JOEY Essex has been seen getting close to his Dancing On Ice pro partner Vanessa Bauer as they glammed up for a night on the town.
The Towie star and pro skater arrived at the TV Choice Awards this evening together, beaming as they posed for pictures on the red carpet.
While Joey looked dapper in an all-black outfit and a new, 90s-style curtain hairstyle, Vanessa looked dazzling and particularly on brand with a stunning, icy blue ballgown.
Vanessa showed off the stunning dress with a plunging neckline as she stopped for pics, before Joey joined her and placed a protective arm around her waist.
Vanessa responded by putting a loving hand on his chest as she cuddled into him.
The duo have been getting closer after being paired together for the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice.
Insiders say Joey, 32, and Vanessa, 26, have been flirting throughout their time rehearsing for the ITV ice-skating series.
This comes despite Joey locking lips with Love Island’s Maura Higgins at the National Television Awards afterparty at the end of October.
A source said: “Joey and Vanessa have grown close incredibly quickly.
“Right now they have managed to keep everything professional but it’s safe to say they are both super flirty.
“They are going to spend a lot of time together over the next few months due to rehearsals so it’s easy to see how romance could blossom.”
Since they first started training, the duo have been seen going for adventures in Joey’s £200k Bentley, and Joey was even spotted affectionately kissing Vanessa’s head during a walk together.
They are due to make their ice debut at the beginning of next year for their shot at the Dancing On Ice trophy.
They’ll be competing against the likes of Patsy Palmer, Drag Race UK’s The Vivienne, The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran, and Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher.
Dancing On Ice launches in 2023 on ITV.
