Joey Essex and his Love Island partner Jessy Potts narrowly missed out on a spot in the 2024 final, after being dramatically dumped by the ghosts of the ITV2 villa's past on Sunday night's episode (July 28). But what has happened with their relationship since their exit, and are they still together now?
The former TOWIE star – whose involvement in the current season of Love Island was a legitimate, if not divisive, shock for audiences – had quite a journey during his time on the show.
He first decided to couple with OG girl Samantha, and they spent two weeks in their pairing. Then his ex Grace was sent in as a bombshell, and they quickly rekindled their romance which ultimately left Samantha single.
But when Jessy arrived, everything changed again for Joey. They coupled up not long after she walked in as a newer bombshell, and they have remained loyal to each other ever since – even making it through Casa Amor and flirtations from new girl Lola.
During their final date on the ITV2 show, Joey and Jessy discussed their future on the outside and decided to be exclusive.
Are Joey and Jessy from Love Island still together now?
The couple's emotional exit scenes aired in the last episode before the live Love Island final, meaning that they just missed out on the chance to be finalists.
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Speaking after leaving the villa, Jessy reflected back on her entrance to the dating show and the connection she felt with Joey from the start.
"I loved our first date, I was very intrigued by Joey right from the beginning and I was interested in getting to know him as a person away from anything I'd seen previously," she said.
"I was really surprised with how well we got on because it was immediate and I instantly felt a connection. I was taken aback by how interested he was in me from the offset."
When asked what attracted her to Joey, Jessy explained: "Joey is the most kindhearted person and whether or not that translates because he often gets himself into trouble he is very caring, kind and thoughtful. I could see past the persona and I like him for who he is which is all that matters to me."
Related: Love Island's Grace shares Reuben relationship update
Jessy also made it clear that she didn't have a "single regret" from her time on the show, adding that she "stayed true" to herself "from the offset".
Addressing the "tests" that she and Joey went through, Jessy said that they "brought us even closer together".
"We are in such a good place and I found exactly what I went into the villa looking for," Jessy added.
Responding to any doubters of their relationship, Jessy said: "We know how strong our connection is and as does everyone else in the villa, if they don't believe it now they will see on the outside."
As for what's next for the couple, who left Love Island exclusively dating, Jessy shared: "First on the list is to meet each other's family and friends and visit Essex for the first time. Joey is going to take me for dinner at Sheesh and we want to go on holiday to LA and The Maldives."
Related: Love Island star felt "like a spare part" during 2024 series
As for Joey, he revealed that Jessy took him "by surprise" when she arrived and that he "fancied her straight away".
"I could tell we had an instant connection and she was a bit of me," he continued. "We had something that was quite strong, and hopefully proved that to people by sticking with each other throughout Casa and right up to the end."
Defending his relationship with Jessy from those that might question it, Joey said: "I understand some people might be sceptical considering how my earlier connections in the villa ended up but ultimately the show is about finding a true connection and the best connection possible and that's what I did."
Love Island airs on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
