Dancing on Ice 2023: Joey Essex gushes over Vanessa Bauer after she looks ‘furious’ with second place

Joey Essex gushed over skating partner Vanessa Bauer after they came second on the Dancing on Ice final.

The Only Way Is Essex star, 32, from Southwark, has been reportedly dating his partner Vanessa Bauer, 26, from Berlin.

During the final of the figure skating competition, Dancing on Ice host Phillip Schofield told the reality star he had found a “friend for life”.

Joey shared that the German skater was “perfect” and told how they share an “unbreakable bond”.

The couple looked cosy as they danced the iconic Bolero routine and then tightly cuddled as they waited for feedback from the judges.

Joey gushed over Vanessa as he told the hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: “She is the best. I couldn’t be any more proud of myself and of her.”

The pair are set to be facing a heartbreaking split following their final skate together on Sunday night.

German-born Vanessa is set to be returning to her home in Berlin following the competition, which will mean she will be leaving the reality star behind.

The pair have had a blossoming relationship since they began rehearsals last October, with rumours spiralling that they have been dating.

A source told The Sun: “Vanessa and Joey have really fallen for each other but neither are sure if they want a long-distance relationship.

“It is going to come as a huge shock for the pair.”

The pair were reportedly spotted ‘kissing’ backstage of Dancing on Ice, with Joey attempting to kiss Vanessa during the live show after their High School musical performance.

It comes as fans speculate that Vanessa was left ‘furious’ at Joey following their loss on the figure skating programme.

Vanessa stood holding the hand of her reality show partner but looked disappointed at their Bolero performance.

Fans of Dancing on Ice took to social media to share their views on Vanessa’s unhappiness.

One Twitter user wrote: “Joey really fumbled that bolero routine. I’ve been watching #DancingOnIce every year since the second series, and that was the weakest bolero ever performed. No wonder Vanessa was raging. By the final 2, the pro shouldn’t need to be directing and instructing the steps.”

Another user shared: “If joey suspiciously goes missing after tonight it was defs vanessa  #dancingonice”.

A third shared: “Joey literally forgot the second half of the routine. If it wasn’t for Vanessa guiding him verbally and physically, he’d be lost. Ruined the whole vibe for me. Nile deserves to win, no doubt about it #DancingOnIce”.

Speaking on the Bolero routine after the show, Vanessa shared on her Instagram stories: “We made it all the way to the Bolero!!! Thanks to your support we couldn’t be more grateful.

“It was our most skilful skate to date and we were over the moon to perform it. Unfortunately it didn’t quite go as planned but we got through it!!!

“@joeyessex smashed the whole series, words can’t explain how proud I am of him. He literally couldn’t have put in more work and passion into this show. I’m so happy this series happened and can’t wait to share our dress rehearsal Bolero.”

Vanessa had previously shared a sweet tribute to her skating partner after an emotional skate last week, which was a tribute to Joey’s late mother and her late father.

The German skater shared how “proud” of Joey she was as they stood cosied up together watching their highlights.

Joey and Vanessa have not officially confirmed their relationship, despite the reality star dropping multiple hints at a growing relationship.

The TOWIE star had previously revealed he had a “soft spot” for the figure skater as he spoke to the Dancing on Ice hosts about the nature of his relationship.