LOVE Island fans have worked out the real reason why ‘messy’ Joey Essex turned on Ciaran Davies tonight.

This evening’s instalment of the ITV2 show saw the former Towie legend get involved with the villa’s first love triangle involving Ciaran, Harriett Blackmore and Nicole Samuel.

Love Island’s Joey Essex has been branded ‘messy’ and fans know why he turned on Ciaran tonight

Ciaran had to admit that he liked Nicole more than Harriett

Joey called Ciaran over during his chat with Harriett
Tonight Joey was chatting with Nicole and she explained that she didn’t feel like she knew what was going on with the Welsh hunk.

So the reality TV legend called Ciaran over and caused a little bit of drama by asking him who he liked more, after telling Harriett that he had been cheering Nicole’s name in boy’s changing room.

Joey asked: “Ciaran, who do you like more?”

Harriett replied: “Nicole?”

She added: “Did you tell the boys Nicole in the changing room?”

Ciaran said: “Yeah, I did.”

“OK, fair enough then,” Harriett said back.

Joey cheekily added: “At least he was honest.”

Ciaran then got up and walked off.

Viewers think that the ‘reason’ why Joey did it is because he actually secretly wants her.

One said on X: “Joey wants 100% graft from Harriet.”

Another tweeted: “joey just say you want harriet alreadyyy.”

A third chimed in: “Joey is gonna move on Harriet now they he knows ciaran doesn’t like her…just watch.”

Over the past week, the girls have made it clear that they are keen on getting to Ciaran.

Love Island 2024 couples

The Islanders are all ‘coupled up’ in the villa.

Ciaran, who is currently paired with Harriett, told Nicole that he fancied her, but didn’t want to kiss her, out of respect with his pair.

But then locked lips with Harriett in bed.

A feud erupted last night when Nicole found out about it – and was fuming that she hadn’t told her about the smooch.

Ciaran hasn’t been very honest with the girls over the past few days, telling both of them that he’s not sure who he wants to be with.

But has then gone and told the guys that he’s leaning towards Nicole.

Ciaran came clean to Nicole about the situation outside in the garden and after having it out with him, went inside with Jess White to talk about it.

Nicole fumed: “Is she taking the pi**? He kissed her last night.

“She just pulled me and said ‘be honest with me, be honest with me’. Didn’t even f***ing tell me Jess, that he kissed her last night in bed.

“She can f*** off. So can he.”