A woman in her 40s has been arrested following allegations that she sent more than 100,000 messages, including death threats, to Joey Essex and his Love Island girlfriend, Jessy Potts.

The messages reportedly included graphic threats to "shoot the st" out of Jessy, alongside derogatory terms such as "fat sg" and "b***h." The former The Only Way Is Essex star, 34, contacted Cheshire Police in August last year after becoming alarmed by the violent tone of the messages, some of which were posted publicly under his social media updates.

Following an investigation, police seized electronic devices, including a mobile phone and a laptop, from the suspect, who resides in the Stockport area. The woman has since been released on bail under strict conditions, including a prohibition on contacting Joey or his family and restrictions on traveling to London and Essex.

A source revealed to The Sun that Joey is relieved by the arrest and grateful for the efforts of Cheshire Police. The source noted that although Joey is no stranger to online trolling, his team noticed a significant spike in messages from one individual during his time on Love Island, prompting concern.

Joey and Jessy met on Love Island last summer. Despite being voted the "least compatible" couple by their fellow contestants and leaving the villa just one day before the final, the two maintained a close relationship after the show. However, they ended their romance in September, citing their demanding schedules.

Joey has not publicly commented on the situation, but the incident highlights the darker side of fame and the toll online harassment can take. Representatives for Joey Essex have been contacted for further comment. Photo by Cheeseburger296, Wikimedia commons.