TOWIE star Joey Essex has hinted that he’s now dating ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, after getting close to the singer during rehearsals for their latest joint reality TV project. According to show insiders the pair have really hit it off while preparing for The Jump, which will be filmed in Austria next month. Joey recently split from co-star Sam Faiers Joey, who recently split from ex-fiancée Sam Faiers and dated I'm A Celeb co-star Amy Willerton in 2013, was speaking to Jonathan Ross at the British Comedy Awards when he told the presenter: “Well, I’ve pulled myself a pussycat.” A show insider told The Mirror that there is a real chemistry between the pair, who have been getting closer over the course of their training: “There is an obvious connection between Joey and Ashley, who both really fancy each other. They’re both up for a laugh and don’t take life too seriously. [caption id="attachment_96235" align="alignnone" width="350"] Ashley Roberts attending the National Television Awards[/caption] “Joey likes a blonde and Ashley ticks all the right boxes. Plus they’ve both got their I’m A Celebrity jungle experience, which they share, despite having been in the show on different years. “Ashley has found parts of the training difficult and Joey has been helping her. He has been her rock.” The pair will be joined by Jackass star Steve-O, and former JLS singer JB Gill for the second season of The Jump. Strictly dancer Ola Jordan was forced to pull out of the competition after suffering ‘career-ending damage’ to her leg and hips.