Joey Essex and girlfriend Lella Soper were photographed sharing affectionate moments while on holiday in Ibiza, as the former reality star took time off following a widely discussed boxing debut.
The pair were seen embracing and kissing in the sea on Monday, with Soper wearing a black bikini and sunglasses and Essex in yellow swim shorts and a chunky gold chain. Soper, who works as a portrait, editorial and fashion photographer and is the daughter of British racing driver Steve Soper, has an active Instagram following of roughly 9,000. The couple appeared relaxed, laughing and walking arm in arm during the break.
Essex, 35, has been pursuing a boxing career since returning to reality television. Last month he made his professional-ish debut on a Misfits card, surviving a chaotic four-round scrap to beat Portuguese influencer Numeiro by split decision. Two judges awarded Essex the fight while a third scored it a draw. During the bout he was given a standing count and appeared significantly fatigued by the fourth round; when his victory was announced he collapsed to the canvas in tears.
Footage of the match circulated widely on social media, prompting a mix of amusement and criticism from viewers who described the contest as poor in technical quality. Essex was coached for the fight by his uncle, Tony Sims.
The Ibiza outing follows earlier sightings of Essex with a mystery woman in May at the ME Hotel in Ibiza, which was reported to be an early stage of the relationship. The reality star split from Love Island contestant Jessy Potts in September after about seven weeks together following their appearance on the show; representatives at the time said they had "tried to make their relationship work" but it did not continue after leaving the villa.
Essex had previously been linked to a Misfits bill in Qatar against Deji, the brother of YouTuber and boxer KSI, but that fight did not materialize as he later took part in Love Island season 11.
Photographs from the Ibiza break show the couple relaxed and affectionate, suggesting Essex used the holiday as a period of rest after training and his controversial ring appearance. The pair walked and swam together, appearing to enjoy the sun and the island's coastal setting.