JOEY Essex has admitted he felt like a Love Island producer plant who was called on to bring the drama.

During his stint on the show, reality TV veteran Joey, 33, raised eyebrows amongst viewers with some of his antics, with many people suspecting he had been asked by bosses to do certain things.

Now, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Joey told how he would ‘switch it on’ when needed – and was directed to deliver scenes.

He said:  “We’re all there to find love but there needs to be a journey, there needs to be drama – so, you know, I had to be that guy.

“I’d switch it on. I’d do my scene. If I was involved in someone else’s stuff it’s because I’ve been pulled in and dragged into that situation.

“I’ve just done what I’ve done because I’m filming a television show.”

Questioned about if was the producers’ man on the ground, Joey told us: “I was put in a situation where I had to do what I had to do. Do you know what I mean? I’m there for a reason. I’m in Love Island to entertain.

“I didn’t really have much time off… I was very, very busy, active.

“I mean, do your readers actually think that I would go up to a girl in a challenge and kiss her in front of her boyfriend, whilst the girl that I actually have feelings for is stood next to her?”

Love Island viewers were suspicious of Joey throughout, but things peaked when he decided to bring up the ‘Secret Mission’ during a game – leaving Mimii in a very difficult situation.

Fans accused Joey of ‘writing the script’ as his comment sparked a huge row and a few episodes worth of content.

Joey was brutally dumped from the villa with Jessy Potts, just a day before the final after his ex housemates returned and voted for him to get the boot.

Love Island’s bosses have been transparent that the show has produced elements since the first series in 2015.

Joey has worked on a string of ITV shows since Towie including I’m a Celebrity, Dancing on Ice, Splash! and Educating Joey Essex.