"Best friends with his girl" — Love Island All Stars' Grace chimes on Joey’s issues with her friendship with Jessy

Grace, currently a contestant on Love Island All Stars season 2, previously addressed the tension between her and Joey Essex during her appearance on Love Island season 11 in 2024. As per Capital FM's January 21 article, she reflected on their interactions from that season, in her exit interview. Grace stated:

“I think that’s why Joey had a problem with me as he couldn’t get his head around the fact that I was best friends with his girl.”

Her statement shed light on how her close friendship with Jessy Potts—Joey’s partner at the time—contributed to occasional hostility during their time together in the villa.

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Tension between Love Island All Stars' Grace and Joey Essex: The impact of friendship with Jessy Potts

Grace’s journey on Love Island season 11

Grace initially entered the villa and rekindled her connection with Joey, whom she had dated outside the show during the summer of 2023. However, it soon became evident that their relationship would not work out. Joey turned his attention to Jessy, and the pair coupled up, which left Grace in an unexpected position—becoming close friends with Jessy despite her history with Joey.

Speaking about her friendships in the villa, the Love Island All Stars cast remarked:

“I’ve been so lucky to be in the villa with the most incredible group of girls. At some points, there would be the odd bicker, but we were like sisters.”

She further emphasized her bond with Jessy, noting:

“Jessy was also my right-hand woman, which was crazy. She was always by my side, and I adored her.”

The Love Island All Stars cast believed Joey struggled to accept this friendship, which might have contributed to occasional tension between them.

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Joey’s reactions to Grace’s friendship with Jessy

Throughout their time on the show, Joey and Grace had moments of conflict, even after Joey and Jessy became a couple. Joey was slammed by some viewers for being confrontational with Grace despite being in a new relationship. Love Island All Stars' Grace explained during her interview that Joey’s unease stemmed from her close relationship with Jessy.

She highlighted that this created a unique and occasionally challenging situation within the villa. Grace’s comments were made shortly after her elimination from the show alongside her partner, Reuben Collins.

When asked about the tension with Joey, the Love Island All Stars cast attributed it to her supportive and strong friendship with Jessy, which she maintained despite the romantic shifts occurring around her.

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Grace and Reuben’s future after the show

After being voted off as the least compatible couple, Grace and Reuben left the villa together with plans to continue their relationship outside the show. Grace shared her excitement about their future, saying:

“We are going to take every day as it comes, but I’m going to go down to Surrey, and he’s also planning to visit me in Manchester. I can’t wait for us to have date night and meet the rest of each other’s families.”

Reuben also commented on their perceived lack of compatibility.

“We were around each other 24/7 in there! I personally think it’s a credit to our connection in an environment where everything is sped up. We have done it at our own pace,” he said.

He believed their steady approach laid a solid foundation for their relationship. Unfortunately, the relationship ended less than a month after their departure. As per Capital FM, Reuben cited the challenges of busy schedules and long distances as the primary reasons for their split.

“I wish her all the best, she wishes me all the best. There are no bad feelings,” he stated.

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Love Island All Stars airs Sundays to Fridays at 9 PM on ITV2 and ITVX. Don’t miss the latest drama and updates from the villa!