We felt sorry for her, say Joey Essex’s nan Linda and cousin Chloe Sims as they speak out on Samantha’s Love Island axe

JOEY Essex’s family have admitted they felt sorry for Samantha Kenny after she was axed from Love Island when his ex-girlfriend joined the show.

The failed romance between Samantha and Joey has been the talk of the series – with Sam’s family even hitting out at Love Island.

Joey reunited with his ex Grace Jackson on the show when the 25-year-old joined as a bombshell two weeks after he coupled up with Sam.

She was left in floods of tears when Joey couldn’t keep his hands off Grace and took her to the Hideaway after offering little affection towards Sam.

Today Joey’s nan Linda and his cousin Chloe Sims appeared on ITV’s Lorraine to share their reaction to the scenes that have left viewers gripped.

Ex-Towie star Chloe told viewers: “I know he is our family but he is a really nice boy, and easy to get on with.”

Presenter Christine Lampard, who was in the hot seat for Lorraine Kelly, said: “She did take it quite hard, she really liked him. How did you feel watching it?”

Joey’s nan Linda replied: “I did feel for her because you could tell that she really liked him.

“And to have that happen on set is quite sad really.”

Asked whether they had met Grace before, Chloe insisted: “No I hadn’t met her, I hadn’t heard of her, I just saw like everyone else did when she arrived, and Joey was super excited when she walked in.”

Christine wanted to know more about Joey’s love life and why he hadn’t settled down yet, asking what he is looking for in his other half.

“A normal person. He’s had many girlfriends but they never last,” his nan replied.

“I mean he’s done everything in his short life, he’s met a lot of girlfriends I say and none of them ever last. I think he really wants to settle down now.”

Chloe added: “Yeah he’s actively dating and I would say he is genuinely looking for love.

“He has said to us recently that he’d like to settle down and meet somebody and he’s quite a homely person as well.

“He likes that family feeling so if it works out with Gracey he would happily settle down.”

Since shooting to fame on ITVBe’s The Only Way Is Essex in 2011, Joey has been on a number of reality shows including I’m A Celeb.

He’s also been romantically linked to pop star Rita Ora, Towie’s Sam Faiers, model Lorena Medina and reality favourite Stephanie Pratt.

Samantha was dumped from the villa and endured a teary reunion with her family as she returned to the UK on Tuesday.

Viewers watched her leave the show after Joey dropped her for his ex who entered as a bombshell.

Fans were devastated to see her leave the villa and have been calling for her return to Casa Amor later in the series.

Her relatives hit out at her treatment and Samantha’s sister Toni slammed ITV while also hitting out at her love rival Grace.

Following her departure, Samantha said: “Obviously I am devastated to leave all of the girls behind.

“But I am very excited now to see what my future holds and look forward to seeing what is next.”