Joey Essex gets cozy with Vanessa Bauer at the Dancing On Ice photocall

Joey Essex put on a leisurely show with his skating partner Vanessa Bauer as they hit the rink this Sunday ahead of the start of Dancing On Ice.

The former TOWIE star, 32, gave the camera a cheeky wink as he posed for photos with the glamorous Vanessa, 26, on the ice at Bovingdon Airfield.

Their close partnership has had tongues wagging during rehearsals for the past few weeks, but Vanessa firmly shut down rumors of love last month.

Romance rumours: Joey Essex was cozy with his ice skating partner Vanessa Bauer as they hit the rink ahead of the start of Dancing On Ice this Sunday

The figure skater looked incredible in a sheer blue bodysuit that was embellished with jewels and fringes. She paired the look with fishnet tights and huge black heels.

Joey added to the bling with his black beaded top and hair slicked back with gel.

The pair looked excited ahead of Sunday’s launch, which sees Joey join the likes of Patsy Palmer, Ekin-Su and Liberty X’s Michelle Heaton.

Playful: The former TOWIE star, 32, gave the camera a cheeky wink as he posed for photos with a glamorous Vanessa, 26, on the ice

Close bond: Their close partnership has had tongues shaking during rehearsals for the past few weeks, but Vanessa firmly shut down rumors of love last month

Running away: Joey looked a little uncertain as he mimicked being on a platform on the ice

Vanessa ended growing rumors of a romance between her and Joey after they reported they were “super flirty”.

She shared that they were “just friends,” before adding that they were having “a lot of fun” preparing for the competition.

Speaking to The Sun, Vanessa was asked if the rumors of a blossoming relationship between her and Joey were true.

Stunning: Vanessa looked incredible in a sheer blue bodysuit that was encrusted with jewels and fringes

“We’re just skating partners,” she said firmly, while responding the same to any chance of romance in the future.

And as she steered the conversation to the upcoming series of skating competitions, the brunette continued, “Dancing on Ice couldn’t be better at the moment, Joey is making really fast progress and he’s working hard.

“He takes Dancing on Ice extremely seriously; At first I was a little concerned that he would joke too much. But we have a lot of fun and train so hard at the same time.”

Showing off his moves: Joey added to the bling with his black beaded top and hair slicked back with gel