Joey Essex breaks silence on Love Island shock twist in his first interview since entering the villa

JOEY Essex has opened up on the epic twist that allowed him to appear on Love Island.

The 33-year-old star, best known for The Only Way Is Essex, entered the villa on Monday night as the first bombshell.

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Joey is hoping he will be able to find love after trying and failing to find romance outside the house, despite a string of famous exes.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun before entering the villa, Joey admitted it was his idea to appear on the series, having grown close friends with the show's creative director, Mike Spencer.

"When I think back to my first memories of being on TV Mike was always around and there to support us," he said.

"It felt like the right time to give the Villa a shot, so I called Mike to ask him if I could apply and he said go for it! 

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"Mike’s a creative genius and has thought of a way to bring me into the mix and personally I think it’s the greatest stunt that Love Island has ever pulled. "

Despite being known for his loveable but simple nature, Joey is keen to show everyone how much he has grown up since he first appeared on our screens.

Joey said: "I’ve gone from a boy to a man and I’m proud of the man I’ve become.

"I look back on how I used to be with the Walnut Whip hair and the Ugg boots, a watch around my ankle and my hair shaved into a fusey.

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"It was all so fun and I enjoyed myself but I’m a grown up version of my former self and I’m proud of the journey that I’ve been on."

Bosses had a "military operation" in place to make sure Joey went to the villa without the secret being spoiled – although Joey's sister has since admitted she was in on the plan.

After appearing on shows including Celebs Go Dating to find love, Joey is hoping this will finally help him nab 'The One'.

"I fall in love really quickly but I’m going to try and pace myself and make time to get to know everyone individually," he added.

"In a relationship I’m very caring, loving, loyal, thoughtful and very PDA. I have lots of energy so I like to have fun and go on holidays and take someone for nice dinners.

"I’ve got my life together and don’t want for anything, all I want is for someone to love me and I can take care of everything else."

Love Island 2024 couples

The Islanders are all 'coupled up' in the villa.

The couples so far include:

• Mimii Ngulube and Munveer Jabbal.
• Nicole Samuel and Sean Stone.
• Jess White and Ronnie Vint.
• Patsy Field and Ayo Odukoya.
• Samantha Kenny and Joey Essex.
• Harriet Blackmore and Ciaran Davies.

Joey is currently the only single man in the villa, after the others coupled up after entering the show.

However, that could all be about to change as Joey gets the chance to get to know the girls.

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Fans will have to tune in tonight to see how he gets on now he's an official member of the gang.

Follow our live coverage of Love Island which continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.

Love Island OGs line-up 2024

Love Island is back on the box with a brand new batch of sexy islanders all looking for love this summer.

The Girls

• Patsy Field - The Sun revealed how Love Island had signed stunning Patsy Field, who is an Influencer with a disability.
• Samantha Kenny - Liverpool lass Samantha Kenny is a 27-year-old works in a beauty salon as a make-up artist.
• Mimii Ngulube - Student nurse Mimii Ngulube has swapped Portsmouth for Majorca.
• Jess White - Shop manager Jess White hails from Stockport.
• Harriett Blackmore - Harriet Blackmore is good pals with YouTuber Saffron Barker.
• Nicole Samuel - Account manager and former champion dancer Nicole Samuel is a 2024 Islander.

The boys

• Joey Essex - Towie legend and reality star OG Joey Essex was a surprise bombshell.
• Ciaran Davies - Welsh rugby hunk Ciaran Davies is in the plush villa.
• Sean Stone - Sean Stone runs a sweet firm and is hoping he is just as sweet with the ladies.
• Sam Taylor - Hairdresser Sam Taylor has a big passion for tattoos and "crackin' on".
• Munveer Jabbal - Munveer Jabbal is the oldest contestant in the villa this year at 30-years-old.
• Ayo Odukoya - Meet Ayo Odukoya who is a footballer and former model.
• Ronnie Vint - The Sun revealed how Ronnie Vint - who is best mates with Olivia Attwood's hubby Bradley Dack - is in the villa this summer.