Love Island's Grace Jackson reveals 'real reason' behind Joey Essex feud following explosive breakup

When Grace Jackson first strutted into the Love Island villa in the hope of rekindling a romance with former flame Joey Essex, fans expected the duo to be 'locked in' for the remainder of the series.

Sadly, however, their love affair wasn't to last and seemingly dissolved into an ongoing 'feud', something which the Manchester beauty has lifted the lid on following her shock dumping last night (24 July).

It's fair to say that Grace's journey in the Spanish love-shack has been far from smooth-sailing.

Many viewers imagined that - after striking up a romance while on holiday in Ibiza and reconnecting on the show - Grace and Joey would prove to be an unstoppable duo.

After all, the ex-TOWIE star did ditch Samantha Kenny to get back with Grace - who made it clear she was out for Joey and Joey only - despite backlash he received from both islanders and fans.

So, pretty high stakes, I know.

Sadly, however, less than two weeks later, fans were gobsmacked when Joey did a complete 180 and re-coupled with bombshell Jessy Potts, with whom he's remained infatuated with ever since.

The couple initially appeared unstoppable. (ITV)

Though a visibly heartbroken Grace, 25, went on to strike up a connection with subsequent bombshell Reuben Collins, it seemed Joey, 33, harboured some resentment towards his ex, and consistently accused her of attempting to sabotage his relationship with Jessy.

However, following her and Reuben's dumping, Grace has broken her silence on the rumoured 'Joey feud', claiming she believes that the former I'm A Celeb contestant 'had a problem' with her.

During her exit interview, she firstly explained: "I’ve been so lucky to be in the Villa with the most incredible group of girls. At some points there would be the odd bicker but we were like sisters.

"I love them all but Harriett, Jess S, Matilda and Emma were my closest friends there.

"Jessy was also my right hand woman which was crazy, she was always by my side and I adored her."

Grace Jackson and Reuben Collins were dumped during last night's (24 July) show. (ITV)

Grace went on to explain: "I think that’s why Joey had a problem with me as he couldn’t get his head around the fact that I was best friends with his girl."

After calling time on his romance with Grace, it appeared for a while as though Joey simply couldn't take the model's name out of his mouth.

During countless challenges, he accused her of still having feelings for him, and even claimed she was 'faking it' with other love interests in the villa.

That said, however, during her exit interview, Grace insisted she's looking forward to seeing what the future holds for her and Reuben.

"We are going to take every day as it comes but I’m going to go down to Surrey and he’s also planning to visit me in Manchester," she claimed.

"I can’t wait for us to have date night and meet the rest of each other's families.

"We are in a really good place and love being around each other so I’m excited to see where things go for us."