Joey Essex has returned to headlines following viral photos involving Zara McDermott, which sparked online speculation surrounding her reported relationship with former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson.

The images, which circulated widely across TikTok and X, appeared to show Essex and McDermott sharing a close moment during what fans believed was linked to a television project.

One photo showing Essex seemingly kissing McDermott, prompted debate online, although none of the individuals involved have publicly addressed the rumours.

The renewed attention has also introduced many younger viewers to Essex, who remains one of Britain’s most recognisable reality television personalities more than a decade after his rise to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.

Commonly known as TOWIE, the ITV series helped launch Essex into mainstream celebrity culture between 2011 and 2013 thanks to his humour, catchphrases and highly public personal life.

Since then, Essex has built a long-running television career through appearances on shows including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebs Go Dating and Love Island.

His surprise appearance on Love Island in 2024 generated mixed reactions from viewers but kept him firmly in the public spotlight.

Beyond reality television, Essex has expanded into social media influencing, boxing and acting projects.

He has also spoken openly about grief and mental health in his BBC documentary, Joey Essex: Grief and Me, discussing the loss of his mother and its lasting impact on his life.