Joey Essex Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Joey Essex

Joey Essex is a prominent English television personality who rose to fame through his charismatic and often humorous appearances on reality television. He is best known for his role in the ITV reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), which he joined in 2011. Since his breakthrough, Essex has become a household name, captivating audiences with his unique persona, catchphrases, and participation in numerous high-profile reality shows. His career extends beyond television, encompassing ventures in business, fashion, and even professional boxing, solidifying his status as a multifaceted media figure. His journey from an Essex-based reality star to a recognized national personality has kept the public intrigued for over a decade.

Joey Essex Overview

Early Life and Education of Joey Essex

Joey Donald Essex was born on July 29, 1990, in Southwark, London, England, specifically in Bermondsey, South London. He spent his early childhood in Bermondsey before moving to Chigwell, Essex, around the age of seven or eight. This transition marked a significant period in his young life, as it was in Essex that he would eventually gain widespread recognition.

Tragedy struck Joey’s family when he was just ten years old. His mother, Tina Essex, sadly took her own life in 2001 after secretly battling depression, which was believed to be exacerbated by an infection called candida. Joey and his older sister, Frankie Essex, who was thirteen at the time, were initially told their mother had fallen and died, only later learning the full, heartbreaking truth. This profound loss had a lasting impact on Joey, shaping aspects of his personality and his approach to life. He later explored this grief in the candid 2021 BBC Three documentary, Joey Essex: Grief and Me, where he reflected on how the trauma affected his ability to learn and form attachments.

For his education, Joey attended West Hatch High School in Chigwell, Essex. He left school in 2006, achieving a U in Drama, a C in Art, and a D in Design & Technology at GCSE level. A decade later, in 2016, as part of his television series Re-Educating Joey Essex: GCSE Special, he undertook a GCSE in General Studies, proudly earning a D. Upon receiving his results, he famously quipped, “I still don’t really know what GCSE stands for,” a remark that encapsulated his endearing, often naive public image.

Joey Essex’s Career

Joey Essex’s career journey began in 2011 when he first appeared as a supporting cast member in the second series of the ITV reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), alongside his cousin Chloe Sims. His unique charm, distinctive vocabulary (including coining the term “reem”), and lighthearted approach quickly made him a fan favourite, leading to his promotion to a main cast member in the third series. He remained a central figure on TOWIE until November 2013, departing to explore new opportunities. During his time on TOWIE, the cast even released a single titled “Reem” in 2011.

Following his departure from TOWIE, Joey Essex embarked on an extensive career in reality television, becoming a ubiquitous presence on British screens. He competed in the first series of Splash! in 2013, a celebrity diving competition. Later that year, he entered the jungle for the thirteenth series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where he finished in fourth place, further cementing his popularity.

His competitive streak continued, and in 2015, Joey won the second series of Channel 4’s winter sports reality show, The Jump. He then frequently appeared on the E4 dating series Celebs Go Dating between 2016 and 2019, returning again in 2021 for Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion. Other notable reality show appearances include Celebrity Ex on the Beach (2020), Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (2020), and the eighth season of the Australian version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2022, where he finished in sixth place. In 2023, he showcased his ice-skating skills, finishing in second place on the fifteenth series of Dancing on Ice. Most recently, in June 2024, Joey Essex made headlines as the first-ever celebrity contestant to enter the Love Island villa for its eleventh series, searching for love on the popular dating show.

Documentary and Other Ventures

Beyond his reality show exploits, Joey Essex has also starred in his own documentary series. In 2014, he fronted Educating Joey Essex, a one-off special that proved so popular it led to a full series in June 2014 and a second series in 2016. Narrated by Phillip Schofield, the show followed Joey as he travelled the world, learning about different cultures and subjects. In 2021, he released the BBC Three documentary Joey Essex: Grief and Me, which offered a poignant look into his experiences with bereavement and the loss of his mother.

Joey Essex has also ventured into various entrepreneurial activities. In 2013, he launched his own hair product range, “Joey Essex: D’Reem Hair,” and opened his fashion boutique, “Fusey,” in Brentwood, which operated until 2016. The same year, he introduced two fragrances: “Fusey” aftershave for men and “My Girl” perfume for women. His commercial engagements include endorsement deals with major brands such as Batchelors Cup-a-Soup, Three mobile network, Jaffa Cakes, McDonald’s, and Volvic. He also worked as a DJ for the Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood, Essex. In 2014, he released his autobiography titled Being Reem.

Professional Boxing Debut

In a significant shift, Joey Essex has recently ventured into the world of professional boxing. With a strong family heritage in the sport—his father Donny Essex was an amateur boxer, and his grandfather boxed for the navy—Joey has expressed a serious commitment to this new chapter. Under the tutelage of respected trainer and close relative Tony Sims, Joey Essex made his official boxing debut on August 30, 2025, against Portuguese influencer Numeiro at Misfits 22 in Manchester’s AO Arena. This transition has seen him undergo a dramatic physical transformation, showcasing a more muscular and gym-honed physique.

Joey Essex Personal Life & Family

Joey Essex’s personal life has often been as public as his professional one, frequently documented across various reality television platforms. Born to Tina and Donny Essex, he shares a close bond with his older sister, Frankie Essex, who also appeared on The Only Way Is Essex. His cousin, Chloe Sims, was another prominent cast member on the show.

His romantic relationships have garnered considerable media attention. One of his most well-known relationships was with fellow TOWIE cast member Sam Faiers. Their on-again, off-again romance captivated viewers, leading to a brief engagement in Dubai in 2013 before they ultimately split in 2014. Over the years, Joey has been linked to several other public figures, including model Lorena Medina, whom he dated after meeting on Celebrity Ex on the Beach in 2020. He was also rumoured to have dated professional skater Vanessa Bauer during his stint on Dancing on Ice in 2023, though they denied significant involvement. In 2024, while on Love Island, he reunited with and briefly dated Grace Jackson, with whom he had a previous connection. As of early 2025, Joey Essex is reported to be single following his split from Jessy Potts, whom he met on Love Island, but has recently been seen with a “mystery blonde” in Ibiza, sparking new romance rumors.

The tragic loss of his mother to suicide when he was ten years old remains a deeply personal and influential aspect of his life. Joey has openly discussed how this grief affected his childhood and development, notably in his BBC Three documentary Joey Essex: Grief and Me. Since 2014, he has served as an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK, a charity that supports children and young people after the death of someone important in their lives, turning his personal tragedy into a means to help others. In 2023, following a reported home invasion, Joey Essex relocated to Dubai, where he now maintains a lavish lifestyle.

Awards and Achievements of Joey Essex

While Joey Essex may be best known for his charismatic presence rather than traditional accolades, he has achieved notable successes throughout his career in reality television and beyond.

• Winner, The Jump (2015): Joey Essex famously won the second series of Channel 4’s winter sports competition, demonstrating an unexpected aptitude for athletic challenges.
• Runner-up, Dancing on Ice (2023): He showcased impressive dedication and skill on the ice, securing a second-place finish in the popular celebrity skating competition.
• Fourth Place, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2013): His engaging personality resonated with viewers, leading him to a strong fourth-place finish in one of the UK’s most watched reality shows.
• Sixth Place, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia (2022): He successfully competed in the Australian version of the reality show, finishing in a respectable sixth position.
• Essex Power 100 List (2017): Joey Essex was recognized as the fourth most powerful person in Essex, highlighting his significant influence and celebrity status within his home county.
• Bestselling Author: His 2014 autobiography, Being Reem, became a bestseller, offering fans an insight into his life and experiences.

Joey Essex Net Worth and Income

As of August 2025, Joey Essex is estimated to have a net worth of approximately £10 million. His substantial wealth has been accumulated through a diverse range of income streams, primarily stemming from his extensive career in reality television, brand endorsements, and various entrepreneurial ventures.

His lucrative earnings from reality TV appearances are well-documented. For instance, he reportedly earned £60,000 for his participation in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2013, and a significant £211,000 for the Australian version of the show in 2022. His recent foray into professional boxing is also poised to be a major income generator, with reports suggesting he will earn around £500,000 for his Misfits boxing debut against Numeiro on August 30, 2025.

Beyond his on-screen work, Joey Essex has leveraged his celebrity status into successful business ventures. These include the launch of his “D’Reem Hair” product line and two fragrances in 2013. Although his “Fusey” shop in Brentwood closed in 2016, he has since launched a clothing line, DAFDEA. He has also secured numerous lucrative brand endorsement deals with companies such as Batchelors Cup-a-Soup, Three, Jaffa Cakes, McDonald’s, and Volvic. Furthermore, with 1.9 million followers on Instagram (as of August 2025), he commands substantial fees for sponsored posts and collaborations, categorizing him as a ‘mega influencer’ capable of charging thousands of dollars per post. His autobiography, Being Reem, also contributed to his financial success.

Legacy and Influence

Joey Essex’s legacy is rooted in his distinctive contribution to British popular culture, particularly within the realm of reality television. He emerged as a defining personality of the early 2010s, with his appearance on The Only Way Is Essex. His unique vocabulary, including popularizing the term “reem,” and his often endearing, naive remarks resonated with a broad audience, making him an instantly recognizable figure. He effectively transformed his persona into a successful brand, demonstrating how reality TV fame could be parlayed into a sustained career across multiple entertainment and business sectors.

Beyond entertainment, Joey Essex has used his platform to address personal tragedy and promote important causes. His BBC Three documentary, Joey Essex: Grief and Me, brought a raw and honest conversation about mental health and bereavement to a wide audience, highlighting the lasting impact of his mother’s suicide. His ambassadorship for Child Bereavement UK since 2014 further underscores his commitment to social contribution, providing support and raising awareness for children experiencing similar losses. His journey from a “cheeky chappy” reality star to someone openly discussing deep emotional issues has added depth to his public image and fostered a connection with fans on a more profound level.

Interesting Facts about Joey Essex

• Fascination with the Unknown: Joey Essex has expressed a keen interest in extraterrestrial life and UFOs, openly discussing his belief in aliens.
• Unintentional Comedian: Many of his most memorable moments stem from his genuine, albeit sometimes misinformed, observations. These include confusing Richard and Judy with the creators of the world, believing “Danish” is a type of meat, and famously stating that “rain forest rains on purpose”.
• “Confrontate”: He coined the now-infamous word “confrontate,” a unique amalgamation of “confront” and “orientate,” which became a popular meme.
• GCSE Struggles: Despite his later success, he left school with minimal qualifications, famously stating “I still don’t really know what GCSE stands for” after receiving a D in General Studies for a TV show.
• Fear of “Clash”: During his time on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, he displayed an aversion to the word “clash,” often asking for clarification on its meaning.
• Authorial Debut: He penned a bestselling autobiography, Being Reem, released in 2014, offering fans a deeper look into his life.
• Mugging Incident: In June 2012, Joey Essex was mugged at knifepoint in Hammersmith, London, an alarming personal experience.
• Relocation to Dubai: After a reported home invasion in January 2023, he moved to Dubai, seeking a change of environment and lifestyle.

Controversies

While Joey Essex’s career has been largely defined by his amiable and often humorous persona, he has encountered a few notable challenges and controversies, which have been handled factually in the public eye. One significant personal challenge occurred in June 2012 when he was mugged at knifepoint in Hammersmith, London. This incident, though a crime against him, drew media attention to his personal safety.

In his romantic life, his high-profile relationships, particularly with fellow TOWIE star Sam Faiers, were characterized by their tumultuous on-again, off-again nature, providing constant fodder for tabloids but generally remaining within the typical drama associated with reality television. More recently, his relationship with Lorena Medina faced scrutiny when she reportedly ended things after photos emerged of Joey leaving singer Rita Ora‘s flat. Joey maintained they were “just friends” and had known each other for years, but the incident became a public topic of discussion. His participation in multiple dating shows like Celebs Go Dating and Love Island often leads to transient relationships that, while generating public interest, are typically part of the show’s narrative rather than significant controversies.

Social Media Presence

Joey Essex maintains a significant and active presence across various social media platforms, which serves as a key component of his ongoing public engagement and brand partnerships.

• Instagram: As of August 2025, Joey Essex boasts approximately 1.9 million followers on Instagram (@joeyessex). His account is a hub for updates on his personal life, career projects, fitness journey, and sponsored content, making him a ‘mega influencer’ in the digital sphere.
• X (formerly Twitter): He is also active on X, where he shares thoughts, interacts with fans, and promotes his work. While a precise current follower count for X is not immediately available, he frequently trends on the platform, indicating a substantial following and engagement.
• YouTube: Joey Essex has a presence on YouTube, with various clips and highlights from his reality TV appearances and interviews available, including content from his recent boxing endeavors. While not primarily a YouTuber, these channels contribute to his overall online visibility.

His large social media following not only amplifies his personal brand but also provides a platform for lucrative endorsement deals, contributing significantly to his net worth.

Final Words about Joey Essex

Joey Essex has carved out a unique and enduring niche in the landscape of British celebrity. From his unforgettable debut on The Only Way Is Essex to his continued presence on a myriad of reality TV shows, he has demonstrated remarkable staying power and an ability to reinvent himself. His public image, often characterized by a blend of innocence and charisma, has evolved, revealing a more introspective side, particularly through his documentary work on grief.

Looking ahead, Joey Essex continues to embrace new challenges. His recent and highly anticipated venture into professional boxing marks a significant departure from his reality TV roots, showcasing a disciplined and determined facet of his personality. Coupled with ongoing media appearances and a strong social media presence, his future plans suggest a continued evolution of his brand. From an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK to a dedicated athlete, Joey Essex’s journey reflects a celebrity who remains engaged with both his personal growth and his public platform, ensuring his enduring relevance in the entertainment industry.