Vanessa Bauer: Skating Star on Dancing on Ice and Her Relationship Timeline
Vanessa Bauer has captivated television audiences and skating fans alike with her skill, charisma, and numerous appearances on Dancing on Ice. But behind the sequins and dazzling routines, her personal life and relationship history have often drawn nearly as much attention as her professional achievements. This article dives into Vanessa’s rise to fame, her career milestones on Dancing on Ice, and a closer look at her romantic life, past and present.
Who Is Vanessa Bauer?
Born in Berlin, Germany, on May 23, 1996, Vanessa Putri Bauer is a professional ice skater, dancer, acrobat, and creative director. She began skating at the age of four and quickly rose through the ranks, earning junior championship titles before taking her talents worldwide.
- Full name: Vanessa Putri Bauer
- Birthdate: 23 May 1996
- Hometown: Berlin, Germany
- Notable achievements: German junior pairs champion (2013), winner of Dancing on Ice (2018)
Vanessa honed her craft performing with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, starring in their signature ice shows. Her pursuit of excellence and a desire to inspire others led her to adopt a professional mission: “to inspire people of all ages to identify their passions and work towards creating a life that fulfils their fondest dreams.”
Vanessa Bauer on Dancing on Ice
Since joining the hit ITV show Dancing on Ice as a professional in 2018, Vanessa has consistently showcased her athleticism, artistry, and ability to connect with celebrity partners and audiences alike. She quickly established herself as a frontrunner, partnering up with a succession of famous faces and achieving an impressive record.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Series | Year | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2018 | Jake Quickenden | Winner |
| 11 | 2019 | Wes Nelson | Runner-up |
| 12 | 2020 | Perri Kiely | Runner-up |
| 13 | 2021 | Joe-Warren Plant | Withdrew (COVID-19) |
| 14 | 2022 | Brendan Cole | Runner-up |
| 15 | 2023 | Joey Essex | Runner-up |
| 16 | 2024 | Miles Nazaire | Runner-up |
| 17 | 2025 | Chris Taylor | Withdrew (injury) |
Vanessa’s partnership with Jake Quickenden saw her win the competition in her very first year, a feat rarely achieved on the show. She has maintained an extraordinary run of consistently reaching the finals, often as a runner-up, and remains one of the show’s most admired professional skaters.
Vanessa Bauer’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up in Berlin, Vanessa Bauer was immersed in skating from a young age. By her late teens, she was already a German national junior pairs’ champion, skating with Nolan Seegert. Though she did not compete internationally at the senior level, her talents earned her an international performing career.
- Skated professionally on cruise ships like Harmony of the Seas
- Performed internationally with Willy Bietak Productions and Royal Caribbean
- Moved to London in 2017 to train and further her career
This early experience helped her develop a commanding stage presence and versatility, skills which would serve her well on Dancing on Ice and throughout her entertainment career.
Vanessa Bauer’s Professional Ethos and Other Ventures
Vanessa Bauer is known not only for her skating but for her creative direction, acting aspirations, and work as a brand ambassador in the beauty, lifestyle, and wellness industries. Her ambition, talent, and ability to inspire have made her a role model, especially for young women eyeing a career in professional sports or entertainment.
- Fabletics ambassador
- Speaker and wellness advocate
- Interest in acting and performance beyond skating
She continues to branch out from ice rinks to screens and stages, always seeking new challenges.
Vanessa Bauer’s High-Profile Relationships
Alongside her professional feats, Vanessa’s love life has regularly featured in entertainment headlines. Over her time in the public eye, she’s been linked with several partners — some relationships confirmed, others the subject of speculation due to her close working relationships on Dancing on Ice.
Confirmed Relationships
- Louis Nathaniel: Vanessa confirmed her relationship with model and personal trainer Louis Nathaniel in early 2018. The pair reportedly celebrated Valentine’s Day together while she was competing in her first Dancing on Ice series.
Rumored Romances and Media Speculation
- Jake Quickenden: Vanessa’s partnership with Jake led to a win and a surge of rumors due to their on-ice chemistry. Jake was in a relationship at the time and denied anything beyond friendship, a sentiment Vanessa echoed.
- Wes Nelson: When Vanessa was paired with Love Island star Wes Nelson for series 11, there was again speculation about the “curse of Dancing on Ice” as both experienced personal breakups. Both denied any romantic involvement, attributing their connection to trust and training intensity.
- Perri Kiely: Speculation arose during series 12 due to their friendly dynamic, but both kept their relationship professional.
- Joey Essex: In series 15 (2023), Vanessa’s partnership with Essex caused considerable buzz as they were photographed together off the ice. Joey (who is known for his charismatic persona) and Vanessa fueled rumors through social media posts and interviews about a possible burgeoning romance. However, neither officially confirmed a relationship.
- Brendan Cole, Miles Nazaire: Vanessa’s intense partnerships and frequent social media posts with her celebrity partners have fueled recurring relationship rumors throughout her time on the show. Each time, both Vanessa and her partner usually credited their close bond to dedication, teamwork, and hours on the ice rather than romance.
Vanessa’s Perspective on Relationship Rumors
Vanessa has spoken openly about how media speculation has followed her career due to the nature of Dancing on Ice — where celebrity-professional pairings often spark “showmance” rumors. She consistently emphasizes the professionalism, trust, and mutual respect required to succeed on the show, and urges fans to appreciate the strength of platonic partnerships in the sport.
Impact of Dancing on Ice on Vanessa’s Personal Life
It is no secret that Dancing on Ice demands extraordinary commitment from its stars, often requiring partners to form close bonds for training and performance quality. This intensity, paired with the public spotlight, has sometimes affected the personal relationships of both Vanessa and her skating partners.
- Strong friendships with many former partners
- Occasional challenges managing public speculation and private emotional life
- Importance of setting boundaries between personal and professional lives
Despite the persistent speculation, Vanessa has always focused on her ambition and integrity, striving to let her work and accomplishments shine above the rumor mill.
Vanessa Bauer’s Social Influence and Public Persona
With a growing fanbase — over 200,000 Instagram followers — Vanessa uses her social media platforms to share glimpses of both her dazzling performances and her daily life. Her online presence is characterized by positivity, encouragement, and glimpses into her rigorous training regimes.
- Promotes self-care and wellness
- Frequently posts behind-the-scenes content from Dancing on Ice
- Inspires fans with motivational messages about following dreams
Her transparency and authenticity have cemented her as a role model for aspiring athletes and performers globally.
What’s Next for Vanessa Bauer?
As she continues her career, Vanessa shows no signs of slowing down. Whether returning to the ice for future series of Dancing on Ice, pursuing acting projects, or engaging with wellness and brand collaborations, she remains dedicated to growth both as a professional performer and a public figure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Vanessa Bauer dating now?
A: As of the most recent information, Vanessa Bauer has not confirmed a current relationship. While often linked with her Dancing on Ice partners due to their noticeable chemistry, she has emphasized a focus on her professional life and clarified that many rumors stem from intense training and on-screen partnerships.
Q: Has Vanessa Bauer ever dated one of her Dancing on Ice partners?
A: Vanessa has consistently denied any romantic involvements with her celebrity partners, despite regular media speculation. Her publicly confirmed relationship was with model and trainer Louis Nathaniel, not one of her TV skating partners.
Q: What is Vanessa Bauer’s biggest achievement?
A: Professionally, Vanessa’s crowning achievement is winning Dancing on Ice in 2018 with Jake Quickenden and consistently reaching the finals in subsequent years, making her one of the most successful professionals on the show.
Q: Where is Vanessa Bauer from originally?
A: Vanessa Bauer was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. She moved to London in 2017 to expand her career opportunities and joined Dancing on Ice that same year.
Q: What does Vanessa Bauer do besides skating?
A: Along with figure skating, Vanessa works as a creative director, is involved in brand collaborations, has an interest in acting, and regularly appears as a motivational speaker and influencer in the wellness space.
Final Thoughts on Vanessa Bauer’s Legacy
Vanessa Bauer stands out as a rare talent whose journey continues to inspire audiences. Her path reflects not only technical brilliance on the ice but a commitment to authenticity, personal growth, and empowering others. Whether dazzling in live performances or guiding her followers toward passion and self-belief, Vanessa’s story is one of perseverance, optimism, and ongoing reinvention.




