Joey Essex has paid tribute to his grandmother Rita who he confirmed today has died.
The former TOWIE star, 29, took to Instagram to post a message for his "lovely nanny", thanking her for always being there for him.
Rita died on November 5 and the family appear to have held her funeral on Tuesday.
Joey shared an old black and white photo of Rita alongside his dad Don and uncles Greg and Doug when they were children.
He wrote: "Rest in peace to my nan Rita Essex, a happy lady who only wanted the best for her family at all times..."
The reality TV regular said she left her native Bermondsey in South London to look after Joey and his sister Frankie Essex, 31.
He continued: "She moved her whole life from South London Bermondsey to Essex for me and my sister to look after us, and to be there for my dad when times was hard.
"You are now in peace nanny and I'll always love you and never forget what you did for me..."
The "hard times" Joey was referring to are likely when his late mother Tina took her own life when he was just 10-years-old.
Joey and Frankie didn't know how she died until someone in school told them two years later.
Their family had told them she had died in an accident to protect them.
Frankie also posted a tribute to Rita on her Instagram stories.
She shared a picture of their nan from the funeral service programme and called her an angel.
"Will miss you forever nanny," Frankie wrote.
