Dancing on Ice 2023: Joey Essex cosies up with Vanessa Bauer in sweet Instagram photo

Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer appeared cosy ahead of the Dancing on Ice semi-final before ‘emotional’ skate
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Joey Essex was seen cosying up to his Dancing on Ice skating partner Vanessa Bauer ahead of an “emotional” semi-final.

The Only Way Is Essex star, 32, from Southwark, has had rumours circling that he’s in a relationship with the German skater, 26, for months.

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The pair have continued to not confirm whether they are dating, but looked incredibly happy as Vanessa rested her head on Joey’s shoulder.

In a sweet photo shared to Vanessa’s Instagram stories on Saturday, the pair smiled as they looked cosier than ever ahead of the show.

Vanessa Bauer shared a photo of the couple cosying up behind the scenes of Dancing on Ice (@vanessabauer_skates - Instagram)Vanessa Bauer shared a photo of the couple cosying up behind the scenes of Dancing on Ice (@vanessabauer_skates - Instagram)
Vanessa Bauer shared a photo of the couple cosying up behind the scenes of Dancing on Ice (@vanessabauer_skates - Instagram)

Vanessa captioned the post: “Taking it all in @dancingonice @joeyessex”

The German figure skater has since taken to her Instagram stories following the semi-final to show the pair holding each other in a cinema with the caption: “Reminiscing our DOI journey”.

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The photos come just weeks after Joey Essex attempted to kiss Vanessa Bauer live on Dancing on Ice following their High School Musical routine.

After their routine to ‘Breaking Free’ dressed as Troy and Gabriella from the films, Joey was seen pulling his partner in for a kiss on the lips.

Vanessa also shared a sweet photo of the pair looking back at their time on the figure skating competition at a cinema (@vanessabauer_skates - Instagram)Vanessa also shared a sweet photo of the pair looking back at their time on the figure skating competition at a cinema (@vanessabauer_skates - Instagram)
Vanessa also shared a sweet photo of the pair looking back at their time on the figure skating competition at a cinema (@vanessabauer_skates - Instagram)

Vanessa appeared uncomfortable by the sudden display of affection, but the pair laughed it off before hearing their scores.

Host Phillip Schofield was then quick to acknowledge the kiss, telling Joey and Vanessa: “Nearly a little peck at the end there.”

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Joey responded to the hosts, including Holly Willoughby, by teasing a relationship as he said: “Nearly. Our first kiss on live TV.”

The reality star hinted towards reports that the couple had previously been seen kissing backstage of the figure skating programme after Film Week.

Fans of the show had previously been left annoyed by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield for focusing on the couple’s relationship every week on the show.

It came during Film Week when the couple had performed a routine inspired by the movie Grease.

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At the time Holly pressed the couple saying: “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 host, telling her: “Danny and Sandy are getting on pretty well” as he looked over at Vanessa before adding: “If you know what I mean?” before winking at the audience.

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

Joey Essex has been seen cosying up with Vanessa Bauer ahead of a tribute skate to his late mum (@joeyessex - Instagram)Joey Essex has been seen cosying up with Vanessa Bauer ahead of a tribute skate to his late mum (@joeyessex - Instagram)
Joey Essex has been seen cosying up with Vanessa Bauer ahead of a tribute skate to his late mum (@joeyessex - Instagram)

Joey confirmed: “Of course yeah, always steady” whilst Vanessa stood looking uncomfortable by the questioning.

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Phillip Schofield then pressed further, asking Joey: “Are you confirming this?” with the reality star responding: “I’m not confirming anything” as the pair laughed together.

Joey has continued to make subtle hints towards the nature of his relationship with Vanessa and has previously said he has a “soft spot” for his skating partner.

Joey and Vanessa impressed judges during the show’s semi-final and have made it to the final of Dancing on Ice alongside drag queen The Vivienne and Team GB gymnast Nile Wilson.