Joey Essex, the charismatic reality television personality, has captivated audiences not only with his unique charm and catchphrases but also with his often tumultuous and highly publicised romantic life. Since rising to fame on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) in 2011, his relationships have frequently played out in the media spotlight, offering fans a front-row seat to his quest for love. His romantic history is marked by significant on-screen moments, engagements, and a consistent pattern of seeking genuine connection amidst the pressures of celebrity.
His earliest and arguably most iconic relationship was with fellow TOWIE star Sam Faiers. Their on-again, off-again romance began in 2011 and became a central storyline on the show. Their relationship was characterized by passionate highs and dramatic lows, unfolding before millions of viewers. In March 2013, Joey famously proposed to Sam in Dubai, a moment that brought many to tears and solidified their status as a power couple in reality TV. The engagement, however, was short-lived, and they called it off just four months later in June 2013, amidst arguments during a trip to Marbella. Despite several attempts to rekindle their romance, including a brief reconciliation in March 2014, their relationship ultimately ended later that year. Sam Faiers later revealed in her autobiography that she ended the relationship for her "sanity," describing it as "fairly toxic" at times, while Joey has stated he no longer speaks to her.
Following his high-profile split from Sam, Joey continued his search for love, often on reality dating shows. In 2016, he met American reality star Stephanie Pratt on Celebs Go Dating. Their connection was immediate and intense, leading to a three-month relationship that garnered significant media attention. Despite their strong on-screen chemistry and reports of the "L-word" being exchanged, their romance ultimately fizzled out. Stephanie later confirmed they were no longer on speaking terms after their split.
Joey had a brief romance with former Love Island contestant Ellie Brown in 2018. Their relationship was short-lived and largely kept out of the intense public scrutiny that characterized his earlier relationships, though Ellie did confirm their romance with a social media post of them kissing.
The year 2019 saw Joey meet Mexican model Lorena Medina on the MTV reality show Celebrity Ex on the Beach. Their relationship progressed quickly, with Lorena even moving into Joey's home in Chigwell, Essex. The couple dated until February 2020, when their relationship reportedly ended after Joey spent a night out with singer Rita Ora. Lorena publicly stated she dumped Joey following this incident, though both Joey and Rita denied any romantic involvement, asserting they were just friends.
Later in 2020, Joey began dating Brazilian model Brenda Santos. Their relationship lasted for approximately five months. Brenda reportedly moved into Joey's mansion, and their romance was public, with Brenda later telling The Sun about their passionate connection. However, by October 2020, reports confirmed their split, with Brenda moving out of his home.
In early 2024, prior to his appearance on Love Island, Joey was briefly linked to model Grace Jackson. Their relationship was short-lived, reportedly lasting only about a month and a half before Joey decided to end things. Their past connection created a stir when Grace entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell after Joey, leading to some initial tension.
Most recently, Joey Essex made headlines as the first celebrity bombshell to enter Love Island in June 2024. During his time in the villa, he formed a connection with Jessy Potts. The couple left the villa together as an "exclusive couple" just before the final. However, their relationship proved to be another brief chapter in Joey's romantic history. In September 2024, just seven weeks after leaving the villa, it was confirmed that Joey and Jessy had decided to end their relationship. Jessy stated, "We tried to make it work but it wasn’t to be," acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a relationship outside the show's environment.
Throughout his career, Joey Essex has openly embraced the public nature of his love life, navigating the complexities of romance under the constant gaze of the media. While his relationships have often been intense and fleeting, they consistently highlight his desire for a lasting connection. His journey continues to be a compelling narrative for fans, showcasing the highs and lows of dating in the spotlight.