What the...! Why Joey Essex will be shackled and submerged in water in death-defying Halloween stunt

The reality TV star hates water, confined spaces and has no clue what escapology means

The Only Way is Out: Joey Essex and Ben Hanlin

Ken McKay/ITV/Rex

Emma Powell31 October 2018

Forget horror films and creepy trick or treaters, Joey Essex is about to take on an escapology stunt – on live TV.

Fans of the former TOWIE star may want to look away as he attempts to escape a terrifying water challenge after only five days of training.

He will join magician Ben Hanlin in a water-filled room with a matter of seconds to escape through the top, all while unable to breathe.

Here’s everything you need to know:

How will it work?

Basically, Hanlin is putting his life in Joey Essex’s hands. The magician will be locked up, leaving his fate with the reality star who will need to get out of his locks to release Hanlin from his shackles in order for them both to be able to escape.

What could go wrong?

They could die.

The duo could mistime their last breath and take water into their lungs.

They could struggle to pick a lock – which would ultimately mean they can’t get out.

Terrifying: Joey Essex and Ben Hanlin on Ben Hanlin's Live & Deadly: Drowned

ITV

Joey Essex has no idea why he signed up

Hanlin asked a bunch of celebrities to take part in the death defying stunt and was predictably met with rejection – until Essex bravely, or foolishly, jumped on board.

“I don’t even know why I said yes to be honest,” Essex told Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes on This Morning. “There has been moments where I’ve thought ‘I don’t know if I can do it’.”

But he said he’s a “risk taker” who will try not to “wing it”.

Joey Essex is scared of water – and didn’t know the definition of escapology

He’s only had five days of training and hates water and closed in spaces. He’s not a fan of baths or swimming – but he’s ready to shackle and submerge himself in a chamber.

Who is Ben Hanlin?

Hanlin is one of the youngest members of the magic circle and a self-proclaimed combination of Derren Brown and David Blaine. He is famed for presenting shows including Breaking Magic for the Discovery Channel and Tricked for ITV2.

When is it on?

Ben Hanlin’s Live and Deadly: Drowned is on ITV2, tonight at 9pm