Joey Essex’s link to Queen uncovered after secret romance with Stephanie Pratt revealed

JOEY Essex is now six degrees of separation away from The Queen — after enjoying a secret romance with fellow TV star Stephanie Pratt.

The former The Only Way Is Essex star, 25, has grown close to the American, 30, whose ex is Made in Chelsea badboy Spencer Matthews.

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Playboy Spencer is the brother of James Matthews — who became engaged to Pippa Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s sister, over the weekend.

The Queen is Kate’s grandmother-in-law through her marriage to Prince William.

Joey and Stephanie met while filming new E4 show Celebs Go Dating, a show where famous faces are paired up with random members of the public in a bid to find love.

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But Joey, whose catchphrase is ‘reem’, and Los Angeles-born Stephanie actually developed eyes for each other.

On Wednesday night they attended the E4 Summer Schedule party at trendy cocktail bar Notch, in central London.

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And after spending the night flirting — even disappearing together for 20 minutes - they then left the party together at the end of the night.

A TV source said: “The idea that Joey is somehow linked to the Queen indirectly through his new relationship is one of the most unlikely things ever.

“They started chatting as a result of the show and have got quite flirty.

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“They’ve been in constant contact by text ever since and were not hiding anything at the party on Wednesday night.

“At one point they crept away to the back of the bar’s terrace together and were being very tactful. He was telling everyone how much he fancies her and was following her around like a puppy.”

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Stephanie, who found fame on the US TV show The Hills, dated Spencer in 2013 before breaking up after he said he “felt trapped” when she moved into his London home.

Joey was previously engaged to fellow Towie star Sam Faiers, 25, but they split in June 2013 after several arguments on the show.