Joe Swash’s mum has confirmed his relationship with Kara Tointon.

It was reported last week the I’m A Celebrity… contestant was dating his former ‘EastEnders’ co-star – who played his on-screen sister Dawn Swann – but the actress refused to confirm their five-month relationship.

However, as the contestants were given video messages from their loved ones, the actor’s mum Kiffy passed on a message of support from his new girlfriend.

Kiffy said: “Hello my lovely boy, I’m here and we’re watching. You’ve been funny and you’ve been true to yourself.

"You’re my baby and I’ve really missed you and I’m glad it’s only a couple of days so hang in there and we can’t wait to get you out and feed you up. I love you ginger ninja, you look great. Kara sends her all love, she misses you so much.”

The couple had kept their relationship so carefully hidden that even their close friends didn't know about it.

One pal said: “The first I knew he had a girlfriend was when his sister Shana said it on TV. But they have been friends for so long that it doesn’t surprise me they got together."