Joey Essex and Dancing On Ice’s Vanessa Bauer are ‘just friends’ after drifting apart as he plans to move to Dubai

JOEY Essex is reportedly moving to Dubai after his romance with Dancing On Ice star Vanessa Bauer fizzled out.

The Towie star will embark on a new chapter abroad just weeks after landing second place on the ITV show with stunning Vanessa.

A source told : “Joey absolutely loved his time performing with Vanessa on Dancing On Ice – he will treasure those memories forever.

“But for now, he’s focussing on work opportunities and beginning a new chapter in Dubai.

“He’s definitely single and while Vanessa means a lot to him because of the experience they shared on the show, they’re just friends now.

“Joey has a busy life and career and right now his main priority is his house move, which will be a massive change for him.”

The Dancing On Ice final on March 12 was a showdown between Joey, Drag artist The Vivienne, and Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson.

Nile, with partner Olivia Smart, were crowned the winners after they nailed the dangerous headbanger move.

After their stint on DOI came to an end Vanessa jetted to her home city of Berlin and then on to Thailand, while Joey ploughed straight back into work in the UK.

A source said at the time: “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 and doesn’t speak German.”

The 32 year old reality TV star, who is thought to be worth £6million, found fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2011.

He bought a £1.6m pad in Essex when he was just 24.

Resembling a villa in Ibiza or the Spanish city of Marbella, Joey’s sprawling outdoor pool is surrounded by palm trees, an elephant statue and four poster sun loungers.