Yes I agree it wasn’t scripted as in a soap opera, they were set up in places / interactions but their words and also the actions they decided to do off screen were very much their own.
Thats why I don’t believe this “it was all fake” narrative some of old cast have come forward with - especially the ones who were the nastiest.
old leather face carol would NEVER admit her behaviour (and of her whole family) was foul towards Lauren - for the sole reason that carol believes her and the Wrights to be superior to all others. Mainly bc they had a bit of money I guess. Because they certainly aren’t superior in intelligence, appearance, charisma, wit nor ability- so what is left? Money. And in the 90s and 00s in Essex that was very important. Also nanny Pat was a nasty spiteful little troll too. So we can see where a lot of it came from.
Regardless of it being partly scripted or set up, it is evident even now 10 years later that Mark is not a nice person - have you ever heard a genuinely nice independent story of him? I’ve not.
I’m really glad Mark married someone like MK because be married up, Carol has no chance in bossing around MK. I bet she simultaneously loves and hates it, she’ll be on her best behaviour 24/7 as they’ll be no opportunity to belittle or insult a woman more attractive and successful, she only punches down