TOWIE's Joey Essex has entered the Love Island villa and whilst he's the oldest-ever contestant to appear in the series, the star still insists he's 'looking for love' Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inbox We have more newsletters Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inbox We have more newsletters Joey Essex left Love Island viewers baffled as he made an appearance as the very first bombshell of the series. Known for starring in The Only Way is Essex , Joey waltzed into the villa during the very first episode on Monday 3 June leaving his fellow contestants and viewers at home completely floored - particularly when he revealed his age. At 33, Joey is the oldest contestant to ever enter Love Island .
Prior to Joey’s entrance the oldest was 31 years old - Marcel Somerville , Paul Knops and Jordan Ring. With some participants being just 21 , Joey is over 10 years their senior. But despite being on the more mature age side, Joey reveals he’s there to find love.
Joey told The Sun before entering the villa that he was hoping to find someone who liked him for him rather than the man they ‘see on TV’. He also told the publication: “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 .