Love Island fans outraged as Joey Essex steals favourite's place on show

What did you miss?

Love Island viewers were left fuming at Joey Essex after just one episode in the show as he ousted a fan favourite contestant from the villa.

The reality TV star, the show's first ever celebrity contestant, angered viewers by stealing a partner from popular cast member Sam Taylor - sending him home after just one day on the ITV2 dating series.

Viewers were also astounded by contestants' claims that Essex seemed "mature and settled" as the TV personality is known for silly catchphrases and jokes.

What, how, and why?

Joey Essex left this year's Love Island contestants star struck when he arrived as a surprise bombshell - but the show's fans are less impressed as he has sent home a popular Islander after just one day.

Sam Taylor was an instant hit with the ITV2 show's viewers, with many claiming he was the most attractive man in the show, but his time in the spotlight was short-lived. Reality TV star Essex was tasked with stealing a partner and chose Samantha Kenny - meaning Sam, who she was already coupled up with, was dumped from the show in its second episode.

Viewers saw the awkward situation coming as Essex described Samantha as "a sort", later telling Sam when he was dumped: "I feel so awful, honestly, I can't even tell you."

But the show's fans couldn't forgive him as one person commented on X: "Might as well change the name of the show to Joey Island because it's all going to be about him. Very harsh on poor Sam kicked out already, proper joke this show."

Someone else wrote: "I don’t think it’s fair Joey gets to kick someone off the show. He’s had enough TV time in his lifetime. Go home." Another viewer added: "Joey Essex has BEEN on TV. Give Sam a chance!!!"

One person wrote: "Joey has been on every dating show going. I don't like that he's taken Sam's place in the villa...or anyone else's for that matter."

Another viewer commented: "Joey essex you have made a new enemy in me tonight, they had better bring sam back at some point."

To make matters worse, a preview of the next episode showed Essex appearing to pursue Harriett Blackmore instead. One person wrote: "So Sam leaving was in VAIN? Joey when I catch youuuu."

Someone else agreed: "Soooooo Sam’s been dumped for nothing then if Harriet is in the hideaway with Joey next episode?! JUSTICE FOR SAM."

Essex had been challenged to kiss the three women he found the most attractive after arriving and chose Nicole Samuel, Samantha and Harriett. He later said: "That was wild last night, I can't believe I'd been here under an hour and I snogged three girls."

He also had a heart-to-heart with Jess White about her dad having passed away, sharing his own difficulties after losing his mum as a child. But she said afterwards: "I don't want him to pick me...it wouldn't be ideal."

What else happened on Love Island?

Viewers were confused by the Islanders - mostly in their 20s - claiming that Essex, 33, seemed so much more mature than them.

Samantha told the group: "I like that he's in his 30s. He's mature, he's got himself together." She also admired Essex's hair, telling him: "Are you going grey? You're actually not. And you're not receding, either."

She told the cameras later: "It's the age thing, I like the way he's older than me and he's like a proper fella. A man."

But one viewer commented: "I like Joey cause he’s older and a proper man” He’s described the girls as “tidy” and has just said the word “reem”…"

Someone else wrote: "MATURE VIBES??!! ITS JOEY ESSEX WHAT???"

Another person added: "Please tell me I have not just heard the words “mature and settled” being used to describe Joey Essex. Be serious now he’s 33 and still doing reality shows."

Love Island airs on ITV2 at 9pm nightly.

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