Reality television personality Joey Essex is set to appear in the new ITV challenge show, 'The Box,' where he aims to reveal a more thoughtful side of himself to viewers. "You're going to see Joey Essex for who I really am," he stated, acknowledging that both his intelligent and less-than-intelligent moments will be on display.
Essex, who first gained fame on 'The Only Way Is Essex' 15 years ago, has built a career on his charming persona. Born Joey Don Essex in Southwark, London, in 1990, he has since appeared on numerous reality and quiz shows. Despite a public image that sometimes portrays him as less astute, Essex has launched successful clothing and fragrance lines and is reported to be worth over £8 million. He admits to struggling with tasks like telling time, a difficulty that has persisted since childhood.
His challenges with learning are rooted in severe dyslexia. "I was the only student in my school to have a lady sitting next to me in all my classes, telling me what to do," Essex recalled. This struggle intensified when his mother, Tina Essex, died by suicide at age 37 after battling depression, just three months before his tenth birthday. "Back then, there was not really help you could get," he said, noting that his family, predominantly male, did not openly discuss feelings. He channeled his grief into a desire to be strong, echoing his father's perceived stoicism.
Essex later sought therapy for his grief, documented in the 2021 BBC program 'Joey Essex: Grief And Me,' and is now an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK. While he acknowledges the support he received from West Hatch High School, he described that period of his life as "frozen."
Despite past academic difficulties, Essex has pursued acting, attending acting school and preparing for his debut in a short film by director Geoff Bell. He also maintains a rigorous fitness routine, training at a gym frequented by professional boxers, and has participated in celebrity boxing matches, defeating Portuguese influencer Numeiro. He expressed interest in fighting Tommy Fury, Tyson Fury's brother.
Essex's recent appearance on 'Love Island' in 2024 led to viewer perceptions of petulance. He attributed this to the unique situation of being the first celebrity contestant, facing jealousy from male contestants and romantic entanglements. Reflecting on his relationships, he stated, "I don't have regrets. I put myself in a difficult position. I'm not blaming anyone."
Financially, his company, Joey Essex Management Ltd, reportedly collapsed with debts of £1.2 million. Essex indicated his current housing situation is fluid, with his home previously listed for sale as he spent time in Dubai to prepare for a fight. He expressed his reluctance to sell his cherished home unless he received an offer he deemed satisfactory.
Looking ahead, Essex expressed a desire to settle down and have children, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner. "I'd love to. I'd love to have children. That's what I want next in life," he said. He described his current personal life as being "in a good place."
'The Box' is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, September 5, with subsequent episodes airing on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.