Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan are planning a fresh start in Los Angeles.

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright

The couple have been dogged by rumours their year-long marriage is in trouble while the 28-year-old actress has been away filming 'Our Girl' in South Africa, but they are now looking forward to spending more time together while working to launch their respective careers Stateside.

A source said: "Michelle has been looking to go to LA and audition for years and now Mark's kids show, 'The Dengineers', has been picked up by a US channel, he feels the timing is right for him.

"Everyone thinks their good looks will translate across the pond, and they're both keeping each other motivated...

"Moving to LA could be just the thing to bring Mark and Michelle even closer."

And Michelle is reportedly keen to get some distance from Mark's family, who all feature on 'The Only Way is Essex', the reality TV show on which the 29-year-old hunk first found fame.

The source added: "She loves Mark's family but just thinks a change of scene will do them good.

"She'd obviously love them to come and visit.

"If Carol [Mark's mum] had her way, she'd turn the family into the Kardashians. But Michelle wants a credible acting career."

Despite speculation they are ready to start a family, the former 'Coronation Street' actress doesn't think the time is right to get pregnant.

The insider told heat magazine: "Michelle is really in the zone at the moment. She's planning to meet loads more industry contacts and she knows that she needs to keep her body looking incredible."