Dancing on Ice 2023: fans cringe as Joey Essex attempts to kiss ‘uncomfortable’ Vanessa Bauer after skate

Dancing on Ice fans cringed at the figure skating show on Sunday night (20 February) after Joey Essex attempted to kiss his skating partner Vanessa Bauer.

The Only Way is Essex star, 32, from Southwark, has been sparking rumours that he is dating the German skater, 26, since he was announced for the show in October.

On Sunday night, for the figure skating contest’s Film Week, Joey and Vanessa skated to a routine inspired by High School Musical.

The pair skated as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez from the film as they performed their routine to ‘Breaking Free’ from the first film in the trilogy.

However, their routine will likely be remembered by fans mostly for the awkward moment Joey Essex made an attempt to kiss a very “uncomfortable” looking Vanessa Bauer.

Fans of the show took to social media to share their thoughts on the kiss, sharing that they “cringed” at the moment.

One Twitter user wrote: “A lovely performance, not their best was a bit jumpy from one move to another, but nevertheless they were good. Only downside I saw was how uncomfortable Vanessa looked when he tried to kiss her.”

Another shared: “Trying to snog her at the end was beyond cringe. So glad she made it clear she wasn’t interested.”

Others were quick to share their “disappointment” at Joey Essex with one user writing: “Didn’t enjoy watching him force himself on @TheVanessaBauer with a kiss. Totally inappropriate! Have more respect, @JoeyEssex_”

Dancing on Ice host Phillip Schofield was quick to acknowledge the interaction, telling Joey and Vanessa after their routine: “Nearly a little peck at the end there.”

Joey Essex then responded to the host, hinting at a relationship between the couple as he said: “Nearly. Our first kiss on live TV.”

Joey has previously hinted live on the programme that there is a relationship blossoming with his skating partner Vanessa - but the couple are yet to confirm the nature of their relationship.

During Musicals Week, host Holly Willoughby asked the couple: “You were like a real life Sandy and Danny” out there. Have you got something you want to tell us, you two?”

Joey then responded to the hosts: “Danny and Sandy are getting on pretty well” as he turned to Vanessa, before adding: “If you know what I mean?” following his answer with a wink to the audience.

Holly then asked the pair: “I mean, is it going steady, as they’d say in Grease?”

With Joey confirming: “Of course yeah, always steady” as Vanessa looked uncomfortable from the questioning.

Following Musicals Week it was reported that the couple were seen kissing backstage at Dancing on Ice.

A source told The Sun: ““A number of people saw Joey and Vanessa kissing.

“We were all surprised because until now they’ve danced around what’s happening, you know lots of ‘he’s great’, ‘she’s great’, lunches and attending parties, to the point where I think everyone wondered if there was anything other than a flirty friendship there.

“But there was nothing friendly about these kisses, if you get what I mean.

“Good on them!”