If anyone says they weren’t completely shocked by the latest Love Island episode, they’re likely stretching the truth. This season’s kickoff introduced the new 2024 lineup, but the real jaw-dropper was the sudden arrival of Joey Essex. Yes, that Joey Essex—the TOWIE legend known for coining “reem,” taking Sam Faiers on a date to the dump, and rocking shoes way too small.
As Joey reclaims the spotlight on yet another reality show, let’s revisit his chaotic romantic history. His relationship with Sam Faiers was the stuff of TOWIE dreams. Fans watched as their love bloomed, from quirky dates to Joey popping the question in Dubai in 2013. But their fairytale ended abruptly just four months later. The pair tried to reignite the spark in 2014, but it wasn’t meant to be. Joey has since admitted they no longer stay in touch.
After Sam, Joey’s love life included brief romances with Amy Willerton and Stephanie Pratt
Following his breakup with Sam, Joey’s love life took some interesting turns. During I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2013, he grew close to Amy Willerton, but their bond quickly dissolved. In 2016, Joey had a brief romance with Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt after meeting on Celebs Go Dating, but he ended it due to spending too much time in Chelsea. By 2018, Joey was linked to Love Island’s Ellie Brown, and later had a whirlwind love affair with Lorena Medina, a Mexican model, which fell apart after Joey was seen leaving Rita Ora’s apartment.
In the past few years, Joey has also dated Brazilian model Brenda Santos, his I’m A Celebrity co-star Maria Thattil, and shocked fans by locking lips with Love Island star Maura Higgins at the Pride of Britain Awards. He even briefly dated his Dancing on Ice partner Vanessa Bauer, but they split in early 2023.
