Joey Essex reveals deep bond with Dancing on Ice partner grew from family tragedies
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JOEY Essex cosied up to rumoured love interest Vanessa Bauer on the red carpet - and the Dancing on Ice star revealed they had bonded over losing their parents.
Vanessa, 26, lost her dad Marco last year after a six year battle with throat cancer, while Joey’s mum Tina died by suicide when he was 10.
She said: “Joey and I have talked about it. It’s hard to lose a parent at a young age, but we're still here and we’re shining.
“My dad was always so proud of my work and I know he’s still watching me somewhere, somehow.”
Joey, 32, added that he found the Who Cares Wins awards, sponsored by The National Lottery, an emotional rollercoaster.
He said: “One thing that has stuck with me tonight is to live every day as if it’s your last because you never know what’s coming.
“It really hit me.
“You never know what’s around the corner but it’s so inspiring to see all these incredible stories.”
THE Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards will celebrate our dedicated healthcare workers in a glitzy ceremony hosted by the one and only Davina McCall.
It will be screened on Channel 4 and All 4 on November 27 at 6.30pm and these are the categories your health heroes could be in with a chance of winning:
Best Doctor - an NHS doctor - GP, hospital doctor or consultant
Best Midwife - an NHS midwife who has provided great care for a woman or her baby
Best Team - any NHS or healthcare team on the frontline and behind the scenes that has gone above and beyond the call of duty
Best Nurse - an NHS nurse in any field
Best Health Charity - For a charity that has helped change lives
Unsung Hero - For someone who deserves to be recognised and celebrated for their work helping others
Young Hero - For youngsters that have gone above and beyond. Open to anyone under the age of 18
Mental Health Hero - For significant contribution to mental health
999 Hero - For teams and individuals that have stepped up in a crisis
Visit The Sun's Who Cares Wins awards page for all the latest awards news, interviews and red carpet photos.