JOEY Essex has enjoyed a string of dates with local model Tia Skillmann.
It comes a year after his split from his relationship with Brazilian stunner Brenda Santos.
Pals said Joey and Tia were taking it slow but had been enjoying one another’s company.
A source said: “Joey and Tia have been going out together for a while now.
“They’ve had a few dates and she is really keen on him.
“Joey isn’t going to be rushing into anything though and is being a proper gentleman and is taking it slow.
“From the outside they make a nice couple but it is early days.”
Before meeting Tia, Joey had been single since he split from Brazilian model Brenda Santos in October last year.
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The Sun exclusively revealed how Joey and Brenda had called time on their romance after five months after deciding they were better off apart.
Last month Joey said he was keen to settle down and said he was “husband material”.
He told The Sun On Sunday: “I’m husband material. I’m not rock ’n’ roll, I’m a clean and tidy person. My house is immaculate.
“I make my bed every morning, I sweep the floors, I dust. I’ve never had a cleaner. But I’m still single — what’s going on?
“I’m at a place in my life where I want to think long-term.
"All my mates off TV have had kids and I really want to have children but, obviously, you’ve got to have them with the right person.
“I want to meet The One. I need to find someone I can fully trust and who understands who I am, with my life and my job.
“Not meaning to blow my own trumpet but I’m a genuine, kind-hearted person.”
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