{"id":350265,"date":"2026-01-03T17:08:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/350265\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T17:08:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:08:13","slug":"dancing-on-ices-vanessa-bauer-engaged-after-romantic-frozen-lake-proposal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/350265\/","title":{"rendered":"Dancing on Ice’s Vanessa Bauer engaged after romantic frozen lake proposal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vanessa Bauer shares all about her magical engagement to James Rowe after flying out to Canada for filming and returning from the Rockies with a rock of her own<\/p>\n

08:00, 03 Jan 2026Updated 08:08, 03 Jan 2026<\/p>\n

When professional skater and Dancing On Ice<\/a> darling Vanessa Bauer<\/a> jetted off to Canada for a six-week stint of filming<\/a> and training, she was prepared for the icy weather but not for the enchanting moment that would see her return to the UK with a sparkling diamond ring adorning her finger.<\/p>\n

That’s precisely what unfolded when Vanessa’s<\/a> football agent beau James Rowe proposed amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies on 2 December. The overjoyed couple shared their delightful news exclusively with OK! j<\/a>ust before the festive season, revealing how James romantically got down on one knee at Vermilion Lakes in Banff.<\/p>\n

“It was such a dream,” gushes Vanessa, 29. “I’ve wanted to skate on the frozen lakes my whole life, so it was just the perfect place to get engaged.”<\/p>\n

The proposal was particularly heartwarming as the pair were treated to a spectacular, vibrant orange sunset while on the ice. “It was crazy, because we went through a snowstorm as we drove there,” Vanessa recounts.<\/p>\n

\"VanessaThe magical moment couldn’t have been more romantic(Image: Claire Fraser – Photo Video (@cf_photovideo) )\"vanessaThe couple were treated to a gorgeous orange sunset(Image: Claire Fraser – Photo Video (@cf_photovideo) )READ MORE: Dancing On Ice star embarks on huge career move after landing role in British blockbuster<\/a>READ MORE: Dancing on Ice star Vanessa Bauer responds to ITV skating show’s axing rumours<\/a><\/p>\n

“There was no hint it would be a nice evening, but the skies just opened up to give us the only sunset of the entire six-week trip.”<\/p>\n

Having lost her dear father Marco in 2021 <\/a>after a seven-year fight with cancer, Vanessa felt his spirit during that special moment. “It was like a blessing from nature, and there must have been something behind it. It made it even more precious.”<\/p>\n

Despite instantly saying yes to James’s proposal, she shared with us, “I felt he was so far away when he was on his knees. I just wanted to hug him, so I was like, ‘Yes, of course I’m going to marry you. Now come up here and give me a hug!'”.<\/p>\n

Ex-professional footballer James, 34, confessed that the moment was equally moving for him. “I definitely had tears in my eyes,” he revealed.<\/p>\n

“I wouldn’t say I was relieved when she said yes, because I didn’t think there’d be a different answer. But I was extremely happy. I was so nervous beforehand and was probably over-singing in the car on the way there, which might have given it away slightly.”<\/p>\n

\"VanessaVanessa was a fan favourite on Dancing On Ice(Image: ITV\/Matt Frost\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

Indeed, James put in months of effort to keep the proposal under wraps. “We went to Lapland a year ago and I knew then that I wanted to marry Vanessa,” he disclosed.<\/p>\n

“I started planning it on the flight home. After that, I had to keep deleting things about the engagement from my phone. I had to keep my tracks clean for a long time.”<\/p>\n

The ring he selected for his future wife was an old mine diamond cushion cut set in a gold band. “I don’t know how he knew that’s what I would want, but I was so impressed,” Vanessa gushed. “I’m really happy with it, and it fit perfectly as well.”<\/p>\n

The couple spent their engagement evening at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise \u2013 yet another element of the surprise. “I had no idea,” Vanessa reveals.<\/p>\n

“But to have just one night at the most beautiful lake in the world<\/a> was another dream. We also did a night skate there, which was just incredible.”<\/p>\n

Having recently mastered skating so he could accompany her on the ice, James was finally able to showcase his newfound abilities. “She has been the best teacher and now I love it too,” he admits.<\/p>\n

Once the engagement had truly settled in, the pair rang their nearest and dearest to break the exciting news. “Everybody was delighted,” reveals James. “But they all know how much I love Vanessa, so no one was that surprised.”<\/p>\n

The duo initially crossed paths in September 2024 when James reached out via social media. “He DMed me on Instagram \u2013 the classic,” she laughs.<\/p>\n

\"VanessaVanessa sadly lost her beloved father Marco in 2021\"SheThe star confessed she felt her dad’s presence during her proposal<\/p>\n

Following an instant connection during their inaugural London date, the pair became utterly devoted to one another. “We really never left each other’s side,” explains Vanessa. “There was never any question about whether we’d see each other again. I just loved the way James was so emotionally available and intelligent, and the fact he made me laugh all the time.”<\/p>\n

Currently sharing a home in Hertfordshire, the couple are planning to exchange vows within approximately twelve months. “We don’t want our engagement to be a very long one,” explains Vanessa. “But at this point in our careers it’s about trying to find a balance with the planning, and seeing what’s possible.”<\/p>\n

While one might envision them tying the knot in a skate-themed ceremony amidst chilly weather, Vanessa has other ideas. “I’d prefer us to marry in a tropical country,” she shares.<\/p>\n

“I’d like to wear a dress where you can see my skin and where we won’t feel freezing. Bali would be amazing and half my family is from Indonesia, but because we want to have as many loved ones and friends there as possible, I’m not sure whether that would work. But I think it’d be beautiful to honour those roots and get married in a country that both James and I love.”<\/p>\n

Vanessa has already started hunting for wedding ideas on social media, stating, “I know I want a classical, elegant dress, and less is definitely more for me.”<\/p>\n

\"VanessaVanessa already knew she wanted to marry James since their Lapland trip last year\"VanessaThey hope to have children – but are putting no pressure on themselves (Image: Instagram\/@vanessabauer_skates)<\/p>\n

As for the guest list, Vanessa hopes to see many of her Dancing On Ice<\/a> mates there, including judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean<\/a>. “I’m still in touch with lots of them, and every single day someone’s writing in the group chat.”<\/p>\n

The tragic passing of her father four years ago <\/a>will undoubtedly leave a significant gap in the wedding proceedings, and Vanessa admits she hasn’t yet thought about who might escort her down the aisle.<\/p>\n

“Maybe I’ll do it myself. Or maybe it’ll be my little brother,” she suggests. However, she’s certain that Marco would have been overjoyed to see her settling down.<\/p>\n

“He would have been so happy, and he would have got on so well with James,” she reflects. “In the years before my dad passed, he filmed skating content for me and he would have loved being on the lakes having those adventures with me.”<\/p>\n

With his memory continuing to motivate her each day, she continues, “Since losing him, I’ve been determined to keep living life to its fullest, and to get out there and explore the outdoors and do crazy things. Because obviously he can’t do that any more.”<\/p>\n

Back home, Vanessa and James are committed to maintaining a healthy diet and seldom touch alcohol, whilst their perfect evening together is rather unconventional.<\/p>\n

“It probably sounds crazy, but we’d hit the gym, come home to cook and put a film on,” says James. “And our plates would be 90% vegetables.”<\/p>\n

They’re hoping to welcome little ones in the near future, though as Vanessa explains, “We’re not putting any pressure on ourselves for that. We definitely do want children together, but it’s just a matter of when will be a sensible time to do it.”<\/p>\n

Before that milestone, both are thrilled that this might be the year they tie the knot. “It’s going to mean so much to me to marry the love of my life,” James says. “Vanessa is an incredible person and she makes me so proud. Every day I’m with her, she just makes me a better person.”<\/p>\n

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok<\/a>, Snapchat<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, YouTube<\/a> and Threads<\/a>.<\/p>\n