Dancing on Ice star Joey Essex faces heartbreaking love split when skating partner Vanessa Bauer returns to Germany
DANCING On Ice star Joey Essex is set to be broken-hearted when his rink partner leaves the UK.
Joey, 32, is smitten with German pro Vanessa Bauer, 26, who he will perform with in tonight’s final.
But while the Towie star will head to Essex afterwards, Vanessa flies back to her Berlin home.
A source said: “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.”
Joey revealed last week: “I wanted Vanessa from the start – I did my research.”
Vanessa, who has made it to the final of the ITV show five times in six years, said the pair had a “wholesome connection”, adding: “We get along very well and spend a lot of time together.”
Prior to her connection with Joey, Vanessa and former dance partner Wes Nelson were at the centre of romance rumours.
Although the reports were never confirmed, many believed they were dating due to both of them ending previous relationships.
Vanessa broke up with her then-boyfriend Louis Nathaniel, with who she was together for two-and-a-half years.
Sources told The Sun Louis had become concerned about Vanessa’s growing closeness to Wes Nelson.