Love Island fans blindsided after resurfaced clip 'proves' Joey Essex and Grace Jackson knew each other long before Ibiza 'holiday romance'

When Love Island bombshell Grace Jackson first strutted into the villa to rekindle a romance with ex-beau Joey Essex, the duo led viewers to believe that they'd first fallen for one another during a 'holiday romance' in Ibiza the summer prior.

In turns out, however, that according to a clip from a certain E4 dating series, which has resurfaced on social media this week, the former flames actually go back a LOT further than you might expect.

It turns out they may have met seven years ago.

If you've been out of the loop with Love Island drama in recent weeks, believe me, I know how you feel. Eight weeks is a long time to be devoted to a series.

Anyway, worry not. We're here to fill you in.

Last month, 25-year-old Manchester model Grace joined the line-up with eyes for ex-boyfriend Joey, and Joey only.

It was quickly revealed that the pair actually knew each other previously, from life outside of the villa.

Speaking to their co-stars, both Joey, 33, and Grace opened up about their relationship history, claiming they enjoyed a passionate holiday romance together in 2023, having met at a club in Ibiza.

According to Grace, while an official relationship initially looked promising for the pair, the hefty distance between Essex and the north proved impossible to manage, and they called it quits.

Yet, after turning Joey's head away from partner Samantha Kenny upon her arrival, it looked as though the pair would rekindle their connection.

Sadly, it wasn't to last for Joey and Grace - again! - after another bombshell, none other than Jessy Potts entered the villa and stole the former I'm A Celebrity star's heart, whilst Grace went on to couple up with newbie Reuben Collins.

And while fans of the show believed they knew everything there was to know about two-time exes Grace and Joey - who sadly butted heads throughout the continuation of the series - a resurfaced dating show clip has proven otherwise.

Celebs Go Dating viewers may recall that, all the way back in 2017, a certain unlucky-in-love TOWIE star joined the line up in the hope of being swept of his feet.

It turns out, however, that also featuring on Joey's series was his soon to be ex girlfriend, Grace.

It's true - according to a now viral TikTok clip of one of the hit series' infamous 'mixers' - which would see big-name stars mingling with 'normal' folk in the hope of finding a connection - Grace could have come face to face with Joey much earlier.

In the video, she could be seen as an attendee at one of the A-list parties, though it isn't clear whether they actually spoke on that fateful night.

Despite the uncertainty, some Love Island fanatics have been left battled by the realisation of just how close Joey and Grace came to finding romance all those years earlier.

"Ohhh they been knew each other!!! Damn," one wrote in the comments.

Another went on: "Wait whattt??????????????"

"Omg when was this," a third asked.

Tyla contacted Joey and Grace's representatives for comment.