Inside Joey Essex's tragic childhood as TOWIE star appears in Love Island villa as first ever celebrity contestant
Joey Essex became the first bombshell to enter the Love Island villa, doing so on the opening night of the show's return on Monday.
In what may be the biggest signing in the show's history, the TOWIE star, 33,was forced to travel by ferry to keep his appearance under wraps.
This is the first time Love Island bosses have landed a celebrity in its original lineup, with Joey known to viewers as one of TOWIE's original stars, followed by stints on Dancing On Ice, Celebs Go Dating and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Joey's arrival was unveiled in the final moments of Monday's launch show, with host Maya Jama confirming he would be arriving to shake up the six couples.
Following Joey's surprise appearance as a Love Island bombshell, here is a look inside the star's tragic childhood - which saw him have to deal with the unexpected death of a close family member.
Losing his mother to suicide
Joey Essex became the first bombshell to enter the Love Island villa, doing so on the opening night of the show's return on Monday
Joey has spoken openly about his tragic upbringing - he lost his mother Tina tragically to suicide when he was just 10 years old
While he is notable for his upbeat and smiley persona, Joey did not have an easy start to his life - as his mother Tina tragically committed suicide when he was just 10 years of age.
Tina died in 2001 after battling depression in silence.
She was fighting an illness named candida prior to her passing, which is an illness that gives sufferers symptoms including stomach issues, fatigue, joint pain and depression.
Joey opened up about how he was affected by the death of his mother in a 2021 BBC documentary titled Joey Essex: Grief and Me.
He spoke openly about how deeply he had been impacted by his mother's death, admitting that it took him nearly two decades to even utter the word 'Mum'.
During a poignant moment in the film, Joey said: 'It was only two or three years ago, I think I was 27, where I sort of just started to be able to say ''Mum'''.
Another scene in the documentary emotional saw the filming of a therapy session between Joey and the renowned Dr Stephen Blumenthal - in which Joey was visibly moved as he reminisced about his mother's love.
Struggling to answer the question of why Tina chose to leave if she loved Joey so much, the TV star said: 'She loved me. But if she loved me that much why would she leave? I'd throw everything away to spend one hour with her.'
Despite the difficulty of having to overcome the loss of his mother at such a young age, Joey said he decided to document how he felt on television for personal and inspirational reasons.
He added: 'I feel like I needed a bit of a kick up the a**e to be honest.'
He also thanked the BBC for supporting him on his journey, acknowledging that 'have done [Joey] a massive favour.'
Posting a poignant childhood picture with his mother
Tina died in 2001 after battling depression in silence
A year after the documentary, in March 2022, Joey took to Instagram to share a tribute to his mother
A year after the documentary, in March 2022, Joey took to Instagram to share a childhood snap of himself lying next to his mother.
The image was accompanied by a caption which read: 'It don't get easier, but I do this all for you. I got nothing to prove to anyone but you mum.I'll keep trying to make you proud.'
He added: 'Smiling as much as possible. One day I'll see you again anyway… happy birthday.'
Joey's sister says she wishes the pair's mother had 'more support'
Joey's sister Frankie has said that their mum did not seek any help after experiencing depression - which ultimately led to her tragic death.
Speaking to The Mirror in 2013, she lamented: 'Mum hid it. It's the silent ones, the ones who don't speak, that you need to be worried about.
'She had to be strong for us and strong for my dad. She had everything she ever wanted but she didn't know where to go in the end. If I wasn't so young maybe I could have helped her.
'I wish there was more support for my mum. She hit rock bottom.'
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LOVE ISLAND 2024: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
NAME: Mimii Ngulube
AGE: 24
FROM: Portsmouth
OCCUPATION: Mental Health Nurse
WHY LOVE ISLAND? The pool in Portsmouth is not giving. I've tried dating and speaking to people on social media and it just hasn't been successful. Applying was a spontaneous thing, I didn't expect to get here!
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? My girls are my rocks and I'm theirs, so I'll be a good friend as well as going in there to find a man. I like dressing up, so I'll bring style, and I'd like to think I'm quite funny so I'll make people laugh. Bringing honesty as well - I'm good at picking up on people's personality traits and side-eyeing those who might be liars.
NAME: Sean Stone
AGE: 24
FROM: Hertford
OCCUPATION: Sweets Salesman
WHY LOVE ISLAND? I've always been one for relationships, and when you have found someone you want to be with it's the best feeling. Now is the perfect time, the one thing that is missing is my soulmate.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? Very loving, caring and thoughtful. I'm the kind of guy that, if you broke down on the motorway and needed your tyre changed, I'd be there at any time of night.
NAME: Ayo Odukoya
AGE: 25
FROM: Canning Town
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I'd bring excitement and joy. I think people would have someone to come to and talk to and feel comfortable being around or to have a laugh with. I think I'm somebody everyone would take to.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I feel like the way I carry myself is very respectful and I think people take to that and once you show who you are to somebody you get it back tenfold. The way I am gives off a good enough energy for people to feel comfortable around me.
NAME: Nicole Samuel
AGE: 24
FROM: Aberdare, Wales
OCCUPATION: Accounts Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I've been enjoying single life and the attention of different boys, it's fun. I've enjoyed being able to go on holiday with the girls and not having to worry about someone back home. All the girls are there texting in their room and I'm out till 4 in the morning living my best life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? I became a world champion dancer in 2011, not many people know that. I was a professional street dancer.
NAME: Ciaran Davies
AGE: 21
FROM: Pencoed, South Wales
OCCUPATION: Surveyor
WHAT'S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? Obviously looks but humour is a big thing for me, I'm a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back. Loyalty is another one for me: I think that's the most important thing to look for in a relationship.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? When I was in Malia on a boys holiday I pretended to be Liam Reardon from series 7 to get into a club because they wouldn't let us in. It worked and we ended up getting a private booth and free drinks all night.
NAME: Joey Essex
AGE: 33
FROM: Chigwell, Essex
OCCUPATION: Reality star
CLAIM TO FAME? The Only Way Is Essex
FAMOUS EXES: Joey was in a relationship with fellow TOWIE star Sam Faiers from 2011 to 2014 with the pair getting engaged before they split. He has also been spotted locking lips with former Love Island stars Ellie Brown and Maura Higgins. He also dated his Dancing On Ice pro partner Vanessa Bauer.
NAME: Matilda Draper
AGE: 24
FROM: Beckenham
OCCUPATION: Recruitmant Consultant
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BRING? I want to bring sunshine to the Villa. I’m lighthearted and don’t take myself too seriously. If things get too serious in the Villa I’m going to throw in a little joke or a ‘would you rather’.
NAME: Jessy Potts
AGE: 25
FROM: Leicester
OCCUPATION: Brand Partnerships Associate
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m fun, I like to get involved, so I’d like to think I will get stuck in as soon as I arrive. I also have a very sarcastic sense of humour, so I’ll make everyone laugh, but I’m a Sagittarius, so I also have a fiery side and I'm not afraid to say what I think or stand my ground. I’m not very good at taking 'no' for an answer.
Jessica Spencer
NAME: Jessica Spencer
AGE: 25
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Fashion Stylist
WHO DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON IN THE VILLA? I have my eyes on Ayo, despite his connection with Mimii. I fancy Ayo so much. Wil also seems like a catch and someone I want to explore a connection with.
WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER ARE YOU GOING TO BE? I’m funny, flirty, sassy and ready to find love
Josh Sunday Oyinsan
NAME: Josh Sunday Oyinsan
AGE: 29
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer
WHO DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON IN THE VILLA? All of them!! Mimii, Uma, Grace and Jess S. All of the girls there are beautiful.
WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER ARE YOU GOING TO BE? I am not afraid to speak my mind! I’m not afraid of treading on any toes…
