He has also taken part in dating shows Ex On The Beach and Celebs Go Dating — which means he has probably enjoyed more dates in front of a camera than in private.Saving the show may seem a heavy task to place on his oh-so-broad shoulders, but I’ve seen first-hand how the king of reality TV is more than capable of wearing the crown.

“The babies just love him, they sit on his lap and he looks at them and goes, ‘They’re unreal’.The others sat scrolling earlier paparazzi photos of themselves sunbathing and subsequently ordered only sushi and vodka — apparently a potent mix to make their abs pop.During Dancing On Ice last year he was accused of creating a “showmance” — a fling just for the cameras — with his skate partner Vanessa Bauer, with viewers convinced their gushing speeches and tender embraces were fake.He seemed to have just one refreshingly normal way of working.

The drama came after the Islanders played a game of dares that descended into steamy snogs.After all, at just 33 he has appeared on 12 of telly’s biggest reality shows and built an £8million fortune while doing it.“What you saying, boys! Girls — looking tidy. Nice,” the Towie original greeted the Islanders, sending them into meltdown.

Tender embraces

Sam Faiers told how their puppy love was fraught with squabbles, while in 2020 Playboy model Lorena Medina dumped Joey after suspecting he had cheated on her with Rita Ora, who both denied anything happened.

“I feel like I’m at a new chapter in my life and I look forward to people seeing that.”Which brings us to the Joey Essex most people know — the dimwit, known for his “Reem” catchphrase and spouting such nonsense as London being the country that borders Wales.

He said: “I’m disappointed to be leaving so soon as I wanted to work my magic and get to know everyone.“And obviously got to know all you boys on a cool level. I feel like we’re tight and we’re getting on well – but this is Love Island . . . ”Throughout he has remained loyal to the same agents at Neon Management who first helped him sign up for Towie.Joey said: “It’s almost as if we’ve been on this journey together because when I think back to my first memories of being on TV, Mike was always there to support me.”

“It would be lovely for him to come out hand in hand with the girl of his dreams and I really hope he does.Last night his older sister Frankie told The Sun: “He’s definitely good with the camera, for sure, but he enjoys life, and that’s the secret.So is Love Island just another pay cheque or is he looking for love? Mum of two Frankie said: “Joey is proper single at the moment but he’s seen me with my babies.“All the boys love his fashion and think he is jokes, all the mums love him and all the girls fancy him.”

It has made him a rich man through brand deals, property investment and film fees.Sister Frankie

They shared a steamy kiss on the terrace and she told the semi-pro footballer: “I’m happy with how things are going. I’m not going to complain.”But last night Joey already seemed to have worked his magic on the dating show, with early figures suggesting 2.2million watched live across ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX, with many more expected to catch up now word of his arrival is out.JUST hours after his arrival on Love Island Joey was put to work as a heartbreaker – and sent one boy packing.But even as I doggedly grilled him, Joey remained good-natured, professional and totally himself.What better way for Joey to repay his mentor than by reigniting the nation’s passion for his biggest show?The reality star’s decision meant Samantha’s partner, hairdresser Sam, was booted from the villa.“I can’t wait to be my authentic self and I just hope the right girl is in there for me.But somehow he has escaped a decade of fame with relatively few scandals, which is why he is the ideal saviour of Love Island, where some of the cast’s rows have attracted Ofcom complaints.He’s just Joey, and he will be himself on there [Love Island]“He’s done it for so long now, but he’s still the same person. He’s just Joey, and he will be himself on there [Love Island]. It’s like he’s got the whole country rooting for him.As Joey said on Monday night’s Love Island: “This isn’t my first rodeo, so boys, you better watch out, ’cos I’m coming for your girls.”He had just 24 hours to get to know the girls before stealing one and he chose make-up artist Samantha from Liverpool.WITH a glistening tan covering his rippled abs and a white linen shirt billowing in the Majorcan breeze, Joey Essex strode into Love Island looking every inch the TV pin-up.Joey comes to Love Island with the ultimate backer — its executive producer Mike Spencer, who was involved in casting him in Towie.Since finding fame on Towie in 2011, Joey has appeared in I’m A Celebrity, Splash!, The Jump and Ex On The Beach, among others.Frankie said: “The thing is, he’s so innocent so if he doesn’t know something he won’t be afraid to say.“But when Joey walked in I had a feeling I might be in trouble. Samantha is a stunning girl and I knew that they would get on.”

Elsewhere, personal shopper Harriett performed a lap dance for surveyor Ciaran and was one of three girls Joey chose to kiss. He also puckered up for Samantha and Welsh accounts manager Nicole.

Although Love Island viewers may have been taken aback to see a celebrity on the show, they shouldn’t have been surprised it was Joey.And his Midas touch when it comes to illuminating these light entertain-ment shows is something ITV bosses will be more than aware of — in fact they are depending on it.I first met Joey in Marbella — or Marbs, as it was called on The Only Way Is Essex — while covering a series launch of the ITV2 show.Joey said: “I’ve gone from a boy to a man and I’m proud of the man I’ve become.It certainly won’t be Joey’s first time dating in the spotlight. Since he found fame his romances have included Towie colleague Sam Faiers, who temporarily became his fiancée, and Love Island’s Maura Higgins.Over the years, every time I met Joey he was unchanged — even when the questions I asked grew trickier.She said: “I’ll give him his accolades, it was a good kiss.”

Among the more guarded cast members such as Jessica Wright, Bobby Norris and Dan Osbourne, Joey was a breath of fresh air.Joey told the contestants: “Obviously I’ve got to keep my cards close to my chest. It’s been tough. because I have got to know all of you girls on a nice level.