Love Island star Konnor Ewudzi reveals why he split Joey Essex and Grace Jackson up in the villa as he claims they never would have worked

Love Island star Konnor Ewudzi has opened up about why he immediately fell for Grace Jackson, despite the fact she was in a relationship with Joey Essex.

The reality star called their relationship a “holiday romance” and claimed that Joey, 34, and Grace, 25, “would never stay together for long.”

Konnor spoke in an interview with FUBAR Radio on Wednesday night about the reason he broke up Grace and Joey, as he had to choose a partner.

Konnor, 28, burst onto the scene during the 11th series of the ITV2 show and was paired with Grace, but they decided they were better as friends.

Speaking to presenters Bobby Norris and Ellen Coughlan on gossip show Access All Areas, the reality star opened up about entering the villa and reuniting with Grace: ‘I went in there and thought, listen, it’s only been two weeks.

“Nobody was really into a couple, you know, two weeks of knowing somebody. So I thought I just wanted to pick who I wanted to pick. That was kind of my reason.”

He was then asked if Grace and Joey Essex would still be together if he hadn’t broken them up: ‘Personally, I don’t think so. I don’t think so. I mean, the way I saw it, I’ve said it before.

“They used to have a bit of a holiday romance. I thought it would be the same this time around and I guess I was right in the end. Yeah, well, I looked at it this way: if it didn’t work last time, it will work this time.”

Joey proved Konnor right when he was surprised by newcomer Jessy Potts, who picked him out on a date on her first night.

After their first meeting, Joey admitted he felt a romantic connection with Jessy, who he is now exclusively dating after the show.

Cornish-born Konnor revealed which TV show he would like to be on: ‘My friends used to make fun of me because I was always in the kitchen…

But Joey[Essex] makes me laugh because I’m there at night just making pizzas, cutting them up, and Joey’s like, ‘Konnor, you’re such a good cook. You should be a master chef.’ I’m like, Joey, I’m cutting up a frozen pizza. It doesn’t take a lot of skill, no. But if I’m asked to do it, I’ll do it. I love cooking.’

Joey admitted he deliberately played the ‘pantomime villain’ on Love Island because the other contestants weren’t prepared to provide the same kind of entertainment.

He became the programme’s first celebrity contestant, having previously appeared on a series of reality TV projects including The Jump, Celebs Go Dating, Dancing On Ice and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Joey admitted on Thursday’s episode of This Morning that he is taking a ‘big break’ from the reality genre after receiving criticism for his behaviour in the villa. He said he was involved in the show and then took a ‘big break’.

But the TV personality, who was dumped along with his partner Jessy Potts just hours before the final, defended his actions, claiming the contestants were ‘encouraged’ to cause a ruckus.

He said: ‘Everyone is encouraged to stir, the difference with me is that I don’t hesitate… I know what the producers want!’

‘Some didn’t want to go out there and upset people and I respect that, but the difference with me, with my 13 years of experience, is that I know what to do and I did it.’

Joey admitted he played the ‘pantomime villain’, adding: ‘I have no regrets, you know how it is, and I played the pantomime villain. I did what I had to do, I wanted to have fun and find love and I found Jessy.’

When asked if they had said the “love” word to each other yet, Jessy said, “We don’t want to rush things.”

On dealing with the pressures of fame, she added: ‘I think it’s a lot easier being with Joey. I’m really enjoying the whole process and we’re just taking our time and even though people ask so many questions, we don’t feel the pressure to rush anything… we just take our time and enjoy each other’s company.’

Joey revealed that Jessy has already visited his old stomping ground, telling the hosts: ‘I brought her back to Essex yesterday, she was back with me within 12 hours! She went home and the next morning she was back with me at 9am.’

When asked if he’s afraid of Jessy’s father, he said: ‘Her dad is a legend… he gives you the biggest handshake I’ve ever had!’

Joey then revealed that his reality TV career is over after appearing on Love Island series 11.

He confessed: ‘I’m taking a break from reality TV. I’ve been on every show you can think of.’

He added: ‘I wouldn’t want to do Strictly. It wasn’t hard to see the headlines, not everyone is going to love you all the time. I’m strong-minded and very resilient.’

Speaking about how Jessy’s life has changed, she admitted: ‘My life has completely changed, I’ve gone from a normal nine-to-five account management job to sitting on the (This Morning) sofa with you guys! So it’s completely different but I’m loving every second of it.’

Joey explained why he signed up for the show: ‘I loved the show and when the opportunity came up I immediately said, I’m going to go for it.’

‘I went into the villa, that was my main goal (to find love) and also have fun. And that’s exactly what I did – love is in the air! We’re exclusive.’

The reality star was previously accused of bullying during his time on the show.

However, he argued that the producers were dependent on him to create drama because of his experience in the television industry.