Joey Essex has admitted he was a plant on Love Island tasked with ‘entertaining’ after his appearance sparked backlash.
Viewers of the ITV show were frustrated by how the former Towie star, 34, treated his fellow islands, including his former flame Grace Jackson, before he was booted out of the villa.
But now he has confirmed he purposefully created mischief on Love Island stating that he ‘didn’t really have much time off’ because he was ‘very, very busy’ with his secret agenda.
Joey told The Sun: ‘I was put in a situation where I had to do what I had to do. Do you know what I mean? I’m there for a reason. I’m in Love Island to entertain.
‘I didn’t really have much time off… I was very, very busy, active.
‘I mean, do your readers actually think that I would go up to a girl in a challenge and kiss her in front of her boyfriend, whilst the girl that I actually have feelings for is stood next to her?’
It was previously claimed that Joey was ‘treated like any other Love Island contestant’ and wasn’t paid an appearance fee.
A source told the MailOnline: ‘Joey is being treated like any other Love Island contestant, he’s playing by the same rules and won’t be given any preferential treatment.
‘He hasn’t been paid an appearance fee or any money at all for signing up to the show, not a penny.’
All contestants are paid around £375 a week to take part.
Viewers had complained about Joey’s behavior on Love Island and accused him of ‘ruining’ the entire show because of the ‘infuriating’ way he spoke to women.
‘Nah the fact I loved Joey Essex until Love Island. It’s not one bit entertaining the way he is behaving. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but he’s ruining the series,’ user Katie posted on X.
‘I’ll be real. I genuinely don’t care that Joey Essex is in the villa. I think he’s ruining the changing the vibe,’ Kay shared.
More than 200 viewers complained to Ofcom after Joey told his ex-Grace to shut your mouth’ during an argument.
On X, Sandra was among the many who said: ‘I think the way Joey speaks to Grace is absolutely disgusting.’
However, Joey said he had ‘no regrets’ when he was booted off the show the day before the final after partnering up with Jessy Potts.
Joey and Jessy have continued their relationship outside of the villa with Joey later sharing they were ‘exclusive’ on Instagram.
The Love Island final made history by crowning Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan the champions, the show’s first Black winners.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
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