Joey Essex, 33, reveals real reason why he's entering the Love Island villa

The premiere of Love Island 2024 finally took to our screens last night after much anticipation, and let's just say, producers brought the DRAMA.

As well as 12 fresh-faced love-hungry islanders entering the plush Mallorcan villa in a bid to bag 'the one' - not to mention, the £50k prize - ITV bosses also dropped another huge-name star into the line-up.

In case you're yet to catch up with the debut instalment, allow us to catch you up by revealing that none other than The Only Way Is Essex legend Joey Essex was to appear in this year's line-up.

The 33-year-old ITVBe icon rocked up right before the closing credits appeared, with Love Island presenter Maya Jama welcoming him in as a bombshell.

And viewers - myself included - were left in total shock.

Taking to social media, one viewer penned: "IS THAT JOEY ESSEX?!?! #loveIsland"

Another went on: "JOEY ESSEX?!?! ya good luck lads its looking rough now. might aswell start packing them suitcases back up #loveisland".

Joey's co-stars were in shock to see him walk in. (ITV)

"JOEY ESSEX IS ON LOVE ISLAND WTF #loveIsland," added a third, whilst a fourth continued: "Joey ESSEX???? Is this a JOKE??? #loveisland"

Though it's not yet clear as to whether Joey will be forced to select a girl to steal from a male islander, Joey has now lifted the lid on his intentions for the show.

The south-west England charmer - who previously enjoyed romances with the likes of TOWIE's Sam Faiers, Ex on the Beach co-star Lorena Medina, singer Rita Ora and even former islander Elle Brown - told viewers of his plans in the villa.

"I just want someone to like me for me and now from what they see on TV," he claimed.

"This is exactly why I’m going into the villa because you’re disconnected from the rest of the world and can focus on what actually matters on a far deeper level."

Joey entered the villa as a bombshell last night. (ITV)

Joey - who also dated US socialite and former Made In Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt, as well as ex I'm A Celeb co-star Amy Willerton - also told The Sun he's 'extremely single right now', and hopes to finally find that special someone.

"I’m praying that I’m going to walk out of the villa hand in hand with the love of my life, that’s my main aim and all I care about," he told publication.

"It’s difficult for me to meet girls on the outside as they judge me based on a persona, so I think this experience will allow for people to see the real me."