Joey Essex and Stephanie Pratt insist their relationship is no ‘showmance’ as things get serious
The pair have opened up for the first time about their romance after meeting on Celebs Go Dating
JOEY Essex and Stephanie Pratt insist their romance is “no showmance”, as they finally open up about their relationship.
The former Towie star and the Made In Chelsea babe met when they both appeared on Celebs Go Dating.
They were meant to be meeting non-celebrities, but instead fell for each other.
It was speculated for weeks that they were together, but both remained tight lipped.
That was until they were finally seen kissing in a pool on last week’s show during their first date
Speaking to this week’s Ok! magazine, Joey explained the reason they had kept their love a secret, he said: “It’s been a lot of pressure for us.
“We haven’t been able to walk down the street. We’ve been wearing massive hoodies!”
Steph then added: “It’s a relief that we can finally tell everyone and just go out and do things together.”
When asked if their relationship was a “showmance”, the 26-year-old Essex boy said: “I know it’s genuine, she knows it’s genuine.
“I trust her, she trusts me. It works and it’s perfect.
“I don’t care what anyone says or thinks.
“I think me and Steph will be the only couple on the show to last.”
Stephanie, who first found fame on LA reality show, The Hills alongside her brother Spencer, said: “We’ve FaceTimed with Spencer and Heidi [Montag, Spencer’s wife and fellow CBB contestant], so they know about us. They love it.”
The loved-up reality star confessed: “I’m so happy I don’t have to look for the perfect guy any more.
“He fell right into my hands.’
She then added: “I think he’s the hottest guy in the world.”
Steph revealed that she had “fallen” for Joey in the final episode of Celebs Go Dating.
RELATED STORIES
In the series finale, when the group attended their last dinner party with their most successful dates, Joey and Steph turned up with each other.
In Friday’s final episode, Steph told the camera: “I’m so happy that I’ve met Joey. I’ve come so far. Could he be the one? Potentially”
She added: "I never thought that I would fall for Joey Essex, but this is the real deal. I haven't felt this way about anyone for years."
She later defended her relationship to "professional matchmaker" Nadia Essex, who supported her and said: "You didn't f*** up, you just broke the rules."
Tattoo Fixers receptionist Paisley added that they looked "co cute" together.
Rumours that the pair had been dating had been rife for weeks after they turned up together at the TV Choice Awards and appeared to be loved up.
When quizzed about their relationship status by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning, the couple played coy despite acting extremely close.
As Phillip, told them, “You looked like you were into each other”, they both laughed awkwardly, with Stephanie saying, “I’m shocked by this!”
Phil and Holly continued to press them for more information so Joey revealed: “We do go on a date and I’ve brought her a puppy.”
Speaking about the little pup called Charlie, Steph simply added, “I love dogs.”
As the two continued to squirm at the hosts’ questioning as to whether Steph was Joey’s “salty potato” and whether they’d be arriving to work together the in the morning, Stephanie teased: “We could pull up in the same car together, we really wanna save the environment.”
You can read the full interview in this week's Ok! magazine out now
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220