way Is Essex” ended after he was dropped amid allegations he took paid sick leave from the London Fire Brigade to film. He later returned to firefighting before moving into finance; his LinkedIn lists his latest role as director of Hampton Gate Wealth, a London boutique focused on alternative investments.
Former manager Alex Shafiq told the Daily Mail Wright was “a fun lad who lit up any room with his smile.” Friends said DJing remained his true passion, which he continued alongside other activities.
Wright relocated to Thailand in December 2025 for a fresh start and had told friends he expected “a very exciting year ahead.” His final Instagram post, on March 6, showed him in an infinity pool, scuba diving, and exploring Phuket, captioned “I’m Home” with a Thai flag emoji.
The news has devastated Wright’s friends and former colleagues in the reality TV community. Chloe Brockett wrote “Rest in peace Jordan” on his last Instagram post. Liam “Gatsby” Blackwell posted, “Miss you already, brother. Glad I got to see you in Thailand a couple of months ago.” Close friend and DJ Stuart Hart described Wright as “a really lovely boy, always happy and fun to be around.”
Wright’s time on “The Only Way Is Essex” included a memorable on-screen incident: his flirtation with Courtney Green sparked a confrontation with her then-boyfriend Myles Barnett, who threw a smoothie at Wright before security separated the two. Barnett also verbally abused Green during the episode, drawing heavy criticism online.
He was previously in a public relationship with Vicky Pattison of “Geordie Shore,” splitting in 2016. Wright later left television, saying he felt “hugely unfulfilled” by that period of his life.
A spokesperson for “The Only Way Is Essex” issued a statement: “Everyone at TOWIE sends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jordan Wright at this very sad time.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed British officials are involved. “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities,” a spokesperson said.
Friends and relatives with concerns have been asked to contact the Choeng Thale Police Station directly here.