Joey Essex is returning to the Misfits boxing ring this weekend, with his rollercoaster love life back in the spotlight after he suddenly called off his engagement.
Early romances and TOWIE fame
His most famous high-profile romance began on TOWIE with Sam Faiers (2011–2014). Despite getting engaged during a 2013 Dubai trip, they split four months later. A brief off-screen 2014 reunion failed to last, and Joey later confirmed in 2019 that they no longer speak.
Following his split from Sam, Joey hit it off with Miss Universe Great Britain model Amy Willerton (2013) on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, but intense post-show media attention quickly ended the fling.
Celebs Go Dating and reality TV connections
Joey connected with Made In Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt (2016) while filming Celebs Go Dating. The couple dated for three months before Joey ended the relationship, complaining that she made him spend too much time in Chelsea.
After Ellie Brown (2018) posted a video kissing Joey, the two shared a brief romance. They later reunited on Celebrity Ex On The Beach to clear the air, ending their history on amicable terms.
Lockdown and later relationships
After falling in love on Ex On The Beach, Mexican model Lorena Medina (2018–2020) moved into his Essex home to discuss marriage and children. The romance ended dramatically when Joey spent the night out with Rita Ora without telling her.
Joey maintained he and Rita Ora were just longtime friends after being seen together. Later in October 2022, he caused a stir when photographed kissing Love Island star Maura Higgins, though they never confirmed dating.
During lockdown, Joey had a whirlwind five-month relationship with Brazilian model Brenda Santos (2020). The romance fizzled out by autumn 2020, leading Brenda to move out of his Essex mansion.
Joey briefly connected with Maria Thattil on Australian I'm A Celebrity, then dated his Dancing on Ice partner Vanessa Bauer (2022–2023) from late 2022 until splitting in spring 2023.
