Love Island champion Jess Harding has openly criticized her former partner Sammy Root’s performance on All Stars as she prepares for her own appearance on the ITV2 show. The 25-year-old was set to join the South African villa this week for the premiere on Monday, but ITV announced yesterday that filming would be postponed due to local wildfires.
Although ITV has not disclosed the rescheduled date for All Stars, Jess is set to participate alongside other contestants like Whitney Adebayo, Millie Court, Ciaran Davies, and Shaq Muhammad. She is following in the footsteps of her ex, Sammy, with whom she clinched the Love Island victory in 2023 before their subsequent breakup.
Sammy, who participated in the second series of All Stars and finished fifth with Elma Pazar, separated just four months after the show, with the breakup aired on TOWIE. Speaking about Sammy’s All Stars stint, Jess expressed to The Sun, “I think he was very much attached to Elma during that time. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
She went on to say, “He didn’t explore his options like he did when he was with me. So, he realized that’s how you should approach talking to girls, not in the best way but being honest.” Jess mentioned feeling that others were not transparent with her during her last Love Island experience and observed that Sammy adopted a more laid-back attitude during his time on All Stars.
Furthermore, Jess mentioned that she wouldn’t object to Sammy rejoining the villa as she holds no grudges against any of the 2023 cast members. The anticipated launch of All Stars, featuring Maya Jama’s return, was delayed due to the South African wildfires.
Notably, a source informed The Mirror that the crew has been advised to remain in their hotels due to concerns about the ongoing wildfires. ITV later issued a statement confirming the postponement of All Stars due to the wildfire situation, emphasizing the priority of health and safety.
Love Island: All Stars will be broadcast later this year on ITV2 and ITVX.