Friday 25 November 2022 05:56 PM Vanessa Bauer shuts down rumours of romance with Joey Essex but says they are ... trends now 'We are having a lot of fun': Dancing On Ice's Vanessa Bauer reveals what's really going on with Joey Essex as she shuts down romance rumours... after everyone was saying the same thing By Kenzi Devine For Mailonline Published: 17:46 GMT, 25 November 2022 | Updated: 17:52 GMT, 25 November 2022 Viewcomments Vanessa Bauer has revealed that she and her Dancing On Ice partner Joey Essex have struck up a strong bond during rehearsals. The professional skater admitted that the new duo are 'having a lot of fun' but shut down any rumours of a romance between herself and the TOWIE star. Despite putting on a close display on social media and being subject to a wave of romance rumours over the last few months, she confirmed that they are simply 'just skating partners'. Havign fun: Vanessa Bauer has revealed that she and Dancing On Ice partner Joey Essex are 'having a lot of fun' during training... but shuts down any romance rumours Speaking to The Sun on Thursday evening at Elf The Musical's press night in London, Vanessa was asked whether there was any truth to rumours of a blossoming relationship between her and Joey. 'We are just skating partners,' she firmly said, while responding the same to any chance of romance in the future. And turning the conversation to the upcoming series of the skating competition, the brunette continued: 'Dancing on Ice couldn't go any better right now, Joey is progressing really fast and he's working hard. 'He takes Dancing on Ice extremely seriously; I was a bit worried at the beginning that he was going to joke around too much. But we are having a lot of fun and at the same time we are training so hard.' Let's skate: 'We are just skating partners,' she firmly said, while responding the same to any chance of romance in the future Vanessa's comments come following reports that she and Joey have been growing close and are reportedly 'super flirty'. Despite Joey being spotted sharing a kiss with Love Island's Maura Higgins during this year's National Television Awards, rumours that he is planning on inviting Vanessa to his £3M Essex home began circulating just days later. A source told The Sun: 'Joey and Vanessa have grown close incredibly quickly. Competition: 'He takes Dancing on Ice extremely seriously; I was a bit worried at the beginning that he was going to joke around too much,' she said Just friends?| Vanessa shut down the romance talk despite talk of her and Joey being 'super flirty' with one another, alongside a slew of public appearances and social media posts together '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.' Joey is set to star in the skating competition against stars such as Patsy Palmer and Love Island's Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, with the show kicking off in early 2023. DANCING ON ICE 2023: MEET THE CONTESTANTS PATSY PALMER AGE: 50 PROFESSION: Actress and DJ WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I've turned it down before because I was terrified, but when I turned 50 I made a pact to get out of my confront zone. ' EKIN-SU CULCULOGLU AGE: 28 PROFESSION: Love Island star WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I’ve got some amazing news to tell you. I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice.' MOLLIE GALLAGHER AGE: 24 PROFESSION: Actress WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I've not got the best coordination so when people find out they will laugh, but I don't want to spend my life saying "I can't do this, I can't do that." JOEY ESSEX AGE: 32 PROFESSION: Ex TOWIE star WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I'm so excited. I wanted something in my life with structure and it's more serious than what I usually do.' CARLEY STENSON AGE: 36 PROFESSION: Actress and West End star WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I'm so excited that I get to learn how to dance...on ice! I'm terrified but can’t wait - I just want to make the most of this whole experience.' SIVA KANESWARAN AGE: 33 PROFESSION: Singer WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see.' JOHN FASHANU AGE: 60 PROFESSION: Former footballer and pundit WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I am definitely in it to win it.And this may be one of the scariest things I've ever signed up for but I couldn't be more ready for the challenge!' NILE WILSON AGE: 26 PROFESSION: Olympic gymnast WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I've not done much ice-skating but I am so excited for the opportunity. I'm so excited to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again.' JAMES LEE WILLIAM AKA THE VIVIENNE AGE: 29 PROFESSION: Drag queen WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is an honour and a big step forward for queer representation on TV.' DARREN HARRIOT PROFESSION: Comedian AGE: 34 WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I've got giant feet, I don't skate and I can't dance. My family has already made bets - they’re making bets that I’ll fall on the first episode!' MICHELLE HEATON AGE: 43 PROFESSION: Singer WHAT DID THEY SAY?: 'I’ve always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I’m really truly grateful that I’ve got it this year when I’m a lot stronger.' Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility