Sammy Root breaks his silence on split with Jess Harding three months after Love Island win
LOVE Island winner Sammy Root has broken his silence after his shock split from Jess Harding.
The 22 year-old released a statement on social media hours after the news broke that he and Jess had gone their separate ways.
Sammy shared a post to instagram tonight, confirming he had been blindsided by the news.
He wrote: "Hi guys, I thought I would come online to address today's news about me and Jess. 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.
"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 a respectful way forward.
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"We had the most incredible experience winning Love Island and I genuinely saw a future with Jess. I was committed and respectful to our relationship. Unfortunately things don't always work out the way you'd hoped."
He concluded the statement: "Despite how this has all played out today, I think Jess is an amazing woman and genuinely wish her all the best."
A source close to the pair told : "They're better off as friends."
Jess jetted off to the party island of Ibiza at the weekend, where she's been with her girl pals.
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Earlier today Jess confirmed the news by removing Sammy from her social media.
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted how the star has removed pinned posts of her and 22-year-old Sammy from her Instagram.
He's also been axed from her story highlights.