First sexy Dancing On Ice pairing revealed after feud erupted before show even stars

DANCING On Ice has revealed it’s first pairing as Vanessa Bauer bags herself Love Island hunk Chris Taylor.

The new series of the ITV skating show will kick off in January with a host of famous faces.

The professional skater, 28, will be teaming up with Celebs Go Dating star Chris, 34, for the upcoming series.

This is not the first time that Vanessa has danced with a reality star.

In 2019, Vanessa was paired with former Love Island star Wes Nelson, where they finished in the runner-up spot.

Vanessa also danced with reality TV King and Love Island’s Joey Essex last series and ended up in fourth place.

She enjoyed a win on her first series on the show back in 2018, when she won alongside TV personality Jake Quickenden.

Now Vanessa is hoping to replicate the same success with Chris, who will join the likes of Hollyoaks‘ Chelsee Healey, EastEnders star Charlie Brooks and Coronation Street‘s Sam Aston.

Chris is also in good company with a number of other reality stars – including Towie’s Dan Edgar, 34.

The Sun revealed earlier today that a new feud has erupted as Essex lad Dan begged NOT to be paired with skate siren Vanessa.

Dan is said to have made the plea out of loyalty for his mate Joey Essex, who had a fling with Vanessa during his time on the show in 2023.

A source said: “Dan didn’t want anything to distract him from the competition and he didn’t want to have to worry about what Joey was thinking. 

“Why create any problems when it’s easily avoided by asking for a different dancer?

“Insiders say it was discussed as part of his discussions about joining the show and didn’t cause any problems.”

Dan is recently single after his split from Ella Rae Wise, which came following his six-year relationship with Amber Turner. 

Vanessa is also thought to be single after splitting from marketing manager Dan Underwood, her boyfriend of nine months, this summer. 

The source added: “Vanessa is an incredible skater but Dan wanted to keep things really professional and stick by his mate. 

“Joey and Vanessa did not end badly, but it just felt like the easiest solution.”

Joey sparked romance rumours with Vanessa with a string of racy performances, snogs backstage and they even enjoyed a smooch live on-air.

The two went separate ways a month after the show finished.

Dancing on Ice returns live to ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV player in the new year.