Sammy Root, a project manager turned reality TV star, rose to fame after winning the tenth season of Love Island in 2023 alongside Jess Harding. Their victory, which included a £50,000 prize, marked the culmination of a tumultuous journey on the show. However, the fairytale ending was short-lived. Despite initial appearances of a strong connection, including meeting each other’s families, their relationship crumbled just two months after leaving the villa. The breakup was abrupt, with Jess ending things over the phone, leaving Sammy shocked and disappointed. He expressed his desire for a more respectful conclusion, emphasizing his commitment to the relationship and the hopes he had for a future together. Since their split, Sammy has embraced his newfound influencer status, partnering with brands like McDonald’s, Boohoo Man, and Intimissimi. He also joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), further solidifying his presence in the reality TV sphere.
Sammy’s Love Island journey hasn’t ended, however. He’s returning to the villa in 2025 as a bombshell for the All Stars season, hoping for a second chance at finding love. This return has sparked considerable interest, particularly surrounding a potential connection with fellow TOWIE star Elma Pazar. The two have a history, having met on the TOWIE circuit, and producers are reportedly hopeful that a romance could blossom in the South African sun. This potential pairing is further fueled by Elma’s recent romantic setback with Ronnie Vint, who left her for Harriett Blackmore. Sammy’s arrival also adds another winner to the All Stars mix, joining Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, adding an intriguing dynamic to the already established group.
Before entering the Love Island villa again, Sammy’s romantic life on TOWIE was a subject of speculation. He was linked to lash technician Livvy Jay after joining the show in July 2024. Reports suggested a budding romance, with the pair going on several dates. However, Elma Pazar clarified that while Sammy and Livvy were growing closer, he wasn’t romantically interested in her. This clarification added another layer to Sammy’s pre-All Stars romantic landscape, highlighting his connections within the TOWIE circle.
Sammy’s return to Love Island All Stars is not his first foray back into the reality dating scene. He initially gained recognition on the tenth season of Love Island, where his relationship with Jess Harding captivated viewers. Their journey was marked by both highs and lows, ultimately leading to their victory. However, their post-villa relationship difficulties underscore the challenges faced by many Love Island couples in transitioning their romance to the real world. This background provides a compelling narrative for his All Stars appearance, adding a layer of intrigue and anticipation.
The Love Island All Stars 2025 season promises a mix of familiar faces and new connections. While the official lineup is still evolving, Sammy’s presence as a bombshell is sure to shake things up. His past with Elma, his TOWIE connections, and his previous Love Island win create a complex web of potential relationships and drama. Viewers will be eager to see if he can find lasting love this time around or if his journey will be another chapter in his evolving reality TV narrative.
Adding to the anticipation is the fact that Sammy is the second winner to join the All Stars cast, following in the footsteps of Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. This adds a layer of competition and raises the stakes for all the contestants. With his experience and previous success, Sammy enters the villa with a certain advantage, but whether he can leverage this to find love remains to be seen. The All Stars format, with its mix of established personalities and returning contestants, promises a dynamic and unpredictable season.