EXCLUSIVE 'Joey Essex might be older than the normal cast...
but he doesn't act it': Love Island insiders defend placing 33-year-old veteran reality TV star into house of 20-somethings- as they pin hopes on him reviving the 'tired' format By Katie Hind, Consultant Editor Showbusiness, For The Mail On Sunday Published: 08:23 BST, 8 June 2024 | Updated: 08:34 BST, 8 June 2024 e-mail 8 shares 4 View comments One is a fading reality television star, the other a failing reality television show. Both are arguably past their heyday. So in many ways Joey Essex and Love Island are the perfect match.
When Joey, catapulted to fame by his naïve charm on The Only Way Is Essex, walked into the Majorcan villa on Tuesday, he stated he was there to find love. Arguably, he is also there to revive his career and the fortunes of ITV 's flagship dating programme after years of controversies and, more recently, accusations that it has become boring. Bosses at the network are thrilled with their signing, which has put the show back on the map after several series that not only struggled with ratings but also failed to dominate the TV conversation as it did for the first four years since its launch in 2015.
Love Island insiders have defended placing 33-year-old veteran reality TV star Joey Essex into house of 20-somethings after his shock arrival on Monday's show Joey is currently coupled up with 26-year-old makeup artist Samantha Kenny after he was given free rein to pick any of the girls he want.
