'Total shock': Love Island's Sammy Root breaks silence on split with co-star Jess Harding three months after show win

Love Island UK's Sammy Root has broken his silence following reports of his shock split from fellow Season 10 winner Jess Harding.

The 22-year-old shared a statement on social media on Tuesday, hours after claims emerged the duo had called it quits just three months after winning the show.

Stream every episode ever of Love Island UK and Love Island Australia for free on 9Now.

"Hi guys, I thought I would come online to address today's news about me and Jess," Sammy began.

"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.

READ MORE: The brand new trailer for Love Island Australia Season 5 is here – and it involves the 'spiciest twist ever'

"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."

Jess has yet to speak out about the break-up, and is currently enjoying a holiday with friends in Ibiza.

READ MORE: Love Island host Sophie Monk admits she told her husband Joshua Gross she was in love within 'one week' of meeting him

9Entertainment has contacted Jess for comment.

The couple had been spotted out together on multiple occasions over the last few months, but in recent weeks they have posted less of each other on social media.

The couple were crowned the winners of Love Island UK in July, and chose to split the £50,000 (AU$96,000) prize money.

It wasn't the smoothest ride for the couple, after Sammy kissed two girls during Casa Amor before reuniting with Jess when he realised he had feelings for her.

READ MORE: Save hundreds on popular robot vacuums in Amazon flash sale

They eventually won the audience over, with Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki coming in second place.

Ella Thomas and Tyrique Hyde came third while Molly Marsh and Zach Noble finished the series in fourth place.

Stream every episode ever of Love Island UK and Love Island Australia for free on 9Now.