Love Island viewers had a common gripe about Joey Essex after tuning into the premiere of the new season on Monday night.
The ITV2 show returned this week, with Maya Jama introducing new singletons into the villa. However, there was a surprising twist when The Only Way Is Essex star and reality TV icon Joey, 33, entered the villa as a bombshell at the end of the episode.
While some viewers were surprised to see a well-known celebrity on the dating show, others were “creeped” out by his age, expressing their concerns on X, formerly known as Twitter. The women introduced on Monday are between 24 and 29 years old, with some men as young as 21.
In past seasons, contestants as young as 18 have participated. One viewer on X complained: “I’m sorry but Joey Essex is too old to go on Love Island. I’m even younger than him and I think my age mates shouldn’t be going on a show like that.”
“On a real tho, this Joey Essex guy is reaching mid-life crisis age why’s he here??” another fumed, while a fan added: “As much as I know I’m going to enjoy watching Joey Essex. This is the 2nd time #LoveIsland has brought in an older male reality star. Where are age-appropriate OG’s and the OG girlies or even female stars from other shows? I’m sensing a pattern I’m not liking.”
“Joey Essex is 33…why on earth is he on #LoveIsland?! ITV couldn’t find a more age-appropriate (and relevant) surprise celeb entrant?!” one viewer questioned. Another user ranted: “Had no idea who Joey Essex was cause I don’t watch other UK reality TV but after looking him up I’m just like okay I get you’re a reality show star but you’re too old for Love Island like why is he 33 when most of the girls are 24 his time of reality tv needs to be over.”
Despite the backlash, many viewers were excited to see the reality star on the show. Over the years, Joey has appeared on numerous television programs, including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Dancing On Ice, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity MasterChef, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.
The “extremely single” TV personality explained his decision to join the dating show. “I just want someone to like me for me and not from what they see on TV,” Joey said. “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.”
