SOMESIM SPECIAL
Who is Joey Essex’s nan Linda? Learn about the Love Island bombshell’s grandmother
Discover what his gran has to say about his Love Island antics
LOVE ISLAND'S Meet The Family returns to the villa and fans are eager to hear what Joey Essex's nan will say about his recent behaviour.
Joey Essex opened up in the past about his mother's suicide and how he has always had the support of his nan, who is set to appear on Love Island's Meet the Parents. Here's everything you need to know.
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Who is Joey Essex's nan Linda?
Linda Sims is a devoted grandmother to brother and sister duo, Joey and Frankie Essex.
She has been a great support to the siblings after the death of her daughter and their mother, Tina.
Linda is also nan to Chloe, Frankie, Demi and Charlie Sims.
Linda's grandchildren are often seen posting about her on social media.
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She currently resides in Chigwell, Essex.
Throughout her TV appearances, Linda has revealed she is proud of her grandchildren's antics.
Speaking to The Sun about Joey in 2013, she said : "I must be the proudest grandmother in Britain at the moment. He is doing so brilliantly."
But fans wonder what Joey's nan will say after he was rated 'The Ultimate Pot-Stirrer' by the public on The Grafties awards night.
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Joey also raised eyebrows with the Flirtiest Performance award on Sunday July 23, 2024, with fans convinced he still has feelings for Grace and — they wonder if his nan would agree.
Linda and his sister Frankie are set to appear on Love Island's Meet The Parents episode, and fans have wondered whether Joey's in for a grilling after recent events.
Joey was in a couple with Samantha Kenny initially, until she was dumped from the island after Joey's ex-girlfriend Grace Jackson arrived as a bombshell, completely stealing his attention.
Linda and Joey's cousin, Chloe Sims, appeared on ITV's Lorraine and reacted to those earlier series events saying:
"I did feel for her because you could tell that she really liked him.
"And to have that happen on set is quite sad really," said Linda.
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What has Joey Essex said about his nan?
Joey has been more subtle in praising his nan.
The Love Island star appeared at her side in the documentary Joey Essex: Grief And Me, which focuses on his recovery from the trauma following his mother's death.
Tina Sims took her own life when Joey was just 10 years old.
Joey Essex enters the Love Island villa in shock moment as first ever celebrity bombshell
Joey and sister Frankie were then left in the care of their father Donny.
Joey told the documentary: "I remember the day when I got told my mum was gone.
I know I’ll never get over the trauma, but I’m just proud and glad I’ve started to face it.
Joey Essex
"I remember my dad bending down and grabbing my head and telling me my mum was gone.
"I’ll never forget that. I remember it like it was yesterday."
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Speaking of his grief, Joey said: "It’s been hard going through this whole process, but I feel a massive weight has lifted off my shoulders.
"I know I’ll never get over the trauma, but I’m just proud and glad I’ve started to face it."
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- HUMEN
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,, 116 123
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