Dancing on Ice 2023: Joey Essex admits to having ‘soft spot’ for Vanessa Bauer but denies that they are dating

Joey Essex admitted that he has a soft spot for his Dancing on Ice partner Vanessa Bauer after a pressing question from Susanna Reid on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

The former The Only Way is Essex star, 32, from Southwark, was quizzed about his relationship with his skating partner following spiralling rumours.

Joey blushed and could not stop smiling as he was asked about the 25-year-old German figure skater.

The reality star told GMB hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls: “The truth is, obviously I’m single, Vanessa is single. We go to the ice every day. It’s cold, do you know what I mean? Got to keep each other warm.”

Susanna then said to Joey: “But it sounds like you’re not single and she’s not single. It sounds like you’re both together.”

Joey then appeared bashful as he responded: “No comment, can’t confirm” before adding “no but we are both single. Right now we’re taking it slow, it’s all good.”

Susanna Reid then congratulated the TOWIE star, before saying: “Anyone watching will hear that you have a soft spot for on the ice.”

Joey continued to laugh with the presenters as he said: “Of course I do, yeah. Who wouldn’t though? Vanessa is lovely.”

The interview was wrapped up with the Good Morning Britain presenter telling Joey: “you clearly have excellent chemistry.”

Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer have been forced to continuously deny relationship allegations after appearing very close on Dancing on Ice.

Back in October, professional skater Vanessa Bauer shut down rumours, telling The Sun: “We are just skating partners."

When asked further if she could see a romance blossoming, the German skater said: “No, no, we are just skating partners.”

Vanessa has previously been caught up in Dancing on Ice romance drama after she was previously linked to skating partner Jake Quickenden.

The figure skater won the show with singer Jake, 34, in 2018, and he recently stated that he does not believe the show is “cursed.”

Following his win on Dancing on Ice, the singer split from his girlfriend Danielle Fogarty and Vanessa separated from her long-term boyfriend Louis Nathaniel.

Jake Quickenden told the MailOnline: “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.”

Vanessa was also reportedly dating skating partner Wes Nelson in 2019 after he split from his girlfriend.