Love Island winner Sammy Root breaks silence on ‘confusing’ split from girlfriend Jess Harding
SAMMY Root has opened up for the first time about his abrupt break up – three months after winning Love Island.
The 23-year-old has thrown himself into charity work since his relationship with Jess Harding ended suddenly earlier this month.
Now Sammy finally has a smile back on his face after a visit to Dogs Trust – as he looks to potentially find a new companion.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Sammy has spoken emotionally about his “confusing” break up for the first time.
“We had a lot of fun in the villa and we really did fall for each other,” said Sammy.
“I think it’s just a case of when you get out life is very, very different.
“It can be a bit of a struggle getting used to it and having a relationship at the same time.
“The relationship for me, it was going in a nice place and I would have seen it going on for longer.
“It felt like it was going alright, but at the same time, you never know how someone else is feeling.
“We didn’t actually really say too much on the matter.
“It was just one of those things where it just felt like it just was a bit much to be sort of looking after as well as this new life.
“It’s hard for me to even comment on it because it was just like it was a bit of a confusing one, but at the same time, but yeah, we’re still on good terms.”
Jess told him it was over by phone – choosing not to wait for a face to face conversation before making the news public earlier this month.
Sammy was left stunned when news of their split leaked online while Jess was partying in Ibiza with pals.
He faced a tough time in the aftermath as he struggled with heartbreak in the spotlight.
Sammy bumped into Jess for the first time since on a red carpet at the Pride of Britain awards last week.
“We said ‘hello’ to each other and stuff,” revealed Sammy.
“I’ve got no hate towards her. I think we ended on nice terms.
“At first, like the first initial week especially, it was a bit difficult, but at the same time, I’m not one to let myself get bogged down.
“I’ve got a lot of great family and friends around me, and I mean, I’m so privileged to have been given this new life like I need to make the most of this and look after myself.”
This week Sammy spent time at Dogs Trust to support their latest campaign.
He even dug deep to donate to the charity himself by buying desperately-needed blankets for the winter months.
His £25,000 cash prize has otherwise remained relatively untouched – confessing he’s renowned for being sensible with his spending.
Unlike some of his co-stars, Sammy hasn’t rushed into splashing out on a new fancy London pad – despite being on the cusp of launching some big money deals.
Instead he’s still living at home with dad in Kent, waiting for the right opportunity to come his way.
He’s also keen not to rush into a new relationship, having been pictured with his arm around “good pal” Faye Winter.
It’s these decisions which prove Sammy’s not been caught up with fame.
“I’ll never change who I am”, he says.
“I come from a very bog-standard normal family. We’re all grounded and I’m the same.
“Even if for some reason I was to suddenly not be, my parents would be very quick to ground me again.”
He’s now working on convincing his dad to foster a puppy from Dogs Trust, following a visit to the charity’s centre in Harefield, West London.
“I’m really excited about working with Dogs Trust,” Sammy added.
“Going there made me realise how much they could do with the help.
“They need lots of donations so I’m going to be helping with that.
“I’d love to adopt a dog myself, of course, but I’m still living at home.
“I’m hoping to foster and have already spoken to my family about it and it’s something they’d love to do, so will be looking into that.”