It is unclear if Joey Essex will win Dancing On Ice tonight, but what is for certain is that he will leave the contest broken hearted no matter the outcome as he will be separated from his dance partner.
The 32-year-old former Towie star has skated all the way to the final of the 2023 competition alongside professional skate partners Vanessa Bauer, 26.
But even if the duo succeed in scooping the top prize during Sunday night’s grand finale, they will unfortunately be pulled miles apart as Joey will return home to Essex while Vanessa is set to head home to Berlin.
The pari have reportedly fallen for each other over the course of the current 15th season - which has been on air since mid-January.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “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.
“Joey might be smitten, but he has a busy work schedule in the UK and doesn’t speak German.”
Rumours of a romance between the skating partners has been fuelled by the duo themselves as they have openly gushed about their blossoming friendship.
Joey revealed just last week that he went in to the contest with the intention of being paired with the German skate pro, explaining: “I wanted Vanessa from the start - I did my research.”
And Vanessa herself has said she and Joey share a “wholesome connection”, adding: “We get along very well and spend a lot of time together.”
Back in January, Joey gave a flirty response when asked how he and Vanessa were getting on together after they were paired on the show.
He said: "The truth is obviously I’m single, Vanessa’s single.
“We go to the ice every day and it’s cold. You know what I mean? You’ve got to keep each other warm. So that’s it, really."
The other finalists competing for the Dancing on Ice 2023 crown are former Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson and pro skater Olivia Smart and drag performer The Vivienne and pro skater Colin Grafton.
The Vivienne, real name 30-year-old James Lee Williams, admitted she’s planning to take all her skating outfits with her as a parting gift.
She said: “When we skated to Evita, Holly said ‘Oh my God, I love that dress!’ Me and Holly have found our mutual love of shiny things.”
"Oti has out-dragged me a couple of times this season. She’s fabulous.”
She added: “One of Holly’s dresses would probably fit on my thigh so I’ll take two. I’m taking all the outfits with me.”
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