Elliott Wright's Malaga restaurant destroyed by fire

Former Towie star Elliott Wright has told how his Malaga restaurant has been devastated by a fire.

The ex-reality TV star and cousin of Mark Wright owns Olivia's La Cala in Malaga, an upmarket seafront restaurant which was engulfed by a huge blaze in the early hours of Monday morning.

Read more: Mark Wright says family has been 'torn apart' by coronavirus

Sharing a picture of the fire's aftermath on Instagram, Wright showed that just the shell of his restaurant was left - but vowed to rebuild it and make it better than ever before.

He wrote: "So I will get this out there as no doubt this news will spread fast... unfortunately it’s with regret that @olivias_la_cala had a fire in the early hours of this morning... it’s too soon to say why, all that matters is it has.

"More importantly in life you get tested.. it’s been a very testing couple of years.. especially recently.. but if you know me, you know I will rise from this.. I will rebuild it big and better then before.. I will never be beaten."

Wright lost his father Edward to COVID at the beginning of March after an eight-week battle with the virus, which had infected a number of members of the Wright family including Mark's dad.

The restaurant took inspiration from Edward's career in the pub industry, with Wright explaining on its website: "Welcome to what´s been a dream of mine for almost 20 years. Named after my beautiful daughter Olivia; Olivia´s has been built around my passion for food, which derives from my amazing Mum who taught me the basics of cooking from a young age. The party atmospehre is driven from my incredible Dad, who has owned some of the best pubs in the east end of London."

Wright's family and famous pals rallied round to offer him support over the news.

Jess Wright wrote: "If anyone can come out of this even better it’s YOU! It will be even more amazing."

Mario Falcone added: "Sorry to see this bro... thinking of you and I am sure you will bounce back stronger."

James Argent wrote: "Love you so much Elliot, If there’s one man that can turn this around it’s you! We will be back & better than ever."

The restaurant was a favourite for Elliott's cousin Mark Wright and his wife Michelle Keegan when they travelled to the area.

Former Towie co-star Megan McKenna commented: "I’m so sorry Elliott. This is awful news. Sending my love. You got this mate!!"

Ferne McCann added: "Oh devastating news ell. So sorry you’ll be back bigger and better x x x"

And Lisa Maffia wrote: "Don’t give up the faith you had in the beginning the come back is always sweet."

Watch: Michelle Keegan denies her marriage to Mark Wright is in trouble