Love Island winner Jess Harding heartbroken after death of beloved family member
LOVE Island winner Jess Harding is heartbroken after the death of her beloved grandad.
The reality star, 22, shared a sweet black and white picture with the man she called her ‘soldier’ as she shared the sad news.
She began the emotional post: “My Soldier, My Grenadier Guard, My Grandad.
“87 years on this world, you’re the most amazing and precious man ever!
“I love you forever and always! Grandads Girl.”
Jess ended her message: “God bless” and added a white dove emoji.
The beauty technician also shared several more images, including one poignant snap of her holding her grandad’s arm in hospital.
There was also a sweet shot of her grandad all suited and booted, posing next to a model of a royal guard.
Jess was quickly inundated with sympathy from her followers and pals.
Former Love Island star Lucinda Strafford wrote: “Sending you so much love Jess.”
Chloe Burrows and Samie Elishi added a string of hearts.
Danica Taylor commented: “Sending love, so sorry for your loss.”
Catherine Agbaje, who was on the same series of the dating show as Jess, also added: “Sorry for your loss Jess, sending strength and love, love you.”
Tasha Ghouri, meanwhile, posted: “Sending so much love.”
It comes as Jess found herself single again in October after calling time on her relationship with fellow Love Island winner, Sammy Root.
Jess reportedly ended things with Sammy over the phone after a three-month romance.
“We shared a once in a lifetime experience together so of course I’m sad,” Jess told fans on instagram when asked how she was coping following the break up.
When the split happened, Jess didn’t announce it but Sammy posted a lengthy statement.
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.
“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.”