The reality TV star was in the country filming for a one-off TV special for ITV 2 with the same production company that makes The Only Way is Essex.
Joey was looking for some ‘reem’ souvenirs at the Johannesburg Randburg Flea Market when the ill-fated monkey encounter occurred.
Those close to the star have reassured his fans that Joey will thankfully be okay.Precations were made due to the risk of contracting rabies, which can be fatal.
A source told The Sun: ‘despite having his jabs, Joey freaked out saying he was going to catch rabies. He saw a doctor and everything was fine.’
Joey’s new project comes after his appearance in the I’m a Celebrity jungle won over the nation due to his ditsy comments and ‘Joey-isms.’
A source close to the 23-year-old said: ‘The ITV bosses knew that Joey would be compulsive viewing in the jungle so they thought of another project for him to take part in afterwards.’
'They knew he would go down a treat - and he has - so now there’s lots of excitement about his monkey show.’
Joey had been looking forward to interacting with a monkey before flying out to South Africa.
‘Joey loves monkeys so this was a concept that they came up with after lots of conversations. He is going to go out and make it once the jungle and Christmas are over and done with.’
The programme is set to air in late spring, with the monkey bite and hospital drama all caught on camera.
‘ITV2 reckon it will be one of their most popular shows of 2014 so they’re as excited as Joey.’