Joey Essex made Love Island history on Monday night as the first celebrity contestant to join the show, and now the former TOWIE star’s compensation has been disclosed.
The 33-year-old reality star has participated in various shows throughout his career, including Dancing on Ice, Celebs Go Dating, and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Now, Joey is taking on Love Island, reportedly earning the same amount as his fellow contestants. According to the Mail Online, ITV is not offering Joey any additional pay for his participation; he is receiving the standard £375 per week, which is intended to cover contestants’ rent and bills while they are on the show.
A source told the publication: “Joey is being treated like any other Love Island contestant, he’s playing by the same rules and won’t be given any preferential treatment. He hasn’t been paid an appearance fee or any money at all for signing up to the show, not a penny.”
“On Love Island, it is all about the exposure and for Joey, it means more than that too… He’s looking for someone to settle down with, so it’s not about the money he can make on the other side.” OK! has reached out to ITV for comment.
Joey surprised Love Island viewers during Monday night’s launch by arriving as the series’ first bombshell. Speaking about joining the show before his entrance, Joey revealed his true motivation for signing up.
“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.”
He told The Sun: “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.”