The self-described “king of Essex” has officially entered the villa. That’s right — Joey Essex is a Love Island contestant, making him the first-ever “celebrity” to join the show.
In last night’s premiere, Essex was revealed as this season’s first bombshell — the contestant who comes in after everyone else has coupled up to stir things up.
Fans weren’t entirely thrilled about Essex’s casting on the show. “Why would they bring Joey Essex? Just ruining the dynamic every year by bringing a ‘celeb,'” one fan tweeted.
Another wrote, “I can’t lie, Joey Essex is a disappointing bombshell. Like why are you putting someone famous on the regular version. Get him on All Stars or something.”
In case you are unfamiliar with Essex and his (many) other reality TV credits, here’s a quick refresher.
Joey Essex has already had plenty of reality TV experience
Joey Essex is no stranger to reality TV. His credits include starring in The Only Way Is Essex between 2011 and 2013, before joining shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Celebrity MasterChef, Celebs Go Dating and Dancing On Ice.
As one viewer put it, “Joey Essex’s agent never stops… he has literally been on every reality show in the UK #LoveIsland.”
ITV
How old is Joey Essex?
Joey Essex is 33 years old.
Why did Joey Essex join Love Island?
Apparently, Essex applied for the show himself. The producers then had to work extremely hard to keep his casting a secret.
“I feel like Joey Bond, ‘the name’s Essex, Joey Essex,’” he told The Sun before jetting off to join the villa. “It felt like a military operation, not even the journey itself but the process of even getting through the application process and to this point… I’m extremely single right now, so I’m praying that I’m going to walk out of the villa hand in hand with the love of my life, that’s my main aim and all I care about.”
So, why did Essex feel compelled to apply for yet another dating show? Well, apparently, he was tired of dating people who were only interested in him as a reality TV star… and he thought joining another reality show would help.
“I just want someone to like me for me and not from what they see on TV,” said Essex. “This is exactly why I’m going into the villa because you’re disconnected from the rest of the world and can focus on what actually matters on a far deeper level.”
He added, “It’s difficult for me to meet girls on the outside as they judge me based on a persona so I think this experience will allow for people to see the real me.”