LOVE Island viewers are convinced that Joey Essex is not over his ex girlfriend Grace Jackson.
As the drama in the Love Island villa continues, eagle eyed viewers have spotted clues from Joey Essex that he may still harbour feelings for his former girlfriend.
Despite being coupled up with Jessy, fans believe the TOWIE star is ‘obsessed’ with his model ex. And they’re not the only ones.
Fellow islanders Josh and Harry discussed events the next morning, as they both appeared to agree that the Essex lad appears to ‘go in’ on his former partner.
Josh asked: “What did you think about Joey’s comments?”
However Harry, who recently coupled up with Grace, revealed he doesn’t feel its ‘his place’ to step in on the comments or defend his girl.
He responded: “At the end of the day, he’s got a big ego innit.”
Josh pointed out: “This is not the first challenge that he’s mentioned her name though.”
Harry replied: “I don’t really think its my place to say, as I’ve only known her five minutes.”
Viewers also appeared to agree, as one wrote on social media: “I love how Josh is clocking how Joey also brings up Grace’s name in challenges because that grown man is OBSESSED.”
Another added: “Joey is giving obsessive & harassment. He still wants Grace.”
“Joey talking about not wanting to hear the truth but the fact he’s not Grace’s type goes in one ear and straight out the other,” said a third.
A fourth posted: “Joey is in love with grace and can’t handle that she might not feel the same.”
Another shared: “Joey is so obsessed with Grace and it’s weird. We know Grace isn’t really into her partner but that’s none of Joey’s business.”
The couple dated briefly in 2023 in the outside world, before being reunited in the villa and then again going their separate ways.
Challenges in the villa have seen Joey appear to ‘target‘ Grace, including during the couple goals challenge.
The challenge – hosted by Sean Stone and Matilda Draper – involved asking fellow contestants a series of savage and awkward questions.
Each couple had to write down who they thought the question was most associated with and then share their answers with the group and explain their reasoning.
However, things quickly got very tense, especially when Joey received most of the votes.
When asked which couple was the biggest game player, Reuben Collins said: “We’ve decided to pick Joey and Jessie. Joey knows the game and plays it well. When I was getting to know Grace, I felt like you weren’t too happy about it either.”
Joey quipped: “It’s only because I don’t believe in it. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Grace looking visibly annoyed, snapped: “Why do you think I don’t like Reuben? How would you even know that? You can’t keep bringing my name up like that.”
Joey replied: “You keep walking around like Joey ain’t my type.”
“But why are you so offended by that Joey, you’re not,” Grace said.
Joey responded: “With these boys, you’re not really giving the same energy, you gave me. So I’m just saying from my part.”
“Because It’s different because we had something before that we built on,” Grace shouted.
To which Joey said: “I feel like you’re playing games with the boys. that is my opinion. I don’t care.”
Grace raged: “Why do you feel like I’m playing games? You do care because you wouldn’t be like ‘yeah I know she doesn’t like any of the boys.'”
