Joey Essex's I'm A Celebrity Australia romance heats up as he jumps into bed with Miss Universe Maria Thatill

JOEY Essex hopped into bed with a Miss Universe winner as sparks flew after meeting on I'm A Celebrity Australia.

Joey, 31, got cosy with Maria Thatill overnight after she asked if he wanted a “cuddle”.

Joey Essex has shared a night under the covers with Miss Universe Credit: I'm A Celebrity AU

Maria Thatill asked if Joey wanted a cuddle Credit: I'm A Celebrity AU

The show's mics picked up Joey making noises as he appeared to share a kiss with the stunning model, 28.

Their steamy embrace was clocked by David Subritzky who looked shocked.

Meanwhile excited country singer Brooke McClymont told the jungle hut: “Ooooh! Maria and Joey are making out. They're pashing!”

Viewers have been anticipating the on-screen romance as they flirted in camp.

Describing her perfect type, Maria said: “I like people who are adventurous, creative and open.”

Cheeky Joey replied: “I've pretty much got all them things. If there was a piece of paper with a load of boxes, I reckon every one would be ticked.”

He then told the jungle hut: “It's nice to have someone in here who I can talk to, who I can be with in a friendly way but at the same time, something is there.”

According to reports, Joey is being paid an incredible sum of money to appear on I'm A Celebrity Australia.

The reality star is currently one of 12 celebs taking part in eighth series of the Aussie version of the popular ITV show.

The 31-year-old former Towie star made his debut on the Network 10 programme, which was filmed back in Dungay back in September 2021, last week.

And reports have claimed that Joe was paid £211,000 to take part.

Sources also revealed that there were discussions between Joey and the producers about getting him involved in a potential “romance” with another campmate.

The source added: “They were hoping to recreate a love story similar to Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher.

“He's no stranger to reality television and ITV knew that he could deliver what they wanted without second thought.”

And things are certainly steaming up between Joey and model Maria Thattil in the Australian jungle.

The Miss Universe Australia 2020 winner, 28, said that they've “really hit it off”.

She confessed: “I like people who are adventurous, creative and open.”

Joey responded with: “I’ve pretty much got all them things.

“If there was a piece of paper with a load of boxes, I reckon everyone would be ticked.”

It comes after Joey was left scared for life when he got disoriented in freezing cold water surrounded by terrifying creatures in a recent trial.

He fell victim to the harsh temperatures and became disoriented as he lost oxygen, needing emergency divers to rescue him.

In the challenge, Joey had to swim through a freezing pool covered with plexiglass towards holes – and when he found the hole, he had to swim towards an 'ice block' filled with creepy crawlies to retrieve gold stars.

After retrieving the stars, Joey had to swim back towards hosts Julia Morris and Chris Brown.

But on his swim back he began to run out of oxygen and became very disoriented.

Comedian Julia who is normally full of jokes, turned very serious and called for an emergency diver to get in to save Joey from drowning.

Joey is the only British celeb taking part this year, and is joined by the likes of former NRL player and TV presenter Beau Ryan, radio host Dylan Lewis and Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm are among those taking part.

This isn't the first time Joey has taken part in the popular show.

The Essex lad placed fourth in British version of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2013.

Joey Essex has been paid a huge six figure sum for his appearance on I'm A Celebrity Australia Credit: TNI Press

Joey shot to fame in 2011 on the second series of Towie Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Joey made his debut on the Aussie version of the programme last week Credit: Instagram

Joey recently took part in a terrifying trial Credit: TNI Press

Joey took part in the UK version of I'm A Celebrity in 2012 Credit: Brian Roberts – The Sun

JOEY Essex is being paid an incredible sum of money to appear on I'm A Celebrity Australia, according to reports.

The reality star is currently one of 12 celebs taking part in eighth series of the Aussie version of the popular ITV show.

Joey Essex has been paid a huge six figure sum for his appearance on I'm A Celebrity Australia Credit: TNI Press

Joey shot to fame in 2011 on the second series of Towie Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The 31-year-old former Towie star made his debut on the Network 10 programme, which was filmed back in Dungay back in September 2021, last week.

And reports have claimed that Joe was paid £211,000 to take part.

An insider recently told the Daily Mail Australia: “They needed star power and Joey was able to negotiate a three-figure deal upwards of AU$400,000.”

That is more than most I'm a Celeb contestants get in the UK – though of course, there have been some huge salaries in the past.

In 2019, Caitlyn Jenner earned £500,000 for her appearance, with winner Harry Redknapp taking home the same amount in 2018.

I'm A Celeb's highest earner is Noel Edmonds, who bagged £600,000 as a late addition to the 2018 cast.

Sources also revealed that there were discussions between Joey and the producers about getting him involved in a potential “romance” with another campmate.

The source added: “They were hoping to recreate a love story similar to Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher.

“He's no stranger to reality television and ITV knew that he could deliver what they wanted without second thought.”

And things are certainly steaming up between Joey and model Maria Thattil in the Australian jungle.

The Miss Universe Australia 2020 winner, 28, said that they've “really hit it off”.

She confessed: “I like people who are adventurous, creative and open.”

Joey responded with: “I’ve pretty much got all them things.

“If there was a piece of paper with a load of boxes, I reckon everyone would be ticked.”

It comes after Joey was left scared for life when he got disoriented in freezing cold water surrounded by terrifying creatures in a recent trial.

He fell victim to the harsh temperatures and became disoriented as he lost oxygen, needing emergency divers to rescue him.

In the challenge, Joey had to swim through a freezing pool covered with plexiglass towards holes – and when he found the hole, he had to swim towards an 'ice block' filled with creepy crawlies to retrieve gold stars.

After retrieving the stars, Joey had to swim back towards hosts Julia Morris and Chris Brown.

But on his swim back he began to run out of oxygen and became very disoriented.

Comedian Julia who is normally full of jokes, turned very serious and called for an emergency diver to get in to save Joey from drowning.

Joey is the only British celeb taking part this year, and is joined by the likes of former NRL player and TV presenter Beau Ryan, radio host Dylan Lewis and Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm are among those taking part.

This isn't the first time Joey has taken part in the popular show.

The Essex lad placed fourth in British version of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2013.

Marie won Miss Universe in 2020 Credit: I'm A Celebrity AU

Joey made his debut on the Aussie version of the programme last week Credit: Instagram

Joey took part in the UK version of I'm A Celebrity in 2012 Credit: Brian Roberts – The Sun