The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex suspicious of Gemma Collins friendship with Jedward

Both Joey and Gemma sprung to fame as stars on The Only Way Is Essex, with Gemma becoming pally with the Dublin twins when the trio took part together in Angela Scanlan’s Ask Me Anything.

John and Edward Grimes constantly hang out in Gemma’s house in Essex, where they have even been pictured sharing a hot tub with the reality star.

And they were filmed in Gemma’s house earlier this year lashing out at Louis Walsh, after the former X Factor mentor described them as “vile” when he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.

When the twins’ friendship with Gemma became public, Joey (34) was initially unaware of how close the trio are.

“I was walking in Harrods once and I bumped into Gemma with Jedward. I didn’t even know they were that friendly. I was going ‘what’s going on here?’” he tells the Sunday World.

“I was wondering was there more going on there than the eye could see!”

Joey was in Dublin this week with his cousin and fellow reality star Chloe Simms for an end-of-summer party for the launch of two new products in the Iconic Bronze tanning range.

He and Chloe currently live in Los Angeles, where he has taken up boxing, but he also says he is a massive fan of MMA.

“I’d love to go to Conor McGregor’s bar while I’m in Dublin,” he says. “I know he’s a big personality in Ireland. I like him, I think he’s cool.

“Conor McGregor in my eyes, he’s made a huge thing. If you think of UFC, he’s the first person who comes to mind. I don’t think I’d ever step into MMA though. Not with Conor, again it depends how much money there’d be!

“Boxing is more my thing. It’s a lot safer. Also my dad was a boxer. Chloe’s dad, my uncle, is an elite boxing trainer, so I’ve always been around it.”

Joey has been to the famous Wild Cat gym in LA, which is run by legendary trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach was also in Dublin this week for his Cork protégé’s Callum Walsh’s high-profile victory fight in the 3 Arena on Friday night with a second round knockout against Polish boxer Przemyslaw Runowski.

UFC boss Dana White was at the fight, but McGregor was unable to make it as he was in New York.

“I’ve been to Wild Cat and I’d like to go more. Chloe’s dad knows Freddie,” he adds. “I’ve heard of Callum and I believe he’s got a great future ahead of him.”

Chloe, who has a 19-year-old daughter Madison, denied recent reports she’s dating Lionel Richie’s son Miles.

“I know Miles,” she confirms. “I moved to LA 18 months ago, that’s how I know him. I’m actually single, but not looking right now.” ​

Joey also opened up about his recent split from Jessy Potts, who he put in the Love Island villa this summer.

The couple released a statement earlier in the week revealing that they had parted ways after seven weeks of dating.

“Unfortunately, Jessy and I split,” he said. “I hope we can remain friends and I wish her all the best. There’s no hard feelings, she’s a lovely girl, just unfortunately we decided to leave.”

He also dismissed suggestions anything went on between him and Longford lass Maura Higgins, who herself became famous on a previous season of Love Island.

The pair were photographed kissing at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2022, causing speculation about whether they were a couple.

Joey laughed off the rumors, stressing: “It’s not that. We’re just friends.”

“Have you seen the pictures? I was dragged into that kiss!” he joked, as he mimicked being dragged by his shirt.

He adds: “I saw her the other day briefly, just said hello to her at the NTAs (National Television Awards). I walked past her and said hi.

“But me and Maura have always been in the sense of just friendship. She actually lives around the corner from me, so we sometimes bump into each other.”

There has been speculation that Maura may enter the I’m A Celeb jungle this year, and Joey, who came fourth in the show’s 2013 series, thinks she’d be perfect for it.

“I think Maura would be great,” he said. “I think she’d be amazing in there. She has the personality for it.”