Joey Essex has denied reports he has rekindled his romance with Sam Faiers.

There had been speculation that the couple are dating again, following her diagnosis with Crohn's disease, after they were spotted together having a meal in an Essex restaurant.

"No, I'm not back with Sam," he said.

The 23-year-old, who previously starred in The Only Way Is Essex and took part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, admitted he would always have feelings for his ex.

"With me and Sam, I'll always care for her because she had a special place in my heart and stuff," he said.

"She's a bit ill at the moment, so I'm just there to support her really and just be there for her."

Joey, who is to release an Essex Anthems dance compilation album and is writing his biography, next stars in Educating Joey Essex, which will air on March 16 at 9pm on ITV2.