Sammy Root facts: Age, ex-girlfriends, TOWIE and Love Island history explained
12 February 2025, 17:09 | Updated: 13 February 2025, 10:01
Here is everything you need to know about Love Island All Star's Sammy Root including his age, when he was on Love Island, what happened between him and Jess Harding and whether he's on TOWIE.
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Sammy Root was a late bombshell to enter the Love Island All Stars villa after splitting from his partner and fellow winner Jess Harding in 2023.
With Sammy already sharing a history with Elma Pazar, it was only a matter of time before they reconnected and it looks like they'll be going all the way to the final together.
Choosing Elma from the start, the couple have proved they have a strong connection although questions over their nine year age gap have grown.
With the Love Island All Stars final just around the corner, here is everything you need to know about Sammy including his age, when was he on Love Island, what happened between him and Jess and his TOWIE past.
Who is Sammy Root and how old is he?
Sammy was born on May 10th 2001, and celebrated his 23rd birthday in 2024.
He is one of the youngest on Love Island All Stars this year and is currently coupled up with Elma who is 32 years old.
- Read more: Which Love Island All Stars are still together? The 2025 relationships revealed
- Read more: Dumped Love Island All Stars to make dramatic return in shock final week twist
When was Sammy Root on Love Island?
Sammy took part in Love Island season 10 which aired in 2023. He appeared on the show alongside Montel McKenzie, Leah Taylor and his eventual partner Jess Harding.
While Sammy and Jess had a rollercoaster of a relationship in the villa, they were ultimately crowned the winners of season 10 during the show's finale episode.
However, shortly after the season ended these two split and decided to go their separate ways.
What happened between Sammy Root and Jess Harding?
The couple split just two months after winning the show, with Jess reportedly dumping Sammy over the phone, leaving the All Star "blindsided" by the decision.
A source told The Sun at the time: "Sammy feels blindsided by the entire situation.
"He hasn't had any time to process Jess' decision privately and she didn't even give him the respect to speak face-to-face about her decision to end the relationship.
"Sammy was absolutely under the impression they could work things out once seeing each other in person again. He is completely gutted about the split."
Sammy eventually broke his silence regarding their break- up, telling The Sun: "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.
"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."
Is Sammy Root on TOWIE?
After leaving Love Island, Sammy swapped South Africa for Essex as he joined the cast of TOWIE in 2024. Whilst on the show he shared a flirtation with fellow cast mate and Islander Elma.
An insider told The Sun: "Elma has said the attraction with Sammy was nothing more than flirtation as she’s conscious they have an age gap of nearly 10 years, but Love Island execs hope under the South African sun, love could bloom."
Who is Sammy Root coupled up with on Love Island All Stars?
As expected, Sammy went straight for Elma, picking her as his date for the hideaway. Despite previous concerns over their age gap, Elma seems confident in her connection with Sammy.
What is Sammy Root's Instagram?
Fans can follow Sammy on Instagram @sammyroot_ where he currently boasts over 345,000 followers.
The TV star often shares pictures of his days out as well as his travels abroad.
READ MORE:
- Love Island's Luca Bish and Harriett Blackmore's secret connection unveiled
- Jess, Ronnie and Harriett's dramatic Love Island triangle explained
- Love Island babies: All the couples who've had children together
