Dancing on Ice 2023: Joey Essex ‘confirms’ relationship with Vanessa Bauer as he responds to Holly Willoughby

Joey Essex’s relationship with his Dancing on Ice skating partner Vanessa Bauer was all but confirmed during Sunday night’s (January 15) figure skating show.

The former The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) star, 32, from Southwark, has been entangled in rumours of a blossoming romance with professional skater Vanessa Bauer, 26.

Joey was quizzed by Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby who asked him a very leading question during the live show.

Holly was back alongside her presenting partner and fellow This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield for Sunday’s launch show of the programme.

Nile Wilson, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Michelle Heaton were among the six celebrities who starred in the return of Dancing on Ice.

Joey made his debut on the ice with his partner Vanessa, who previously won the show in 2018, as they skated to Mack the Knife.

The pair impressed judges with their first skate and scored 27 points out of a possible 40 from the four judges, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.

Once their performance was over, Holly Willoughby asked for some gossip by saying to the former reality star: “It would be fair to say you’re really enjoying this partnership aren’t you?”

After a short pause, Joey said: “Well yeah, I mean… she’s easy on the eye,” with Holly responding: “Yes she is an excellent skater.”

The pressing question came just days after the TOWIE celebrity was seen asking for Vanessa’s phone number in a teaser for the programme.

Rumours have been spiralling about the potential romance between Joey and Vanessa in the media following reports of the show’s curse.

Holly isn’t the first to pry into the romance, with both of the pair having to field off questions in the last couple of months.

Last week, television presenter Lorraine quizzed the reality star on his feelings towards his partner, asking: “So of course, everybody says you’re going out. That is what they say all the time.”

Joey told the Scottish host: “Lovely girl. What? The tabloids? I mean she’s a great partner. She is beautiful, she is a lovely girl and we get on really well.

“It is nice to be with someone who… we literally spend so much time together on the ice, so it’s nice to be happy.”

Vanessa Bauer has also addressed the rumours, telling The Sun: “We are just skating partners.” and when pressed further said: “No, no, we are just skating partners.”

The interview took place just days after Joey Essex was seen kissing Love Island Contestant Maura Higgins after the Pride of Britain Awards.

The couple were seen together and were reportedly planning their first date but nothing has materialised from the relationship.

It has been reported that Joey has become infatuated with his skating partner with a source saying: “They’ve certainly got close very quickly but maybe it’s no surprise – Vanessa is stunning and Joey has always been a charmer.

“As soon as he was paired up with her those who know him reckoned he’d fancy her like mad, and he’s clearly not wasting any time making a move.”

For more information about Joey Essex visit: https://www.peopleworld.co.uk/people/joey-essex