Dancing on Ice: Jake Quickenden explains ITV show’s curse after winning with Joey Essex’s partner in 2018

Former Dancing on Ice winner Jake Quickenden has given his opinion on the show’s ‘curse’ after his skating partner has been paired with Joey Essex.

Joey, a former TOWIE castmate, 32 from Southwark, and his professional skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 26 from Germany, have had to dismiss rumours of a budding relationship.

This year’s series of the hit ITV figure skating show returns to televisions on Sunday 15 January, with eleven celebrities preparing to take to the ice.

Singer Jake Quickenden, 34, won the show in 2018 with Vanessa admitting that “everyone goes through relationship troubles” but stated he doesn’t believe the show is cursed.

Shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice are rumoured to be ‘cursed’, with celebrities and their dance partners sending romance rumours swirling during the shows.

It comes as the couples face intense schedules and end up in close proximity to each other, leading to rumours and their off-screen romances suffering because of it.

Previous couples who have fallen for the ‘curse’ are footballer Kevin Kilbane, who married his partner Brianne Delcourt in 2020 and David Seaman, who married Frankie Poultney in 2015.

Speaking to the MailOnline, Jake Quickenden said: “I think everyone goes through relationship troubles, it happens when people are away from home, they break down every day but when it is seen in the public eye there’s always something sinister to it.

“I don’t believe in curses, I think it only happens if you go in with an open mind of falling in love with your partner, but I just wanted to win.”

Following his win in 2018, the singer split from his girlfriend Danielle Fogarty, but at the time insisted it had nothing to do with his time on the show.

Vanessa Bauer also split from her long-term boyfriend Louis Nathaniel after scooping the trophy.

Vanessa was also previously rumoured to have connected with her dance partner Wes Nelson in 2019, after he split with his girlfriend.

For 2023, Vanessa has been partnered with former reality television star Joey Essex and the couple have already begun dispelling romance rumours before the show has even begun.

Vanessa addressed the rumours, telling The Sun: “We are just skating partners.”

When probed further about her relationship with the reality star and whether she could see a potential romance blossoming, Vanessa said: “No, no, we are just skating partners.”

The interview, which took place back in October, came just days after Joey was seen kissing Love Island contestant Maura Higgins following the Pride of Britain Awards.

The couple were seen together, locking lips and the pair reportedly planning their first date shortly afterwards, but clearly their relationship did not go any further.

Joey has reportedly become infatuated with his ice skating partner with a source telling The Sun: “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