Love Island fans believe Joey Essex has been introduced to the villa to stir up drama, especially given his involvement in recent tensions between a couple on the show.
Harriett Blackmore has shown interest in pursuing a romance with Ronnie Vint, despite him being coupled up with Jess White. Ronnie hinted at his potential interest in Harriett during his recoupling speech with Jess last week. Joey, a former cast member of The Only Way is Essex and a late arrival to the villa, advised Harriett—who was hesitant about causing tension by pursuing Ronnie—to follow her heart and get to know him.
Shortly after, Ronnie joined Harriett, and the two headed to the Hideaway together. Monday’s episode showed them sharing a kiss on the terrace away from their co-stars. After leaving the Hideaway, Ronnie confessed to Jess about the kiss, which led to her expressing frustration and calling his actions “cheap.” She was particularly upset given her earlier displeasure with his speech.
Viewers quickly took to social media, suggesting that Joey’s presence in the villa is a deliberate move to incite drama. One person tweeted, “I swear Joey is working with the producers cuz the way he stirs s*** up like damn.” Another viewer commented, “Joey was planted to create chaos. He’s so funny.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one saying, “They deffo brought Joey in there to s*** stir,” and another asking, “Was Joey brought in to stir the pot?”
“Joey is literally one of the producers, he isn’t here for anything but to start drama,” another fan teased. Additional comments included, “Joey has definitely been put in the villa to cause drama between the other couples and we’re all here for it,” and “I’m telling you guys Joey was brought in to cause havoc.”
One viewer noted, “Joey loves to stir things up,” while another, alongside a laughing emoji, tweeted, “Nah Joey is an actual menace. The advice he is giving to these lot is just so he can see s*** go down.” Another viewer predicted, “Harriet and Joey are the duo that will cause carnage this season, and I’m here for it.”
“All Joey does is stir the pot. I love it, sorry,” one person tweeted, with another adding, “Joey is the main instigator and he is living for the drama in that villa.” Another commented, “Harriett needs to stop listening to [Joey’s] advice, but for drama purposes, I hope she continues.”
Summing up the general sentiment, a fan wrote, “Harriett is still leaning on Joey Essex for guidance and she’s wondering why she’s involved in drama.” Another said, “I’m sorry but I love Joey and Harriett’s friendship cause it’s basically just him egging her on to cause drama.”