JOEY Essex has revealed the ‘real reason’ he signed up for Love Island after becoming the first-ever celebrity bombshell.
The 33-year-old entered the villa tonight to join the latest lot of sexy singletons looking for romance on the show.
And Joey – who shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2011 – has opened up about his decision to make Love Island history.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun ahead of his debut, he said: “I just want someone to like me for me and now from what they see on TV.
“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.”
Joey has dated a string of celebrities in the past – including Rita Ora and former Islander Maura Higgins– but now he’ll be cracking on with ‘normal’ girls.
The Love Island girls this year include Samantha Kenny, 26, and Mimii Ngulube, 24.
And Joey revealed he wasn’t approached by show bosses but instead applied to take part.
He said: “I feel like Joey Bond, ‘the names Essex, Joey Essex. 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 got on the plane to Ibiza, I made sure I still wore my mask when I went out for dinner, and then we got the boat over to Majorca to a villa hidden in the mountains in the middle of nowhere.
“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.
“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.”
Love Island 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.