Essex hospitalised after monkey business

Joey Essex was rushed to hospital after being bitten by a monkey in South Africa.

The 'Only Way Is Essex' actor is set to be starring in a new show which will see him head into the Ugandan jungle in search of wild monkeys and in preparation producers took him to Randburg Flea Market in Johannesburg.

Joey Essex during his 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here' experience

The 23-year-old TV personality was bitten by domesticated monkey Milo who was dressed in a nappy and waistcoat at the market and Joey was left concerned he had caught rabies.

A source said: "Joey was so excited as he loves monkeys -- but Milo immediately bit him.

"Despite having his jabs, Joey freaked out saying he was going to catch rabies. He saw a doctor and everything was fine."

This isn't the first time Joey will be left to explore the wilderness.

He starred in 2013's 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here', which is filmed at a camp based at the edge of a sub-tropical rain forest in Australia and he came fourth in the reality show.