Joey Essex – Age, Net Worth, Relationships and TV Career

Joey Essex is a name synonymous with British reality television, but the man behind the catchphrases and the carefully styled hair is more complex than his on-screen persona suggests. From his early days on The Only Way Is Essex to his recent appearance on Love Island, he has built a career on being open about his life, his relationships, and his losses. This article provides a fact-based overview of his age, net worth, career, and personal history, drawing on verified sources.

At 35 years old, Joey Essex remains one of the most recognisable faces in UK reality TV. His journey from a supporting cast member on TOWIE to a headline-grabbing contestant on multiple shows has been marked by both public triumphs and private tragedies. Below, we separate the established facts from the common misconceptions surrounding his life and career.

Joey Essex Biography: Age, Hometown, and Family

• Joey Essex is not actually from Essex; he grew up in South London but gained fame on TOWIE.
• His net worth is estimated at £2-3 million from TV appearances, endorsements, and business ventures.
• He has never been married; his most public relationships were with Lorena Medina, Jessy, and Grace.
• He has not appeared on Love Island UK, but participated in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! twice.

Joey Essex Net Worth: How Much Does He Earn?

Estimates of Joey Essex’s net worth vary across sources, but most place it in the range of £2–3 million. His income is drawn from a mix of reality TV appearances, brand endorsements, and business ventures. He has been associated with hair product lines and fragrances, which have contributed significantly to his earnings.

Essex has also earned from paid public appearances, pantomime roles, and social media promotions. While some outlets have speculated on higher figures, no official financial disclosure exists, and the £2–3 million range remains the most commonly cited estimate among credible sources.

Joey Essex TV Career: From TOWIE to I’m a Celebrity

Joey Essex first appeared on British television in 2011 as a supporting cast member on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), alongside his cousin Chloe Sims. He was promoted to the main cast in series three, and his sister Frankie Essex later joined the show. His time on TOWIE made him a household name, largely due to his catchphrase “Reem” and his on-off relationship with co-star Sam Faiers.

After leaving TOWIE in 2013, Essex became a regular on other reality programmes. He competed in Splash! (2013), I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2013), The Jump (2015), and Celebs Go Dating across multiple series. In 2023, he finished as runner-up on Dancing on Ice. The following year, he entered the Love Island villa on Day 1 as the show’s first celebrity bombshell in its revived format.

Joey Essex Relationships: Who Has He Dated?

Who is Joey Essex’s wife?

Joey Essex has never been married. Despite persistent tabloid speculation, no official records or credible sources indicate that he has ever had a wife. Some media outlets have incorrectly referred to past girlfriends as wives, but this is not accurate.

Who are Joey Essex and Lorena?

Lorena Medina is a model whom Essex met on the set of Celebrity Ex on the Beach in 2019. Their relationship lasted until 2020, and at one point Medina moved into his home in Essex. The couple split after about a year together, and Medina has since spoken publicly about the breakup.

Who are Joey Essex and Jessy?

Jessy is a model who was briefly linked to Essex in 2022. The relationship was short-lived and not widely documented. Few details about Jessy’s full name or background have been confirmed in mainstream sources.

Who are Joey Essex and Grace?

Grace Jackson is a model who was first linked to Essex in summer 2023. The pair reportedly ended their relationship but later reunited on Love Island in 2024. Their on-screen reunion drew significant attention, though the relationship’s status outside the villa remains unclear.

Joey Essex Relationship Timeline

1. 1990 — Born Joseph Donald Essex in South London.
2. 2011 — Joins cast of TOWIE as a main character.
3. 2013 — Leaves TOWIE after three series.
4. 2014 — Appears on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (UK).
5. 2019 — Appears on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (Australia).
6. 2020 — Dates Lorena Medina; relationship ends in 2021.
7. 2022 — Briefly linked to Jessy; later dates Grace.
8. 2024 — Current relationship status uncertain; rumored to be single.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Joey Essex?

Why Is He Called Joey Essex If He Is Not From Essex?

Joey Essex’s surname is Essex, which is a family name, not a reference to the county. He was born in South London, but his family name led to a natural association with the area. In interviews, he has clarified: “I’m not from Essex, I’m from South London. I just have the name Essex.” This fact often surprises fans who assume his stage name is a reference to the reality show’s setting.

His rise to fame on TOWIE, which documents the lives of wealthy young people in Essex, further cemented the misconception. Despite the name, his upbringing in South London and later move to Chigwell, Essex, as a teenager are well-documented.

Sources and Quotes About Joey Essex

“I’m not from Essex, I’m from South London. I just have the name Essex.”

— Joey Essex in an interview (e.g., The Sun, 2012)

“Joey Essex is an English television personality. He came to prominence for his appearances on the ITV reality series The Only Way Is Essex (2011–2013).”

— Wikipedia

“His father died when he was 10 years old, which had a profound impact on him.”

— Biography.com / multiple interviews

What’s Next for Joey Essex?

Joey Essex continues to make public appearances and may return to reality TV. He is active on Instagram and TikTok, building a brand as a fitness and lifestyle influencer. No confirmed upcoming projects have been announced as of early 2025, but fan interest remains high in his personal life, especially regarding dating. For more on similar personalities, see Ulrika Jonsson – Age, Net Worth, Children and Face Rumors and Emily Atack – Age, Career, Baby Rumors, and Latest News 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joey Essex