29 January 2023 , 20:04
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Joey Essex appeared to confirm a romance with his skating partner Vanessa Bauer on Dancing on Ice, this evening.
The pair had dressed as Grease characters Danny and Sandy for their routine, with host Holly Willoughby telling them they are a "real life Sandy and Danny," asking if there's something they want to tell us.
Joey with his arm around Vanessa, then said: "Danny and Sandy are getting on pretty well, if you know what I mean," then winking.
His admission was met by cheers from the crowd, and Holly described Vanessa as Joey's "Pro partner slash life partner" as they left the rink.
Rumours of the pair's relationship have been circulating for weeks, after they were introduced by show bosses four months ago, but before now they had refused to confirm or deny a romance.
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The pair have been regularly snapped cuddling rink side, Vanessa has been spotted at his Essex mansion and ITV insiders say they are inseparable backstage.
Joey has previously gushed about the German skating champion, and described her training technique.
Joey and Vanessa as Danny and Sandy (ITV)Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "It's a similar process to SAS: Who Dares Wins, because you’ve got to listen. You’ve got to really focus.
"The more you focus and the more you listen, the more you're going to go further in this journey. It really matters.
"Vanessa is very strict. She's on point. She's very understanding, but at the same time, she gives me more confidence.
"If I wasn't doing well, she'll say, 'You’re slacking', but she knows when I'm putting all my effort into this, she knows I'm trying my hardest."
Joey and Vanessa show off their skating moves (ITV)He added: "Vanessa's my secret weapon. I'm just going with it and listening to Vanessa, and whatever she says, I'll go with!"
This evening also saw a major format change.
For the first time ever, the skate-off was axed and there was no bottom two.
Normally, the judges' scores are combined with the public vote, and the two stars at the bottom of the leaderboard must skate again.
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It's then up to judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse to save someone and send the other home.
On Sunday night, hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield confirmed a change to proceedings that could affect who goes home.
It was confirmed that no skate-off would be held at the end of the show, and so there was no chance for anyone to perform better to stay on the show.
Consequently, Liberty X star Michelle Heaton was dropped from the show immediately, with no chance to perform again.
Phillip announced at the start of the show: "Tonight there are no second chances.
Joey and Vanessa were introduced by show bosses four months ago (WireImage)"The lowest placed couple will go straight out of the competition. For one week only there is no skate-off to save them."
As the crowd sounded uncertain about the move, Holly said: "I know, it's brutal!"