Joey Essex's cousin Frankie Sims breaks his silence on 'star-struck' Samantha after fans called her a 'stalker'

JOEY Essex’s cousin Frankie Sims has revealed how she feels about his Love Island romance with Samantha Kenny.

Towie legend Joey, 33, struck up an early relationship with Liverpool lass, 27, in the villa but ironic accusations of ‘stalking’ were leveled at her from viewers after she admitted being a big fan of Essex’s reality TV show and often quotes her famous catchphrases.

Joey Essex and Samantha Kenny hit it off in the Love Island villaCredit: Erotème

Frankie supports Samantha and JoeyCredit: PA

In an exclusive chat with The Sun, Frankie, 29, said that although it’s still early days, the couple are well matched.

She said: “She’s the one I picked for him before he even picked anyone. I think she’s really pretty. She’s definitely his type.

“Obviously the lack of affection the last two episodes is unusual, so I don’t know if he’s just trying to go easy on her and interested in her in a mature way, or if he’s waiting for someone else to do it.”

Much has been made of Joey’s body language every time Samantha quotes a Towie quote, saying he looks visibly uncomfortable.

But Frankie thinks he wouldn’t have entertained Samantha for so long if she really was a crazy Towie superfan.

“I really don’t know if she quotes him all the time or if the editing just makes it seem like she’s a superfan,” she admitted.

“I don’t think he would be with anyone if he thought he was a superfan. I think he would jump ship pretty easily.

“So I don’t think he’s as dramatic in the villa as they make him out to be.

“He really loves her because he would have jumped ship by now, I’m sure.”

She continued: “I think she seems really depressed Earth and really into him, even if she got jealous. I think it shows signs of sincere appreciation for someone rather than just liking them for your benefit. So I’m actually all for Sam.

The Love Island villa shaken by the arrival of three new bombshells

“I think she’s great and I hope Joey continues with her and they develop affection and no one else turns their head.”

Even though she supports Samantha, Frankie said the arrival of a little natural beauty would be a big test for Joey.

And last night there was a big shock when his ex, Grace Jackson, arrived in the villa.

Joey gasped when he recognized the blonde beauty from afar, and he whispered to fellow contestant Sean Stone, “I was seeing that girl.”

Grace reportedly dated Joey for six weeks earlier this year, but it ended badly when he abruptly ended it. She is now looking for answers.

Joey Essex’s ex Grace Jackson arrived at the villa last nightCredit: ITV

Samantha quoted Towie catchphrases to JoeyCredit: Erotème

Samantha has been compared to Martha from Baby Reindeer, played by Jessica GunningCredit: Getty

No couple is safe and EVERY boy could be turned upside down at Casa Amor

By Jessie Hutter

At this point, it’s easy to see how this could happen.

I would love to believe that Ciaran and Nicole could be an early romance, but I just worry that it’s so early that there could be bombshells that are going to happen multiple times.

And also, I just have Casa Amor in mind and only time will tell, but I don’t have high hopes that Ciaran can stay completely committed throughout, no.

I think if someone new and exciting came along, Joey’s head might turn, and the same with Ronnie.

Ronnie really seems to be enjoying having his cake and eating it at the moment. So I think an environment like Casa Amor would probably exacerbate that.

You have people like Sean, who seems like a lovely guy and hasn’t found his person yet. I think he would obviously like to see Casa Amor happen more.

Dating app So synchronizedJessie Hutter’s relationship expert told The Sun on behalf of BetVictor Casino