This isn’t Essex babe, this is Love Island: All the ex-Islanders Joey Essex is friends with

It is no secret that circle of reality TV stars are likely to run into each other at some point. The cast of Love Island doubling in numbers each year leaves me wondering which cast members are friends are friends with starlet Joey Essex.

From Maura Higgins who appeared in series five to Chris Taylor a repeat offender both on series five and Love island All stars it seems that Joey Essex circle of friends runs further than Essex alone. Let’s take a look at all the Ex-islanders that Joey Essex has been be linked with.

Maura Higgins

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A post shared by MAURA HIGGINS (@maurahiggins)

Irish icon and Ex-islander Maura Higgins and Joey Essex were rumoured to have to been very smitten after being papped by papers sharing a kiss after the NTAs in 2022.  Joey at the time said in an interview: “I don’t know! I can’t even remember,” before adding: “I mean all I remember is her tongue being down my throat to be honest!” 

Although nothing came of the romance between the two at the time, I think it’s fair to say that these two are very friendly and we can hope they remain friends. Though it’s not very likely after Joey called Maura out for an allegedly attacking him with her tongue. Really Joey?

Ekin-Su

From the number of TV shows that Joey Essex has been on, it’s no surprise that he formed a close alliance with Ex-islander Ekin-Su from series eight of the show when they both appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2022. In an Instagram story that Ekin-Su posted, the two appear to be having fun in their dancing rehearsals skating across the rink.

Their friendship has appeared to be in high-spirts following Joey supporting Ekin-Su after facing OfCom controversy when viewers had complained Ekin-Su nude leotard and dance was “too sexy” according to viewers.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain Joey said: “I think she’s alright. She’s doing well. It’s intense. For Ekin-Su, it’s her second ever TV show she’s done, so I think she’s handling it well.”

He continued: “We spent a lot of time together me and Ekin, she’s a nice girl”

Chris Taylor

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A post shared by Chris Taylor (@christophertaylorofficial)

Despite, their shared love for the same women, sorry Maura, Chris and Joey seem to keep a lovely bromance and live close to each other. In a recent interview with Closer Chris Taylor, previously a contestant on Love Island 2019 series and acclaimed comedian of the house, said: “I live quite close to Joey, so I’ve bumped into him quite a few times.

“If you were to go to Sheesh at any point in the day, you would see Joey Essex there.”

Chris continued: “There was a point in his life where he ate breakfast, lunch and dinner at Sheesh. He’s actually a lovely boy. He’s one of the nicest boys I’ve met in the reality scene.” 

Ellie Brown

It was briefly rumoured that Joey Essex and Ellie Brown were dating in 2018, shortly after Ellie’s split with her then partner Charlie Brake.

In an instagram post Ellie and Joey can be seen kissing each other celebrating a triumph.

A source then told The Sun (link this) Ellie and Joey were all over each other at Sheesh. “Kissing and flirting together”, an onlooker said: “They met for the first time there on Wednesday and immediately hit it off drinking and partying until the early hours”.

Although the pair shortly fizzled out, following a series of Ex On The Beach the star crossed lovers were quite a cute pair. Don’t you think?

Laura Anderson

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A post shared by L A U R A A N D E R S O N (@lauraanderson1x)

Laura Anderson, best known for the serious shade she threw in her series of Love island in 2018 and her rollercoaster relationship with Wes Nelson has shown her support for Joey this season.

When speaking to the Mirror, Laura said it felt like it was Joey was an “ex-Islander” taking part in the show as she mentioned how well he fit into the group. She also added she loved “watching the guys squirm” after they realised a reality TV icon would be their competition.

Laura also said: “I know he’s such a nice guy, though I’m really glad he’s on and it almost feels like he was an ex Islander, because he’s done so much reality TV, and he knows a lot of Love Islanders, and I’ve seen him at events. Actually I think I did something… Yeah, I recorded a show or something in his house once. And I know his cousins, the Sims, and all that.”

It is fair to say Laura’s support of Joey is very wholesome but more importantly – can she introduce me to Chloe Sims please?

For all the latest Love Island news and gossip and for the best memes and quizzes, like The Holy Church of Love Island on Facebook.  

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Grace and Joey scenes got so x-rated Love Island producers cut them from the show

• Joey Essex took a ferry to the villa as Love island desperately tried to keep his entry a secret

• Joey Essex released a cursed song before Love Island called Reem and it’s got a music video

Featured images via @maurahiggins and @ekinsuofficial on Instagram.