Joey Essex’s Miss Universe love Maria Thatill breaks silence on ‘flirty’ I’m A Celebrity relationship

JOEY Essex's model love Maria Thatill has broken her silence on the pair's 'flirty' relationship on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

Joey and Maria have recently been seen enjoying one another's company in the Australian version of the hit show.

Sparks flew as Joey, 31, jumped into the bed with the Miss Universe winner for a steamy embrace during a recent episode.

The show's mics picked up Joey making noises as he appeared to share a kiss with the stunning brunette.

Now Maria, 28, has addressed her relationship with the former TOWIE star, after being voted out of the jungle this week.

She told show host Dr Chris Brown during her exit interview: "Joey and I are friends, we’re friends. We’re flirty friends, and we agreed that the jungle under the microscope, it was just pushing things a little bit."

But on where this could lead to once Joey had also left the jungle, Maria added: "You never know, you never know. So we’ll just wait and see."

Elaborating on her time with the British star, Maria told The Kyle and Jackie O Show: "Joey was absolutely delightful, and when you’re in there, you’re a little bit bored…

"The physical affection, the flirting, it made everything easier in there."

She quipped: "Not everything has to be a long-term thing - he doesn’t have to be my husband."

Viewers have been anticipating the on-screen romance as the pair flirted in camp.

Describing her perfect type, Maria said: "I like people who are adventurous, creative and open."

Cheeky Joey replied: "I've pretty much got all them things. If there was a piece of paper with a load of boxes, I reckon every one would be ticked."

He then told the jungle hut: "It's nice to have someone in here who I can talk to, who I can be with in a friendly way but at the same time, something is there."