Joey Essex Net Worth, Love Island Bombshell & Reality TV Star

Joey Essex is a British television personality who has become one of the most recognizable faces in reality entertainment, transforming from a supporting cast member on The Only Way Is Essex into a multi-million-pound media empire builder. Born on July 29, 1990, in Southwark, London, Essex has built a career spanning reality television competitions, business ventures, and most recently, professional boxing, while also becoming an advocate for mental health awareness following the tragic loss of his mother during his childhood.

Table of Contents

Over the past fourteen years, Joey has appeared on more than twenty-five reality television shows, ranging from diving competitions to international dating formats, establishing himself as the ultimate television crossover personality. His net worth of approximately £8 million reflects not only his television earnings but also revenue from business ventures including hair care lines, fragrances, clothing collections, and property investments. Beyond entertainment, Essex’s journey from The Only Way Is Essex newcomer to Love Island bombshell and Misfits Boxing fighter demonstrates his ability to reinvent himself across different entertainment mediums while maintaining significant public appeal.

Early Life and Tragic Loss

Joey Essex grew up in East London, specifically Southwark, before his family relocated to Chigwell in Essex during his adolescence. He attended West Hatch High School in Chigwell, where he achieved GCSE qualifications in Art, Drama, and Design & Technology. However, his childhood was marked by profound tragedy that would shape his entire life trajectory. At age ten, his mother Tina took her own life after struggling with severe mental health issues stemming from candida, a yeast imbalance in the gut that triggered depression and other serious health complications.

Following his mother’s death, Joey and his older sister Frankie were raised by their father Donny. Rather than discuss the loss openly, young Joey internalized his grief, describing in later years how he felt “frozen in time” by the tragedy. For nearly two decades, he avoided displaying photographs of his mother in his home and refrained from discussing her suicide with close friends and family members. This suppression of grief would later become central to his personal development work and advocacy.

Rise to Fame on The Only Way Is Essex

Joey Essex’s television career began in 2011 when he joined The Only Way Is Essex, an ITV reality series following the lives of wealthy young professionals in Essex. Initially appearing as a supporting cast member alongside his cousin Chloe Sims in the second series, Essex quickly became a fan favorite due to his charismatic personality and frequent catchphrases, most notably “reem,” which became synonymous with his public persona. His popularity led to his promotion to main cast status in the third series, where he remained a central figure throughout his tenure on the show.

During his time on TOWIE from 2011 to 2013, Essex appeared in over one hundred episodes and became one of the show’s defining characters. The cast even recorded and released a single titled “Reem” in 2011, which reflected the show’s cultural significance during that period. Essex’s on-screen relationships, particularly his on-and-off engagement with fellow cast member Sam Faiers, generated significant media attention and cemented his status as a celebrity personality. When he left the show in November 2013, Essex had established enough recognition to transition successfully into competition-based reality television.

Diverse Television Career

Following his departure from TOWIE, Essex embarked on an unprecedented run of reality television appearances that earned him the unofficial title of “King of Reality TV.” In 2013 alone, he competed on three separate reality shows: Splash!, where he participated in diving competitions; I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, where he finished in fourth place after 20 days in the Australian jungle and received £60,000 for his participation; and Celebrity Ex on the Beach. The I’m a Celebrity appearance proved particularly significant, as it introduced Essex to a mainstream television audience beyond TOWIE viewers.

In 2015, Essex achieved his greatest television triumph by winning the entire second series of Channel 4’s The Jump, a winter sports competition show. This victory demonstrated his competitive ability and willingness to participate in physically demanding challenges. Throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, Essex maintained steady television presence through shows including Celebs Go Dating (2016-2019, 2021), Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (2020), Dancing on Ice (2023), and All Star Shore (2022).

His television career reached a new milestone in June 2024 when he became the first celebrity bombshell to enter the Love Island villa during series eleven of the ITV2 dating show. Essex’s entry created significant fan reactions, as his appearance challenged the show’s traditional format of featuring non-famous contestants. During his time on Love Island, he initially coupled with Samantha Kenny before his attention turned toward bombshell Grace Jackson (with whom he had prior history outside the villa) and eventually Jessy Potts, with whom he remained coupled until the final week when they were voted off by other islanders. Though Essex and Potts confirmed their split just seven weeks after leaving the villa, his Love Island appearance proved that reality television producers continued viewing him as a bankable entertainment commodity at age 34.

Netflix’s Selling Sunset Appearance

In an unexpected crossover moment, Essex appeared on Netflix’s Selling Sunset season eight in September 2024, filmed earlier in the year during a six-week stay in Los Angeles with his cousin Chloe Sims. During the episodes, real estate agent Chelsea Lazkani showed Essex a luxury three-bedroom, four-bathroom home listed at $5.25 million (approximately £4 million) in the Hollywood Hills. Essex’s appearance included typical reality television antics, such as inquiring whether the property featured an indoor or outdoor nightclub and flirting with fellow Oppenheim Group agent Emma Hernan. Although the show suggested Essex was considering relocating to Los Angeles, no evidence emerged confirming his purchase of the property or permanent move to America.

Mental Health Advocacy and Documentary

In 2021, Essex demonstrated a more serious dimension to his public persona when he addressed his mother’s suicide and its lasting psychological impact through the BBC Three documentary Joey Essex: Grief and Me. In the one-hour documentary broadcast on June 3, 2021, Essex worked with clinical psychologist Dr. Stephen Blumenthal to process the grief he had suppressed for more than twenty years. The program showed Essex learning to display photographs of his mother throughout his home and recognizing how her death had influenced his relationship patterns, particularly his tendency to sabotage romantic partnerships.

During the documentary, Essex revealed that he had previously believed that if his mother truly loved him, she would not have left him through suicide, a trauma response that manifested in his adult relationships through preemptive abandonment behaviors. He explained, “I’m already thinking we’re gonna break up before we’re together. I’m pushing it away.” Since the documentary’s release, Essex has become an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK and has spoken publicly about the importance of processing grief and mental health support. This work represented a significant pivot from Essex’s earlier public image as solely an entertainment personality.

Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Beyond television, Essex has developed an impressive portfolio of business ventures that have substantially contributed to his estimated £8 million net worth. In 2013, he launched D’Reem Hair, a hair styling product line exclusively sold at Tesco supermarkets. The range initially consisted of five products designed for men’s styling: beach spray, gel, wax, paste, and putty, with prices ranging from £2.99 to £3.99. The products were developed to help customers achieve specific looks that Essex had popularized during his TOWIE tenure, including the “wet look,” the “marbs” style, and the spiked aesthetic.

Following the success of D’Reem Hair, Essex expanded his hair care business to include A-Lister Locks, a female-focused hair care range also available at Tesco supermarkets. This expansion line includes Volumising Powder, Sea Salt Spray, Super Shine Spray, and Extreme Hold Hairspray, priced from £4.49. Beyond hair care, Essex has launched two fragrances, created a clothing line, and operated Fusey, a boutique retail store in Essex that remained open for three years. He has also secured lucrative brand partnerships with major corporations including McDonald’s, Volvic, and Batchelors Cup-a-Soup, generating additional revenue streams.

Property Investment and Financial Growth

Essex’s financial success extends beyond entertainment and brand partnerships into real estate investment. In 2014, he purchased his first property valued at £1.4 million, marking the beginning of his portfolio construction strategy. This early investment in property demonstrated sophisticated financial planning and has contributed substantially to his net worth accumulation over the subsequent decade. His appearance on Selling Sunset showcased his interest in international property markets, particularly the luxury residential segment in Los Angeles.

His appearance on Selling Sunset suggested interest in high-value properties, with the $5.25 million mansion representing his potential purchasing power. While Essex ultimately did not purchase the specific property shown on the Netflix series, his ability to view and seriously consider properties at that price point illustrates the financial position he had achieved through his diverse career endeavors. His real estate holdings and property investments now form a significant component of his estimated £8 million net worth.

Professional Boxing Debut

In a surprising career pivot that stunned his fan base, Essex announced his professional boxing debut in 2025, leveraging his family’s boxing heritage. His father, Donald Essex, was a successful amateur boxer, while his uncle Tony Sims is a renowned professional boxing trainer who has worked with elite fighters including Anthony Joshua, Conor Benn, and Joe Cordina. Essex underwent an intensive training program under his uncle’s guidance at his Romford gym, where cousin Demi Sims also prepared for her boxing debut.

On August 30, 2025, Essex made his professional boxing debut at Misfits 22 (Ring of Thrones) at the AO Arena in Manchester, facing Portuguese influencer Numeiro. The fight concluded with Essex winning by majority decision after three rounds of competitive action. Essex adopted the professional moniker “Joey Essex” and fought at a competitive weight class, having undergone a significant physical transformation through rigorous training regimens. The bout generated substantial media coverage, with commentators noting both the athletic display and the unconventional nature of reality television star crossover boxing.

Essex’s boxing entry placed him alongside other celebrity athletes who have pursued professional boxing, including YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul. In interviews prior to the fight, Essex emphasized that he was fighting to demonstrate a “raw version” of his personality beyond his television persona, stating, “I want people to see the courage and strength and heart I’ve got. My life and career are a persona. You’re going to get the real me.” He expressed excitement about the experience despite acknowledging the physical toll, noting that sparring three times weekly and receiving punches during training sessions challenged him mentally and physically.

Television Projects and Recent Work

As of late 2025, Essex continues actively expanding his entertainment portfolio. In October 2025, he teased details about a new television project filmed for ITV1 called The Box, hosted by Gary Lineker. Essex disclosed that he had completed filming immediately following his professional boxing debut, transitioning directly from the boxing ring to a new television set. This continued commitment to content creation demonstrates his intention to maintain his presence as a prominent entertainment personality despite his boxing endeavors.

Essex’s ability to balance professional boxing training with television production work illustrates the time management and professional discipline he has developed throughout his career. His willingness to continue pursuing new television opportunities while maintaining his boxing commitment suggests he intends boxing to become an ongoing component of his professional portfolio rather than a one-time entertainment experiment.

Personal Relationships and Dating History

Essex’s romantic life has generated substantial media coverage throughout his television career. His most significant early relationship was with fellow TOWIE cast member Sam Faiers, with whom he was engaged on two separate occasions between 2011 and 2014. The on-and-off relationship provided significant storyline material for TOWIE during its peak viewership years. After his departure from TOWIE, Essex’s dating history included relationships with former Miss Universe Great Britain Amy Willerton (2013), model Lorena Medina (2019-2020), Brazilian model Brenda Santos (2020), former Love Island contestant Ellie Brown (2018), and Love Island bombshell Grace Jackson (early 2024).

His most recent public relationship was with Jessy Potts, whom he met on Love Island 2024. The couple remained coupled throughout the villa experience and continued dating for seven weeks after leaving the show before confirming their split in September 2024. Essex attributed the breakup to scheduling conflicts and his increasing commitment to boxing training, with sources indicating that both he and Potts were managing hectic schedules following their Love Island appearances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joey Essex and what is he famous for?

Joey Essex is an English television personality who became famous through his appearances on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) from 2011 to 2013. He has since become one of the most prolific reality television personalities in the UK, appearing on more than twenty-five television shows including I’m a Celebrity, The Jump (which he won), Dancing on Ice, Love Island, and Selling Sunset. Beyond television, he has built business ventures in hair care, fragrances, and clothing, achieving an estimated net worth of £8 million.

What is Joey Essex’s net worth?

Joey Essex’s net worth is estimated at approximately £8 million as of 2024-2025. His wealth stems from multiple sources including reality television appearances (earning £60,000 for I’m a Celebrity in 2013 and £211,000 for the Australian version in 2022), business ventures including his D’Reem Hair and A-Lister Locks product lines, brand partnerships with major corporations, property investments, and his professional boxing career. His first property purchase in 2014 was valued at £1.4 million.

Why did Joey Essex’s mother pass away?

Joey Essex’s mother, Tina Essex, took her own life when Joey was ten years old. She suffered severe mental health issues caused by candida, a yeast imbalance in the gut that triggered depression and other serious health complications. Rather than being told the truth immediately, Joey and his sister Frankie were initially told their mother had fallen and died. They would later learn the truth about her suicide, which profoundly impacted Joey’s psychological development and relationship patterns throughout his adult life.

What is the Joey Essex BBC documentary about?

The BBC Three documentary Joey Essex: Grief and Me, broadcast on June 3, 2021, explores the impact of his mother’s suicide on his psychological wellbeing and relationship patterns. Working with clinical psychologist Dr. Stephen Blumenthal, Essex processes trauma he had suppressed for more than twenty years, learning to display photographs of his mother and recognizing how her death influenced his tendency to sabotage romantic relationships through preemptive abandonment behaviors. The documentary marked a significant public acknowledgment of his mental health journey.

Did Joey Essex buy the house on Selling Sunset?

No, Joey Essex did not purchase the $5.25 million (£4 million) Hollywood Hills property shown on Selling Sunset season eight. Although agent Chelsea Lazkani displayed the luxury three-bedroom, four-bathroom mansion to Essex during filming, no follow-up transactions were reported, and Essex made no public announcements about purchasing the property or relocating to Los Angeles permanently. His appearance on the show was filmed during a six-week stay in LA while visiting his cousin Chloe Sims.

How did Joey Essex and Jessy Potts meet?

Joey Essex and Jessy Potts met on Love Island series eleven in June 2024, when Essex entered as the first celebrity bombshell. Initially coupled with Samantha Kenny, Essex’s attention shifted after bombshell Grace Jackson entered (with whom he had prior history outside the villa), and then to Jessy Potts. The couple remained coupled until the final week when they were voted off by other islanders. They continued dating for seven weeks after leaving the villa before confirming their split in September 2024, citing scheduling conflicts and intensive boxing training commitments.

What is Joey Essex’s boxing record?

Joey Essex made his professional boxing debut on August 30, 2025, at Misfits 22 (Ring of Thrones) at the AO Arena in Manchester, fighting against Portuguese influencer Numeiro. Essex won the fight by majority decision after three competitive rounds. He trained extensively under his uncle Tony Sims, a renowned professional boxing trainer who has worked with elite fighters including Anthony Joshua and Conor Benn. His boxing entry was driven partly by his family heritage, as his father was an amateur boxer.

What businesses has Joey Essex owned?

Joey Essex has launched several successful business ventures including D’Reem Hair (a men’s hair styling product line launched in 2013 available at Tesco), A-Lister Locks (a female-focused hair care range), two fragrances, a clothing line, and Fusey, a boutique retail store in Essex that operated for three years. He has also secured brand partnerships with McDonald’s, Volvic, and Batchelors Cup-a-Soup. These ventures, combined with his real estate investments, have contributed substantially to his estimated £8 million net worth.

When was Joey Essex on Love Island?

Joey Essex appeared on Love Island series eleven in June 2024, making history as the show’s first celebrity bombshell to enter during the revived version of the format. He entered on the evening of Day 1 and remained in the villa until the final week, when he and his partner Jessy Potts were voted off by other islanders. His appearance on the ITV2 dating show generated substantial media attention and proved that reality television producers continued viewing him as a bankable entertainment personality at age 34.

What is Joey Essex’s relationship with his family?

Joey Essex has a close relationship with his family, particularly his sister Frankie Essex, who also appeared on The Only Way Is Essex. His cousin Chloe Sims, another prominent TOWIE cast member, has remained a significant part of his personal and professional life, introducing him to contacts during his Los Angeles stay. His uncle Tony Sims, a renowned professional boxing trainer, has played a central role in his recent professional boxing career development. The Essex family has strong connections to professional boxing through his father’s amateur career and his uncle’s professional training expertise.

Does Joey Essex have any mental health advocacy work?

Yes, Joey Essex has become an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK following the loss of his mother to suicide when he was ten years old. He has spoken publicly about the importance of processing grief and mental health support, particularly through his involvement in the BBC Three documentary Joey Essex: Grief and Me. Essex has used his public platform to raise awareness about childhood bereavement and the psychological impacts of parental suicide, contributing to broader conversations about mental health within the entertainment industry.

What television projects has Joey Essex recently completed?

As of October 2025, Joey Essex has completed filming for ITV1’s The Box, hosted by Gary Lineker. He disclosed these details during the Pride of Britain Awards 2025 red carpet event, noting that he had transitioned directly from his professional boxing debut to television production work. Essex continues to pursue new entertainment opportunities while maintaining his boxing commitments, suggesting he intends to balance both entertainment and athletic endeavors in his ongoing career development.

joey essex

London Time Now