Joey Essex has responded to reports he is dating Rita Ora after he was spotted leaving her house last week.
The 29 year old sparked rumours he was hooking up with singer Rita, also 29, after they enjoyed a boozy night out.
But he has now denied the pair are in a relationship, saying: “We have known each other for years.
“She’s a nice girl, but we’re just friends. She’s a sort,” he continued to spill at the TRIC Awards on Tuesday.
(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Joey was seen leaving Rita’s home on Friday morning after attending an event with her and his former The Only Way Is Essex co-star Vas Morgan.
In social media pictures shared to Vas’ Instagram stories, Joey could be seen sticking his tongue out playfully while posing with his pal during the all night party.
Joey, Vas and other friends were then seen leaving Rita’s flat the next day in high spirits, in photos obtained by MailOnline.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Annabel’s)
A source told the publication: “Rita and Joey looked very relaxed and happy in each other’s company.
“They had beaming smiles as they helped each other from a car and excitedly slipped into her house for the night.”
Joey is currently starring on Celebrity Ex On The Beach, and viewers have seen his romance with Playboy model Lorena Medina blossom.
(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
However, after making a loved-up appearance at the National Television Awards in January, it has been speculated that the pair have split.
Despite their being no official confirmation on the break up, fans have taken to Lorena’s Instagram page to leave comments about how upset they are about the end of the relationship.
Speaking to OK! online at the telly bash, Joey said: “We fell in love at first sight. Did you not watch the first episode? That was it. Game over… Except I won.”
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When asked whether he’s in it for the long haul now, the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star replied: “Well yeah, I guess so.”
Looking around, Joey emphasised how serious their relationship is by adding: “[We’re] on the red carpet at the NTAs.”
Speaking about their time on the show, the TV personality continued: “It’s good really, wasn’t it? You don’t know what you’re signing up to, until you get there then it really hits you.”
“It’s stressful, you know,” added model Lorena, while her beau carefully tucked her brunette locks behind her ear.
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