Love Island viewers were left shocked on Wednesday night as Joey Essex's connection with new bombshell Lola was revealed, highlighting a significant age gap. The 33-year-old reality star admitted to knowing the 22-year-old Lola outside the villa, prompting a wave of reactions on social media.
During the episode, new arrivals Harry and Lola entered the villa, and it quickly emerged that Joey and Lola had been interacting on Instagram, liking each other's posts. Lola later chose to couple up with Joey and Reuben, who are currently partnered with Jessy and Grace respectively.
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their disbelief at the age difference. One user wrote: 'did Lola say she’s 22 & did Joey say he knows her?? #loveisland.' Another added: 'Lola’s 22 and joey is what 33? Them knowing each other is a madness #loveIsland.' A third commented: 'Why does Joey a 33 year old, know Lola a 22 year old?! #loveisland.'
The bombshells arrived during a special VIP party, where pop star Jess Glynne performed hits including her new single 'Summer's Back'. However, the festivities were interrupted by host Maya Jama, who announced that the public had voted for the most compatible couple and that one couple would be dumped from the island.
