Joey Essex reveals deep bond with Dancing on Ice partner grew from family tragedies
JOEY Essex cosied up to rumoured love interest Vanessa Bauer on the red carpet – and the Dancing on Ice star revealed they had bonded over losing their parents.
Vanessa, 26, lost her dad Marco last year after a six year battle with throat cancer, while Joey’s mum Tina died by suicide when he was 10.
She said: “Joey and I have talked about it. It’s hard to lose a parent at a young age, but we’re still here and we’re shining.
“My dad was always so proud of my work and I know he’s still watching me somewhere, somehow.”
Joey, 32, added that he found the Who Cares Wins awards, sponsored by The National Lottery, an emotional rollercoaster.
He said: “One thing that has stuck with me tonight is to live every day as if it’s your last because you never know what’s coming.
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“It really hit me.
“You never know what’s around the corner but it’s so inspiring to see all these incredible stories.”
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Who Cares Wins 2022
THE Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards will celebrate our dedicated healthcare workers in a glitzy ceremony hosted by the one and only Davina McCall.
It will be screened on Channel 4 and All 4 on November 27 at 6.30pm and these are the categories your health heroes could be in with a chance of winning:
Best Doctor – an NHS doctor – GP, hospital doctor or consultant
Best Midwife – an NHS midwife who has provided great care for a woman or her baby
Best Team – any NHS or healthcare team on the frontline and behind the scenes that has gone above and beyond the call of duty
Best Nurse – an NHS nurse in any field
Best Health Charity – For a charity that has helped change lives
Unsung Hero – For someone who deserves to be recognised and celebrated for their work helping others
Young Hero – For youngsters that have gone above and beyond. Open to anyone under the age of 18
Mental Health Hero – For significant contribution to mental health
999 Hero – For teams and individuals that have stepped up in a crisis
Visit The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards page for all the latest awards news, interviews and red carpet photos.