NEWLY-SINGLE Joey Essex fuelled rumors of returning to TOWIE after reuniting with his former co-star.

Joey, 34, left hit reality show The Only Way is Essex back in 2013 – but could he be making a return?

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The star rose to fame after appearing on the popular Essex-based reality show between 2011 and 2013.

During his stint on TOWIE, fans saw him date Sam Faiers.

The couple had an on and off relationship for a few years and were even engaged.

Their engagement ended during a dramatic TOWIE trip to Marbella in 2014. 

In 2013, Joey took a huge risk and quit TOWIE to pursue a career in entertainment.

Shortly after, he was approached to take part in the 2013 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

However, fans think Joey might return to TOWIE after attending a friend’s wedding with his former co-star James Bennewith (aka Diags).

The pair looked dapper wearing suave black suits and dark shades.

Could Joey be rejoining his friends on the ITVBe reality show?

Since his departure from TOWIE, Joey has appeared on many reality shows, such as Splash (2013), I’m A Celeb (2013), The Jump (2015), Celebs Go Dating (2016–2019, 2021), Celebrity Ex on the Beach (2020), Dancing on Ice (2023), Love Island (2024).

Joey has also made money from investing in property over the years.

And is rumoured to appear on the Netflix real estate show Selling Sunset in a new series. 

Joey is in talks to tour Hollywood homes with his cousin, Chloe Sims, a fellow TOWIE star, to find a place to buy in the US.

This comes after blonde bombshell Joey’s ex girlfriend Jessy Potts, 25, was seen cosying up to fellow Islander Ronnie Vint, 28, in the back of a taxi as they made their way to a White Fox Event.

The reality beauty was all glammed up in a stunning ivory dress as she sat next to a dapper looking Ronnie.

The pair were also joined by ex islander Lucinda Strafford, 24, however, the reality beauty was left third wheeling as eagle-eyed fans noticed how close Jessy and Ronnie looked.

Fans took to social media to comment on the potential new relationship, one user said: “Umm Ronnie and Jessy.”

“Jessy and Ronnie new couple???” another penned.

“Ngl Ronnie and Jessy would be something” added a third.

Joey and Jessy split just seven weeks after leaving the villa.

The Love Island stars confirming the news exclusively to The Sun, with Towie legend Joey, 34, insisting he hopes to stay friends with Jessy.

Speaking about the breakup, he said: “Unfortunately, we have decided to call an end to the relationship but I hope we can continue to be friends.

“I truly wish Jessy the very best with whatever she does in the future.”

And Jessy added: “I appreciate the Love Island experience I had with Joey, we tried to make it work but it wasn’t to be.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supported us and look forward to all of the exciting opportunities ahead.”

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Dame Maggie Smith is being remembered by The View hosts as a “brilliant” actor whose screen credits are so extensive it would “take you all day to read [through them].”

Smith, who died aged 89 on Friday (September 27), starred alongside The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act (1992) and its 1993 sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

While Goldberg – who led the film series as the undercover nun Deloris Van Cartier – didn’t appear on the Friday episode of the morning talk show, her fellow hosts stepped in to pay tribute to her former co-star.

“Maggie Smith died today,” Joy Behar announced. “Maggie Smith, the great actress from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, one of the great movies. And she was also in Downton Abbey – you probably know her from that, and Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg.

“She was really brilliant. If you read her resumé, it’ll take you all day to read her resumé,” Behar said.

Goldberg, meanwhile, shared a tribute of her own on Instagram on Friday.

“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind,’ My heartfelt condolences go out to the family…RIP,” she wrote, alongside a photo of her and Smith in their Sister Act costumes.

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Smith’s death was announced by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who said in a statement: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” it continued.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”

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The news of her death has been met by an extensive outpouring of tributes from fans and other colleagues, including her Suddenly, Last Summer co-star Rob Lowe.

“Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion,” the Parks and Recreation star tweeted.

“She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms Smith!”

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans claimed a pro’s ‘well and truly wrecked’ their partner ahead of Saturday’s live show.

Last week saw all 15 famous faces take to the dance floor for their first live performances.

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Olympic swimmer Tom Dean has been paired with Ukrainian pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

In a video shared to Instagram, Nadiya showed the pair finishing up their rehearsal on Thursday.

Captioning the post, she wrote: “Thursday Update: 10 sets of three, hips, posture.

” Face? Face is actually having a good time.

“We are ready for Friday’s camera block @bbcstrictly. Let’s do it partner @tomdean00 #teamgolden #strictlycomedancing.”

Speaking in the clip, the dancer introduced her three-time gold medal winning partner.

However, as Tom entered the frame, he revealed: “I’m so tired!”

The 24-year-old went on to explain how he and Nadiya had done “ten sets of three”.

This meant they had been practising their full routine three times consecutively, for ten times, bringing them to a total of 30.

Tom later added: “I just want to go to bed.”

In week one, Tom and Nadiya performed a Tango to “Golden” by Harry Styles, scoring 23 out of 40.

Meanwhile on Instagram, Nadiya’s followers soon shared their support for the pair ahead of Saturday’s show.

One wrote:  “You’ve well and truly wrecked him.

“Can’t wait to see you and disco Tom smash the cha cha on Saturday. Love you lots team.”

Another added: “You’ve worn Tom out Nadiya. Have the best time on Saturday you’re amazing.”

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A third penned: “Zero slide! Who can blame him!! Keep going Team Golden.”

While a fourth added:  “You both make up a great partnership, with Ms Nadiya skills and tuition – potential glitter ball in sight.”

A fifth remarked: “Can’t wait to watch you on Saturday night, this is your year Nadiya.”

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer.

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