Love Island SPOILER: Joey’s romance with Grace hits the rocks

By Laura Fox For Mailonline

15:14 27 Jun 2024, updated 15:33 27 Jun 2024

Despite insisting they were one of the strongest couples in the villa, it appears that Joey Essex‘s romance with Grace Jackson will hit the rocks in Thursday’s Love Island, after his head was turned by bombshell Jessy Potts.

In dramatic scenes, viewers saw Grace lambast Joey for even considering exploring his connection with Jessy, despite their coupling previously leading to Samantha Kenny’s dumping earlier this series.

Now, in the upcoming episode, Joey confesses he’s already developing ‘true feelings’ for Jessy less than 24 hours after their first meeting, leading Grace to insist she ‘won’t wait’ for him.

It comes after MailOnline revealed a shocking twist is looming, where two contestants will be given the chance to steal an islander of their choice, throwing the villa into chaos.

In the coming scenes, Joey pulls Jessy for a chat at the mini fire pit.

Speaking about who she might have her eye on since arriving as a bombshell Jessy says: ‘[There’s] not anyone I’d completely rule out, other than Ciaran. I think he’s the only one that’s completely closed off.’

Joey replies: ‘I feel like I gave you quite open,’ while Jessy says: ‘You gave me open. Grace gave me closed for you. But I feel like that’s between you two.’

Joey explains: ‘With me and Grace, we’re close. We actually get on, there’s real feelings there, all that. 

‘But it would be silly to just close things off. I want to get to know you more. That date last night was literally the best date. Would you like to go on another date?’

Jessy says: ‘Yeah why not. Would you?’ leading Joey to reply: ‘Yeah, course.’

Jessy admits: ‘I didn’t expect you to be chasing me though Joey… switched that up completely.’

Joey says: ‘Listen, I just wanted to make you feel comfortable when you walked in here…’

Grace, watching on, says: ‘What are they talking about? What is their chat?’

Meanwhile Joey continues: ‘I can’t deny it. I’m going with my heart, it’s true feelings. I just feel like I’m in my rights to be in here and explore. I ain’t in a relationship.

‘I’ve not really had this with anyone. This flowing conversation. I feel like I’ve enjoyed this conversation too much.’

Jessy replies: ‘You’re going to get me in trouble,’ leading Joey to admit the same.

Click here to resize this module

Later, Grace desperately tries to understand why Joey is speaking to new arrival Jessy, leading him to explain: ‘In my head, if we can get through this, this what’s happened, it’ll only make us stronger. That’s how I see it.’

Grace says: ‘It’s difficult for me to sit here and be like, ‘You do what you need to do, if you feel like you need to explore something with someone else, I’ll just sit here and wait.’ I’m not going to do that Joey.’

‘But I don’t get it, are you still wanting to get to know her. If you are, then I don’t want to be involved…’

Joey replies: ‘I still need to… I can’t not get to know this girl.. I just feel like if I didn’t I would be silly.’

How will Grace respond?

Thursday’s episode will also end with a jaw-dropping twist, where it’s revealed that two contestants will be given the chance to steal an Islander of choice from their couple.

Producers leave stars of the show stunned by the sudden change of gameplay after they were treated to a party and exclusive performance by US rapper Eve.

Islanders left single could be at risk of being dumped with the likes of Grace Jackson already in a vulnerable position as her relationship with Joey Essex continues to break down.

Joey’s head has been turned by bombshell arrival Jessy Potts, who he has been getting to know instead of Grace despite the former couple’s romantic history. 

A source told MailOnline: ‘There is a huge twist at the end of Thursday’s show, the cast are left stunned after two Islanders are given the chance to steal anyone of their choice from an existing couple.

‘As viewers know, new arrivals are always given the power, so Jessy and Trey Norman could have the advantage to pair up with the person they have their eye on.

‘It could mean even more bad news for Grace, who has been left brokenhearted by Joey as he pursues his attraction to Jessy.’

The twist follows a night of dramatic action after Harriett Blackmore was left in tears when Ciaran Davies insulted her during a game of Never Have I Ever.  

Ciaran accused Harriett of badmouthing him behind his back and being disingenuous during her time in the villa.

But when Harriett called the 21-year-old ‘immature’, Ciaran slammed the dancer for being the last to be chosen on three occasions, a reference to her multiple love triangles.

And Ciaran stands by his words during Thursday’s episode, saying, ‘I said what I meant, I’m not apologising for it.’ 

Harriett vowed to end her friendship with Ciaran altogether, insisting, ‘I’m not talking to him ever again.’ 

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.