As a surprise twist comes from Love Island early doors this year, fans are seeing a whole new side to former The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex. The reality star shocked everyone in the villa and at home when he made his entrance this June. During episode 2, the 33-year-old opened up about losing his mum, Tina Essex, at a young age.
Joey Essex has been enjoying reality TV stardom for over a decade. And while many people would assume he’s still the same character everyone grew to love on The Only Way Is Essex, the Love Island girls are here for his new grown-up persona. Some are loving the fact Joey is “in his thirties,” adding how the self-proclaimed ‘King of Essex’ is “mature and settled down.” They said: “You can see he’s in here for the right reasons.”
Joey Essex opens up about his mum
Just one episode into Love Island series 11 and there’s a celebrity in the villa – enter Joey Essex.
Oozing confidence, Joey says “The Island is his oyster,” but he also shows a vulnerable side during episode 2.
Joey and Jess got talking about their parents during his graft. She explains she was raised by a single mom after Joey compliments her confident personality.
He says: “I was raised by my dad.”
Jess adds how her mother was her best friend growing up and still is. She adds: “My dad passed away a few years ago.”
Joey then tells Jess: “So, my mum passed away when I was 10, yeah.”
The former TOWIE star explained how he didn’t speak about his mother’s passing until he was 30:
“I’ve always been like, obviously it’s not nice, I found it hard for years, I never really spoke about it. When you actually do speak about things it’s like… it’s better to own it.”
Speaking on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2020, Joey said: “My mum committed suicide when I was 10 which was quite difficult… It made me a bit tougher inside.”
Speaking in a confessional, Joey said: “I opened the door and I see my dad kneeled down and I remember him just grabbing my head and I can remember him saying something along the lines of ‘mummy’s gone’.”
The reality TV star added how he “didn’t understand” at the time, and asked himself: “Why would she leave me?”
The Love Island star was raised by his dad
Joey is well-known for his TV appearances and he’s raked in millions over the course of his career.
However, he experienced a huge tragedy during his childhood.
Appearing on TOWIE series 8 over a decade ago, Joey broke down while looking through his childhood photos.
He said: “It’s just hard, isn’t it? I miss her.”
His dad, Donald ‘Donny’ Essex raised him and his sister, Frankie Essex.
Joey and his father clearly have a great bond as he takes to Instagram to share throwback snaps of them together.
TOWIE fans will also recall how close the reality star is to his cousins Chloe, Demi, and Frankie Sims.
If you are affected by any issues raised in the article or would like someone to speak to, please call the Samaritans for free on 116 123. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch in the UK. In the US, please visit Samaritans USA for more information.
You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741741 to get in touch with the Crisis Text Line. Americans can now call or text 988 to reach out and speak to a counsellor.
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