27 December 2023 , 08:36
1169
0
Love Island star Sammy Root has revealed that he hasn't spoken to his ex-girlfriend Jess Harding since their split.
The pair, both 23, won the 2023 summer series of Love Island but broke up just two months after leaving the villa. Sammy confessed that the news of the split was a "total shock" to him as he had hoped to work things out with Jess.
Now, as we approach 2024, Sammy is focusing on moving on from his break up with Jess. In an exclusive chat with OK!, Sammy shared his experience since leaving Love Island: "It's been a whirlwind of a few months. I've maybe been having too much fun," he said, avoiding the question of whether he's back in the dating game.
Jess and Sammy split just months after leaving Love Island (instagram/@jesshardingox)He added: "I wouldn't say I'm back in the dating game, but I never let myself get bogged down by things [break-up]." Sammy is taking his new-found fame seriously and focusing on himself: "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."
Always looking on the bright side, Sammy joked that being single at Christmas means he has more money to spoil himself.
Love Island's Haris spills on unaired row between Zara and Tanyel
Sammy, a celebrity who's no stranger to online negativity, shared his thoughts: "I've had a fair bit of negativity, but I try to brush it off." He added, "Some people go a bit too far, but at the end of the day, everyone has got their own opinion. Not everyone is going to like you. People in my life haven't always liked me but as long as I like myself, that's all that matters isn't it?"
After having a blast on Love Island, Sammy revealed he'd love to follow in the footsteps of Sam Thompson, this year's winner of I'm A Celebrity....Get Me Out of Here! Besides aiming for more TV appearances, Sammy is also working on a secret project and planning some tough challenges next year to raise funds and awareness for mental health charity, MIND.
On why he's supporting the cause, Sammy explained: "Everyone does struggle with mental health at some point." He continued, "I've had friends who have struggled and I just think it's something that isn't spoken about enough."
As for his Love Island mates? Sammy still chats with many of the male Islanders in a group chat. However, he admitted he's not kept close ties with any of the girls from the villa, though he would greet them if they crossed paths.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]