Joey Essex’s hair & body transformation that left Love Island viewers stunned & why his new look will help him find love
NOT only did Joey Essex shock fans by walking into the Love Island villa as the first ever celebrity bombshell, but his new look left viewers screaming too.
The 33-year-old Essex lad – who shot to fame on reality show The Only Way Is Essex in 2011 – has been a household name for years.
And it seems like no matter what programme you’re tuning into, Joey has already taken part in it.
From comedy panel shows like 8 Out Of 10 Cats to competition show Dancing On Ice, the TV personality has done it all.
Not only this, but he’s done a whole host of dating shows too – from Celebs Go Dating to Ex On The Beach.
But it appears that Joey, who is known for his iconic ‘reem’ catchphrase, is looking for love yet again – and his new look and dazzling smile may be just the thing to help him do that.
On Monday night, the TV star, known for his cheerful demeanour, shocked Love Island viewers when he showed up at the villa as a bombshell.
As the video cut to his introduction, the Southwark born lad told viewers he was “looking for love” and after calling himself the “King” of Essex, he’s searching for his “Queen”.
But it was his change in appearance that left people really stunned – as he rocked an off-white linen shirt and brown chinos, showing off his toned physique, as well as a brand-new buzz cut.
The reality veteran looked worlds away from what he became known for during his appearance on TOWIE between 2011 and 2013, as it appears that Joey has done a Harry Styles and has shaved his iconic dark hair off.
Joey was just 20 when he first showed up on the Essex-based show, looking baby-faced with a quiff hairstyle, loud shirts and skinny denim shorts.
Not only did he have a smaller frame, but he also flaunted an eccentric style – with leopard print coats and camouflage trousers.
As the years went by, Joey soon became known for his signature slicked, thick hair.
But in recent years, it appears that the cousin of Chloe, Demi, Frankie and Charlie Sims has bulked up and switched up his style.
I didn’t even recognise Joey without his hair
Social media user
HAIR THIS
Love Island viewers were left lost for words when he walked into the villa, showing off his new hairstyle.
Writing on X, one user said: “Wait Joey Essex? I didn’t even recognise him. Wow, he looks really different now.”
Another posted: “OMG I didn’t even recognise Joey without his hair.”
At the same time, some even thought his new look made him resemble Prison Break icon Wentworth Miller – who played the fan-favourite Michael Scofield in the US drama series.
One user wrote: “Someone said is that Joey Essex or Michael Scofield and I can’t stop laughing.”
Whilst someone else chimed in: “Joey Essex is giving Michael Scofield vibes and I’m here for it.”
BULKING UP
Not only has Joey changed his hair over the years, but the veneer-flashing lothario has also had a mega body transformation too.
When he first appeared on screen, Joey was often seen leaving little to the imagination as he showed off his slim build in tiny swimming trunks.
But whilst taking part in Dancing on Ice, the star proudly showed off his ripped body after vowing to get into shape.
I eat clean, and stick naturally to a healthy diet
Joey Essex
As well as this, after taking part in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Joey showed off his incredible weight loss, leaving fans gobsmacked.
After starring in the Australian version of the reality show, Joey came out much thinner than when he went in, after shedding two stone in just three weeks.
But after surviving on basic rations and minimal calories, it appears that Joey has been hitting the gym ahead of his Love Island debut.
The star, who entered the Spanish villa proudly showing off his sculpted abs and muscular arms, has previously revealed his secret to staying in shape.
He explained: “I eat clean, and stick naturally to a healthy diet.”
During his TOWIE day, the star revealed to Daily Mail that he would do 150 press-ups, 250 crunches and 150 sit-ups every single morning, in order to keep his slender frame.
I just want someone to like me for me and no from what they see on TV
Joey Essex
However, in more recent years, he’s shared videos on his social media channels of him exercising in the gym, as he’s opted for boxing and weight training in a bid to bulk up.
SEARCHING FOR LOVE
Unfortunately for Joey, some would say he’s been unlucky in love throughout the years.
He’s dated a string of celebrities in the past – including fellow TOWIE star Sam Faiers, singer Rita Ora and former Islander Maura Higgins – but now he’ll be cracking on with ‘normal’ girls.
Joey Essex's exes
During the early days of TOWIE, Joey and Sam’s romance played out on-screen for viewers to see.
But their on and off relationship, which even saw Joey propose on the show, lasted three years, but eventually ended for good while on a TOWIE group holiday in Marbella back in 2014.
In between his tumultuous relationship with Sam, Joey had a brief fling with model Amy Willerton, whom he met on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Then in 2016, reality TV fans were ecstatic when Joey and Stephanie Pratt from Made in Chelsea got together on Celebs Go Dating.
Unfortunately their whirlwind romance came to an end after just a month.
Fast forward to 2018 and Joey was back in the headlines with another reality star, Ellie Brown from Love Island season four.
Following her break up with Charlie Brake, Ellie and Joey were seen locking lips and soon made it Instagram official with yet another kiss.
However, their romance fizzled out after a few months and Joey’s love life continued to make waves as he later connected with Lorena Medina on Ex On The Beach in 2019.
In early 2020, Joey moved on with Rita Ora after a wild night out.
It was reported that Joey was holed up for 13 hours in Rita’s mansion after the pair had tried to avoid being seen together by taking separate cars between venues.
However, the pair denied that there was anything romantic between them, as Joey said: “We have known each other for years. She’s a nice girl but we’re just friends.”
By 2023, Joey was seen on Dancing on Ice, where he was partnered with pro skater Vanessa Bauer.
The two sparked romance rumours during their stint on the show, with Vanessa confirming they were a couple in April last year.
However, the pair called it quits not long after that, when Joey confirmed that he was ready for a new relationship.
Clearly quite unlucky in love, Joey opened up about his decision to make Love Island history.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun ahead of his debut, he said: “I just want someone to like me for me and not from what they see on TV.
“This is exactly why I’m going into the villa because you’re disconnected from the rest of the world and can focus on what actually matters on a far deeper level.”
What will Joey Essex bring to Love Island?
By Beth Allcock, Showbiz and TV reporter
JOEY Essex left Love Island fans gobsmacked after his arrival in the Love Island villa – but what can we expect from the sizzling bombshell?
The former TOWIE star is Love Island‘s first-ever celebrity contestant and has certainly brought the drama in the first episode.
Yet the reality TV stalwart, 33, who has featured on everything from Dancing On Ice to Celebs Go Dating, also showcased a hot new look.
He strolled into the villa with his fresh close-cut hairstyle and ripped abs on full display as he declared himself the ‘King of Essex’ – and it’s this cheeky chap attitude fans can certainly expect in the Mallorca villa.
Joey‘s likely to be at the heart of the action in the villa, with his wicked sense of humour and Essex charm bound to shake up the partnerships of his co-stars.
His pal and former Love Island All Stars contestant Georgia Harrison, 29, confirms he’ll liven up proceedings, admitting he’ll be “so jokes.”
Yet he’s no stranger to juggling the attention of a slew of stunning females – so he’ll likely fit right in to Love Island life.
On Celebs Go Dating in 2021 Joey threw the series into chaos as he dating two women at the same time.
He previously exclusively told us he’s “really picky” when it comes to finding the right girl – so he might be grafting hard and involved in a few coupling up switch-ups.
Meanwhile, he insisted he can also “kick back” and “relax” when it comes to female attention – so some of the sexy stars might feel snubbed.
He told us: “I’m quite held back. I don’t just let girls come to me like that, do you know what I mean?
“I can’t say the right words in a nice way, but basically what I’m I’m trying to say is I just don’t get with every girl, basically!”
He added: “People are realising that I’m more picky than normal. There’ll be one little thing that I won’t like and then I’ll just be completely turned off.
“Not put off, but I’ll just know she ain’t for me.”
Love Island continues on ITV2.
And Joey revealed he wasn’t approached by show bosses but instead applied to take part.
He said: “I feel like Joey Bond, ‘the names Essex, Joey Essex. It felt like a military operation, not even the journey itself but the process of even getting through the application process and to this point.
“I got on the plane to Ibiza, I made sure I still wore my mask when I went out for dinner, and then we got the boat over to Majorca to a villa hidden in the mountains in the middle of nowhere.”
I’m praying that I’m going to walk out of the villa hand in hand with the love of my life
Joey Essex
And it seems that his new look and extreme confidence could be just the trick in finally helping him to find love.
As the Islanders gathered around the firepit for his arrival, many of the girls’ heads were swiftly turned, with Liverpudlian Samantha Kenny looking particularly impressed.
Joey added: “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 think this experience will allow for people to see the real me.”
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