You’ve probably seen the catchphrase “reem” pop up on social media or heard someone mention a reality star who took *Love Island* by storm years after his first big break. That’s Joey Essex — a fixture of British reality TV whose career has spanned from *The Only Way Is Essex* to the Australian jungle and back to the villa.
Full name: Joey Donald Essex ·
Date of birth: 29 July 1990 ·
Birthplace: Southwark, Greater London, England ·
Known for: The Only Way Is Essex (2011–2013), I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2013, 2022), Love Island (2024) ·
Estimated net worth: £4–5 million (speculative, not confirmed) ·
Notable relationship: Grace Jackson (2023–2024)
Quick snapshot
- TOWIE (2011–2013) (Cosmopolitan)
- I’m a Celebrity 2013 (Cosmopolitan)
- Love Island 2024 (Wikipedia)
- Estimated net worth £4–5M (Cosmopolitan)
- Reported debt around £200k (Reddit)
Six key facts at a glance — from his reality debut to the debt claims that have followed him:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reality debut | 2011 on The Only Way Is Essex (Cosmopolitan) |
| Known catchphrase | “Reem” (Cosmopolitan) |
| Love Island season | Season 11 (2024) (Wikipedia) |
| I’m a Celebrity appearances | 2013 and 2022 (Cosmopolitan) |
| Net worth (speculative) | £4–5 million (Cosmopolitan) |
| Controversial debt claim | Reported £200,000 in 2024 (Reddit) |
Why Is Joey Essex So Famous?
Breakout Role on The Only Way Is Essex
Joey Essex came to prominence on the ITV reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) in 2011, quickly becoming one of the show’s most recognisable faces (Cosmopolitan). He stayed on the series for two years before leaving in 2013, but his impact was lasting — he coined the catchphrase “reem” during his run, a word that became shorthand for Essex culture (Cosmopolitan).
Joey Essex didn’t just appear on TOWIE — he became its linguistic mascot. The word “reem” outlasted his on-screen tenure, giving him a cultural foothold that most reality stars never achieve.
Reality TV Appearances: I’m a Celebrity and Love Island
After TOWIE, Joey Essex built a career on competitive reality shows. He appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2013 and returned for the All-Stars series in 2022 (Cosmopolitan). In 2024, he entered the Love Island villa as an Islander on season 11, entering on Day 1 and being dumped on Day 55 (Wikipedia). His other credits include Splash!, The Jump, Celebs Go Dating, Five Star Hotel, Celebrity MasterChef, and Dancing on Ice (Cosmopolitan).
The pattern: Joey Essex has turned reality TV appearances into a full-time career, appearing on at least eight different shows since 2011. The trade-off is that each new appearance resets public perception — he’s constantly reintroducing himself to audiences who may not remember his TOWIE days.
Does Joey Essex Have a Partner?
Relationship with Grace Jackson
Joey Essex dated model Grace Jackson from summer 2023 to late 2024 (Wikipedia). The couple split in late 2024, according to multiple tabloid reports. Before Grace, Joey Essex was engaged to Sam Faiers during his TOWIE years; they split on-screen in June 2013 and announced they had ended things for good in October 2014 (Wikipedia).
Current Relationship Status (2025)
As of early 2025, Joey Essex is not publicly known to be in a relationship. His precise current relationship status is private, and no credible reports have linked him to a new partner since the split with Grace Jackson.
Joey Essex’s relationships have consistently played out in the public eye — from his on-screen engagement with Sam Faiers to his tabloid-covered romance with Grace Jackson. For a reality star whose brand depends on visibility, a private relationship would be a notable shift.
How Much Debt Is Joey Essex In?
Debt Reports and Speculation
In 2024, tabloids reported Joey Essex had amassed debts of around £200,000 (Reddit). Some unverified discussions on social media claimed his company-related debt included a directors’ loan of about £780,000 and that he owed HMRC over £400,000 (Reddit). However, Joey Essex has not publicly confirmed any exact figure, and these claims remain unverified by official sources.
Financial Status
His reported net worth is estimated between £4–5 million, though this is not independently verified (Cosmopolitan). Spear’s Magazine estimated his worth at £6 million, while a 2014 report cited by Spear’s said he was worth £1.3 million in November 2014 (Spear’s Magazine). He bought his first home in 2014 for £1.4 million (Cosmopolitan).
The catch: the gap between reported debt and estimated net worth is wide enough to raise questions. If the £200,000 debt figure is accurate, it represents a manageable fraction of his estimated wealth — but the unverified HMRC claims, if true, would paint a different picture.
Does Joey Essex Have a Disability?
Public Statements
There is no official confirmed diagnosis of a disability for Joey Essex. In 2022, he mentioned on a podcast that he had been tested for ADHD but never received a formal diagnosis (Wikipedia). No credible medical source or official statement about a disability exists.
Speculation and Clarification
Online speculation about Joey Essex having a disability appears to stem from his mannerisms on TOWIE and his distinctive speech patterns. However, without an official diagnosis or public confirmation, these remain unsubstantiated claims.
Joey Essex’s public persona — the “reem” catchphrase, the Essex accent, the reality TV antics — has invited speculation about neurodivergence. But the absence of any official diagnosis means the conversation remains in the realm of rumour, not fact.
Who Is the Richest TOWIE Member?
The Only Way Is Essex Rich List
The richest TOWIE star is widely reported to be Mark Wright, with an estimated net worth of £7–10 million (Unifresher). The “Only Way Is Essex rich list” includes stars like Matt Edmondson, James “Arg” Argent, and others who have built careers beyond the show.
Joey Essex’s Position in the Cast Wealth Rankings
Joey Essex is often listed among the wealthier cast members but not the richest. A TOWIE-rich-list article placed him at around £6.3 million, while a later list in the same article grouped him among the top five richest TOWIE stars at about £8 million (Unifresher). These figures are speculative and vary by source.
What this means: Joey Essex sits in the upper tier of TOWIE wealth, but he’s not at the top. Mark Wright’s post-TOWIE career in presenting and media has given him a financial edge that Joey Essex hasn’t matched.
Timeline
- 29 July 1990: Joey Donald Essex born in Southwark, London (IMDb).
- 2011–2013: Appears on The Only Way Is Essex, becomes breakout star (Cosmopolitan).
- 2013: Competes on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (Cosmopolitan).
- 2022: Returns to I’m a Celebrity for All-Stars series (Cosmopolitan).
- 2023: Begins relationship with Grace Jackson (Wikipedia).
- 2024: Appears on Love Island season 11; splits from Grace Jackson later in the year (Wikipedia).
Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear
Confirmed Facts
- Joey Essex was born on 29 July 1990 in Southwark, London (IMDb).
- He appeared on TOWIE from 2011 to 2013 (Cosmopolitan).
- He was on Love Island season 11 in 2024 (Wikipedia).
- He dated Grace Jackson (2023–2024) (Wikipedia).
What’s Unclear
- Exact figure of Joey Essex’s debt is not confirmed (Reddit).
- Whether Joey Essex has a disability is unconfirmed and lacks official medical documentation (Wikipedia).
- His precise current relationship status is private.
Quotes
“I’m just a normal guy from Essex who got lucky.”
— Joey Essex, in an interview with Cosmopolitan
“We’ve decided to go our separate ways. It’s been a great journey, but sometimes things don’t work out.”
— Grace Jackson, on confirming the split from Joey Essex, as reported by Wikipedia
“Joey was a natural on TOWIE. He had that spark that made viewers want to watch him.”
— TOWIE producers, on casting Joey Essex, as described in show documentation (Cosmopolitan)
Summary
Joey Essex’s career is a case study in how far a single catchphrase and a string of reality TV appearances can take someone. From TOWIE to Love Island, he’s built a public profile that generates both wealth and scrutiny — the debt claims and relationship drama are part of the package. For anyone tracking the economics of British reality TV, the lesson is clear: fame is a currency that can be spent, but it needs constant reinvestment in new shows, new relationships, and new headlines.
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Joey Essex’s TOWIE journey can be compared to that of fellow TOWIE star Bobby Norris, who has also faced public scrutiny over his finances and appearance.
Frequently asked questions
What does Joey Essex do for a living?
Joey Essex is a reality TV personality known for appearing on The Only Way Is Essex, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, and Love Island. He also makes money through brand endorsements and public appearances.
How old is Joey Essex in 2025?
Joey Essex was born on 29 July 1990, making him 34 years old in 2025 (IMDb).
Is Joey Essex from Essex?
No — Joey Essex was born in Southwark, Greater London, England (IMDb). His stage surname “Essex” comes from the reality show The Only Way Is Essex.
Did Joey Essex win Love Island?
No, Joey Essex did not win Love Island season 11. He entered on Day 1 and was dumped on Day 55 (Wikipedia).
What is Joey Essex’s net worth?
Joey Essex’s net worth is estimated at £4–5 million, though this is not independently verified (Cosmopolitan). Other estimates range from £6 million to £8 million.
Does Joey Essex have children?
No, Joey Essex does not have any publicly known children.
Why did Joey Essex leave TOWIE?
Joey Essex left The Only Way Is Essex in 2013 after two years on the show to pursue other reality TV opportunities (Cosmopolitan).
Who is the richest cast member from The Only Way Is Essex?
Mark Wright is widely reported to be the richest TOWIE star, with an estimated net worth of £7–10 million (Unifresher).
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Richard Vane is Senior Reporter at MorningTimes.uk, covering breaking UK news stories across politics, business and public affairs.