Love Island 2023 winner Sammy Root has confirmed he is in a new relationship, just months after his split from co-winner Jess Harding. The reality star, who won the ITV show with Jess earlier this year, has moved on with a new girlfriend, though he has not publicly named her.
Sammy told OK! Magazine that he has not spoken to Jess since their breakup in October. He said: 'I haven’t spoken to Jess since we split.' The couple, who were crowned winners of this year's Love Island, parted ways just two months after leaving the villa, with Jess confirming the split during an Instagram Q&A.
Sammy admitted he is now focusing on himself but hinted at his new romance, stating: 'I wouldn't say I'm back in the dating game, but I never let myself get bogged down by things. I've maybe been having too much fun.' He added: 'I'd be so silly to not take this opportunity of a lifetime seriously, so I am just focusing on me right now. That's my priority.'
Jess had previously revealed that she delivered the breakup news over the phone, declining to meet in person. Sammy responded at the time, saying he wanted a face-to-face conversation to see if the relationship could be saved, but it was not to be.
The couple's split was one of several among Love Island 2023 contestants, with Kady McDermott and Ouzy See, Leah Taylor and Montel McKenzie, and Elom Ahlijah-Wilson and Catherine Agbaje also confirming breakups after the show ended.
