Former Love Island champion Jess Harding has declared there is "no bad blood" with her ex-boyfriend, as she gets ready to make a dramatic return to the famous villa for the show's All Stars edition.
Ready for a Second Shot at Love
The reality star, who won the tenth series of the hit ITV2 dating show in 2023 alongside then-partner Sammy Root, is among the familiar faces confirmed for the new series. Love Island All Stars series three is set to launch on Monday, 12th January 2026, on ITV2 and ITVX, with a cast pulled from the programme's past decade.
Ahead of her return, the 25-year-old Jess spoke candidly about her strategy and past relationships. When asked in a media briefing if there was anyone she hoped to avoid in the South African villa, she responded light-heartedly. "No not really, you know me I'm friends with everyone, no bad blood," she said. "Sammy could even walk in at this rate and I wouldn't even turn an eye."
Reflecting on Past Romance and New Beginnings
Jess and Sammy's romance was a central storyline of their series, culminating in them being crowned winners and exchanging "I love you" declarations. However, their relationship ended just months after leaving the show. Sammy himself returned to the villa as a bombshell contestant in All Stars series two in January 2025.
Discussing what her ex might think of her own participation, Jess was pragmatic. "I don't really think he'd care to be honest," she commented. "He's in a new relationship I think anyway and obviously he done it and I didn't have no say. I watched it and thought it was a great show. There's no bad blood." She added that watching his series gave her a different perspective, feeling he was "more transparent" during his All Stars stint.
A New Approach for a New Series
With the experience of a previous win under her belt, Jess revealed she plans to approach this series differently. "The only thing that I would say I'll do differently is probably be more open," she explained. "I feel like I kind of secured myself to him [Sammy] a lot of the time - definitely be more open and also don't let anyone mug me off and push me over." She emphasised her determination not to be "that girl that got pushed over."
As for the pressure to win again, Jess is taking it in her stride. "I don't feel as pressured to win it again because I've already done that," she stated. "Don't get me wrong another win would be nice, double win, but I'm not going to be sad if I don't."
Love Island All Stars returns for an extended six-week run on ITV2 and ITVX from Monday 12th January at 9pm.
