CELEBRITY bombshell Joey Essex has entered the Love Island villa in hopes of finding that special someone.
Prior to his stint on the ITV show, the reality star was in a relationship with model Brenda Santos.
Who is Joey Essex's ex-girlfriend Brenda Santos?
Brenda hails from Brazil but is currently living in London.
She is a model signed to Linden Staub Talent Agency and has appeared in French fashion magazine L'Officiel.
Joey introduced Brenda to his family at a socially-distanced 30th birthday bash back in 2020.
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His family appeared to get on well with Brenda, as sister Frankie could be seen regularly leaving comments on Brenda's Instagram posts.
In July 2020, the pair put on a very loved-up display in Ibiza.
After their holiday, Joey posted on his Instagram: "Ibiza was a complete different vibe, but I can officially say it’s still just as beautiful"
When did Joey Essex and Brenda Santos meet?
It is not known when exactly the pair started their relationship.
Joey was previously dating model Lorena Medina but the pair split in April.
Lorena had moved into his home in Chigwell in September 2019 but they had a furious bust-up after he was snapped entering singer Rita Ora’s home in the early hours of the morning.
Lorena revealed to The Sun that she dumped Joey after he spent a wild night out with Rita.
He was holed up for 13 hours in Rita's mansion after the pair had tried to avoid being seen together by taking separate cars between venues.
However, the pair have denied that there was anything romantic between the two.
In a previous interview, he said: “We have known each other for years.
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"She’s a nice girl but we’re just friends.”
Joey was smitten with Brenda... but spending so much time together took its toll and they both admitted they needed space
A source on Joey and Brenda's relationship
How To Be Lonely star Rita, later admitted to being obsessed with Joey.
But she added: “It’s insane. Why can’t people be friends? Honestly, it’s annoying.”
When did Joey Essex and Brenda Santos end?
The romance was short-lived and it ended in October 2020.
An insider said: “Joey was smitten with Brenda and it was a classic whirlwind romance between them.
“He even whisked her off on a romantic break to Ibiza.
"They made a lovely couple and she was the main attraction at his 30th birthday party in July, where she met all of his friends and family.
“But spending so much time together took its toll and they both admitted they needed space.
“Brenda has left Joey’s mansion in Essex and gone back to her place in London.
“They were both really adult about everything and agreed that it was better to say goodbye.
“As far as Joey is concerned, there are no bad feelings, but sadly it just didn’t work out.”
Who is Joey Essex dating now?
Joey is currently a single man.
He is currently appearing on Love Island 2024 as a celebrity bombshell.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun ahead of his debut, he said: "I just want someone to like me for me and now from what they see on TV.
"This is exactly why I’m going into the villa because you’re disconnected from the rest of the world and can focus on what actually matters on a far deeper level."
