'I'll give Sammy a hard time!'

Love Island star Jess’s mum Sarah tells new what she really thinks of Sammy, and shares her daughter’s past heartbreak

- Zara Zubeidi

The Islanders felt the heat last week in the explosive fallout of Casa Amor – but one person who appeared to keep their cool in the wake of the drama was bubbly blonde Jess Harding.

The London-based aesthetics practitioner, 22, chose to return to the main villa single – and despite seeing her former flame Sammy Root coupled up with Amber Wise, she had nothing but kind words to say to him. “Obviously your head got turned, but I am happy for you,” she said.

Sammy – who snogged bombshells Amber and Gabby within minutes of each other during his time away from Jess – later said he couldn’t stop thinking about her during their time apart and that they had something “special”.

But fed up of being in a triangle, Jess finally decided to give Sammy an ultimatum – much to mum Sarah’s approval.

Here, Sarah tells new why she believes Sammy has genuine feelings for her daughter, and whether or not he’s welcome in the Harding household…

Hi, Sarah! How have you found watching Jess’s Love Island journey so far?

I am so proud of her. She’s coming across completely as herself – there’s no fakeness there. She’s just being her and it’s lovely to see. 

Were you surprised at how well she handled herself at the Casa Amor recoupling? 

I was a little surprised, to be honest – she went up in my estimations! What she said was really fair and very mature of her. 

And Jess issued Sammy with an ultimatum…