Joey Essex spotted buying bizarre porcelain leopard as ‘romance’ with Dancing On Ice partner Vanessa Bauer hots up
JOEY Essex was spotted splashing out on an unusual gift as his rumoured romance with Vanessa Bauer hots up.
The former Towie star, 32, had her roaring with laughter after buying a porcelain leopard on a shopping date.
Joey has been paired with the pro skater, 26, for Dancing On Ice, which will begin on ITV in January.
He took the German beauty out for lunch at a pie and mash shop in Essex before visiting a homeware shop for his extravagant purchase.
The pair have been in rehearsals for weeks — and have sparked rumours they are an item after spending more and more time together away from the rink.
Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 28, and ex-EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, 50, will also take part.
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It comes as a recent Instagram post sparked rumours their relationship could be more than professional.
After attending the TV Choice awards together, Joey and Vanessa posed for an Instagram video on the balcony of a London hotel room.
The clip was captioned: "Penthouse views @parkplaza."
Fans rushed to comment on the post, convinced the pair are a couple. One wrote: "So glad you have met someone special Joe, you deserve it."