Essex Accused of Receiving Special Treatment on *Love Island*

Joey Essex, the reality TV star known for *The Only Way is Essex*, has been accused of receiving preferential treatment during his time on *Love Island*.

Sources have claimed that Essex was promised a place in the final and was furious when he was unexpectedly dumped from the villa just one day before the grand finale. Essex, who made history as the first celebrity contestant on the show, joined the villa as a bombshell in the eleventh series in June.

The source, speaking to *MailOnline*, alleged that Essex was given special privileges including extended time outside the villa away from the cameras. They also claimed he was allowed to spend time with producers, a perk not usually afforded to other contestants.

The insider further alleged that Essex was given a bouquet of flowers to pass on to the winning couple, Mimi Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan, after his behaviour towards them was criticised. This was reportedly done to appease viewers and address the controversy.

ITV, the network behind *Love Island*, has denied these allegations, stating that Essex was treated no differently than any other contestant. They confirmed that he was not paid more than the other Islanders, receiving the standard £375 per week for living expenses.

Essex's presence on *Love Island

was met with mixed reactions from viewers. His casting was a significant departure from the traditional format, which typically features lesser-known influencers or "normal" people.

However, sources close to the show previously maintained that Essex was treated fairly and was not given any special advantages. They said that his participation was driven by a desire for genuine connection and the chance to find love, not for financial gain.

Despite being dumped from the villa, Essex expressed his happiness with his time on the show, praising his connection with his partner Jessy Potts. He commented that they "had something that was quite strong, and hopefully proved that to people by sticking with each other throughout Casa and right up to the end.”

Essex is a veteran of reality television, having appeared on shows such as *I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!,

*Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins*, *Celebrity MasterChef*, *Celebs Go Dating*, and *Dancing On Ice*.

The allegations of preferential treatment continue to fuel discussion around the fairness and transparency of reality TV, particularly regarding the influence of celebrity status on contestants' experiences.