Joey Essex: From TOWIE Star to Reality TV Veteran

Joey Don Essex was born on 29 July 1990 in Southwark, London, England. He grew up in Essex and attended West Hatch High School in Chigwell. Joey struggled academically and left school without high grades. His childhood was marked by tragedy when his mother, Tina, died by suicide when he was just ten years old. This loss deeply affected him and has influenced much of his personal journey.

Joey grew up in a close-knit family with his sister, Frankie Essex, who has also appeared on television. After their mother’s death, Joey and Frankie were raised by their father, Donny Essex, a former boxer. Joey also has cousins, including Chloe Sims, who are well-known from reality TV. Family ties have always been important to him, and he has been open about his experiences with grief, particularly regarding his mother’s passing.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame

Joey Essex rose to fame in 2011 as a cast member on the ITV reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). His fun-loving, sometimes naïve personality and his memorable catchphrase “reem” quickly made him a fan favorite. The show’s combination of glamour, drama, and everyday life in Essex helped Joey establish himself as a household name.

His charisma and humor led to numerous other opportunities in reality television. Joey appeared on Splash!, a celebrity diving competition, and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, where he demonstrated his adventurous side. He also took part in The Jump, a winter-sports reality show, and starred in Educating Joey Essex, a travel and reality series in which he learned new skills and explored life outside his comfort zone. Over time, Joey also participated in Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity Ex on the Beach, and Dancing on Ice, continuously expanding his presence in the reality TV world.

In 2024, Joey made a high-profile return to reality TV by becoming the first-ever celebrity contestant on Love Island. His participation in the show reignited public interest in his personal life and showcased a more mature side of Joey, highlighting his desire for love and family.

Joey Essex Now: Recent Life and Ambitions

In 2024, Joey Essex entered Love Island as a celebrity contestant, marking a new chapter in his career. He openly admitted that he was single and hoped to find a serious partner on the show. Fans quickly noticed a more thoughtful side of Joey as he discussed his dreams of building a family. During the show, he revealed he wanted to have eight children, emphasizing his desire for a large, happy family.

Although Joey and his partner, Jessy Potts, were eliminated from the show before the final, their connection captured the attention of viewers. After leaving the villa, Joey continued to focus on his personal growth and career, including exploring opportunities outside of reality TV. He has also undergone a physical transformation, gaining muscle and presenting a more polished image, reflecting his commitment to improving his lifestyle and personal health.

Reports suggest Joey is considering a new career direction in boxing, demonstrating his ambition to diversify his interests and challenge himself physically. Despite his time on television, he has expressed a strong desire to lead a more balanced life and focus on meaningful goals, including love and family.

Joey Essex & Jessy Potts: Love Island Romance

Joey’s relationship with Jessy Potts was a central storyline on Love Island 2024. Jessy, a young influencer and brand professional, quickly caught Joey’s attention. The couple formed a strong bond during the show, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future.

After the villa, Joey and Jessy discussed plans for children. Joey wanted eight children, while Jessy hoped for a smaller family. Despite their differences, they maintained a positive relationship for a time, though ultimately their relationship ended due to conflicting priorities and busy schedules. Joey later expressed that he wished Jessy the best and emphasized that he was focused on personal growth and future plans rather than returning immediately to dating shows.

Joey Essex’s Family: Roots and Relationships

Family remains a central theme in Joey Essex’s life. His sister Frankie has also gained public attention through television appearances and social media. Frankie is a mother to twins and continues to share aspects of her life publicly, further connecting Joey to the media spotlight.

Joey has had several notable relationships throughout his life. He was previously engaged to TOWIE co-star Sam Faiers, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship before splitting in 2014. He was also linked with Grace Jackson, another model, before forming a relationship with Jessy Potts. Despite these past relationships, Joey remains unmarried and has no children, though he has expressed a clear desire to become a father in the future.

Personal Growth and Challenges

While Joey Essex was initially known for his carefree and entertaining persona on TOWIE, over time, he has shown considerable personal growth. The loss of his mother has been a defining experience, and he has spoken openly about how grief has shaped him. His documentary, Joey Essex: Grief and Me, highlighted his willingness to confront difficult emotions and share his story with the public.

In recent appearances, Joey has presented a more mature and responsible side. He has focused on physical fitness, personal development, and setting long-term goals. His participation in Love Island was not just about entertainment but also a genuine search for love and a stable family life.

Despite his public image, Joey has faced criticism for some of his past behaviors and relationships. Nevertheless, he remains a relatable figure for many fans due to his honesty about personal challenges and his desire to grow as an individual.

Future Plans and Career Direction

Looking ahead, Joey Essex appears to be at a turning point in his life. While reality TV has defined much of his career, he is exploring other opportunities, including boxing and potential business ventures. He has expressed a strong commitment to building a family and leading a more balanced, purposeful life.

Joey’s journey from a breakout star on TOWIE to a veteran of reality TV demonstrates his adaptability, resilience, and willingness to embrace new experiences. His story continues to inspire fans who admire his determination to evolve while remaining true to himself.

Conclusion

Joey Essex is a British reality TV star whose life has been marked by both public attention and personal challenges. From his early days on The Only Way Is Essex to his bold participation in Love Island 2024, he has navigated fame, relationships, grief, and personal growth. Joey’s openness about his childhood, ambitions for family life, and evolving career make him one of the most recognizable and relatable personalities in British television.

Whether he continues in reality TV, pursues boxing, or focuses on family life, Joey Essex remains a figure who is constantly reinventing himself and following his own path. His journey reflects resilience, ambition, and the enduring appeal of a personality that combines charm, vulnerability, and determination.

This story is brought to you by Megacine.