Love Island fans are certain Joey Essex and new girl Grace Jackson are ‘still together’ after she made a bombshell entrance into the villa.

Stars of the ITV2 dating show were rocked when The Only Way Is Essex star’s former flame made a dramatic appearance. Joey’s head was turned by Grace, leaving him to ditch Samantha Kenny for his ex. Fans became convinced that Joey knew Grace was coming into the villa – despite seeming to be super shocked to see Grace as one of the bombshells.

Some viewers spotted several “clues” that may have hinted that Joey knew he’d be seeing Grace. They are thought to have previously dated for around a year after meeting in Ibiza and couldn’t keep their hands off each other as they were reunited as they kept repeatedly kissing on both Sunday and Monday’s episodes.

However, fans have now insisted the former couple never actually broke up ahead of going on the show. They continued to grow their connection during Tuesday night’s episode as one viewer declared: “Joey and this babe did not break up I’m sorry they planned this #loveisland.”

Fans think Joey and Grace never broke up before the show ( Image: ITV)

Another added: “I’ve seen a few people say that Joey & Grace might have been a couple on the outside & they planned this & the more I about it, it’s looking likely yano #LoveIsland.” Someone else commented: “grace and joey do you think the public is idiots #loveIsland.” A fourth wrote: “Nah i’m starting to believe joey and grace planned this whole thing cuz they never went into why they broke up #loveIsland.”

Joey broke Samantha’s heart as he snogged Grace on the day bed, and even spent time in the Hideaway together. After realising the jig was probably up with Joey and bursting into tears, Samantha said: “It’s just so embarrassing. He doesn’t give a flying f*** how I feel.” However, Joey maintains he still wants to “crack on” with the makeup artist.

When Joey approached an upset Samantha he told her she was “beautiful”, musing: “I saw you upset earlier” before Samantha replied: “I feel embarrassed if I’m honest I feel like I was a place holder until someone else came in.” Joey then said he still wanted to carry things on with Samantha, to which she said: “After what’s happened there why would I want to carry on?” “Did you kiss her?’ she asked, adding: “I’m never going to win with someone you have history with. I’m just ashamed. There’s nothing anyone can say to me that’s going to make me feel better. I’m just put next to Grace now and she’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful what are you talking about,” Joey replied, before Samantha pointed out that they hadn’t been physical in two weeks and it took him and Grace just one day. Viewers slammed Joey’s cold behaviour. One person said: “The fact that Joey hasn’t even spoken to Samantha yet is nasty nasty business I’m sorry #loveIsland”, a different account put: “The bare minimum Joey could have done was pull Samantha when he came in, I feel bad for her #LoveIsland”, another wrote: “Joey is cold though, no goodbye and now no hello to Samantha? #loveIsland” while a different viewer added: “Did I miss the greeting between Sam & Joey…? Cz he’s ruthless if he didn’t even say hi! #LoveIsland.”