JOEY Essex has broken his silence on his Dancing on Ice co-star who sparked a barrage of Ofcom complaints.
The 32-year-old trained alongside Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu in Romford after signing up to the show last year.
While Joey had a successful first performance on the series launch earlier this month, Ekin-Su sparked controversy.
She wore a nude leotard and danced sexily on the ice – but was given low scores by the judges.
Viewers complained the performance was too raunchy for a family show, which aired before the watershed.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain with Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, Joey said: “I think she’s alright. She’s doing well. It’s intense.
“For Ekin-Su, it’s her second ever TV show she’s done, so I think she’s handling it well.
“We spent a lot of time together me and Ekin, she’s a nice girl.”
Despite ending up in the skate-off, covered-up Ekin-Su was saved over after returning with a more subdued performance.
The 28-year-old went up against John Fashanu, 60, after the public vote left her vulnerable, but the judges opted to send the former footballer packing instead.
After the results, a delighted Ekin-Su told her followers: “We made it through! Thank you so much for your support this week, thanks to the judges and thank you @brendynhatfield loved every second of that performance…roll on musicals week ”
Ekin was very emotional during the episode and admitted to Holly Willoughby: “I’m not going to lie I was really upset for the last two days and I was literally questioning myself.”
She added: “I’m just like you know what stop this crying Ekin, you’re strong, take on what the judges say, work hard, and I’m here today.”
