Love Island star Sammy Root has broken his silence following the rumoured split with fellow Islander Jess Harding.
The former couple first crossed paths on the 10th series of the reality dating show earlier this year and went on to win the competition as well as the cushty £50k prize.
Since then, Sammy, 22, has confirmed the rumours that he and Jess, 23, have actually broken up, publicly addressing the split yesterday (3 October) and shared a lengthy statement on the matter on his Instagram story.
The statement began: "Hi guys, I thought I would come online to address today's news about me and Jess."
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The reality TV star went on to confirm to fans both he and Jess previously discussed the matter in 'private'.
"Yes we had a private conversation regarding our relationship but this was left up in the air as Jess is still away and we haven't had a chance to speak in person," he wrote.
"For me to then see today via the media that we had officially broken up came as a total shock."
Sammy continued: "To be totally clear - I at least wanted a face-to-face conversation to see if our relationship could be saved and felt this would be the respectful way forward."
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He told fans he and Jess had 'the most incredible experience' after winning Love Island, before adding: "I genuinely saw a future with Jess.
"I was committed and respectful to our relationship."
The Love Island victor qrevealed: "Unfortunately things don't always work out the way you'd hoped."
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He then concluded the Instagram story writing: "Despite how this has all played out today, I think Jess is an amazing woman and genuinely wish her all the best."
The Islanders met on day four of the ITV2 show with the split coming just over two months after their victory in the villa, pipping fan favourites, Whitey Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki, and Ella Thomas and Tyrique Hyde to the crown.
Upon leaving the villa, Root took to Instagram and wrote: "What an adventure it has been!
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"I never thought I would grow as a person so much in such a short amount of time, or end up leaving the villa with a girlfriend and dropping L bombs in a love letter but when you find the one unusual things happen."
Harding also took to social media to post a similar sentiment, writing: "What an overwhelming last few days. Can’t even believe the support I’ve had from everyone, it’s been crazy. Love to you all xxxxx."
Since leaving the ITV show, the couple have worked with fashion brands like boohooMAN and In The Style, as well as recently attending the National Television Awards together.
Jess, who is currently on holiday in Ibiza with friends, has seemingly yet to publicly address the separation.
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Tyla has reached out to both Sammy Root and Jess Harding's representatives for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, ITV, Love Island, Sex and Relationships, TV And Film, Instagram
Rhiannon Ingle