Love Island's Grace Jackson and Reuben Collins have split up – just over two weeks after the series ended. The stunning model, 25, and footballer, who were dumped from the villa ahead of the final, struggled to make it work in the real world thanks to their conflicting, busy schedules.
“Grace wishes Reuben all the best and vice versa. They will remain friends and have no bad feelings towards each other.”
An insider added: “They have both been very busy since leaving the villa and the long distance has been difficult for both of them.”
Grace is based in Manchester, while Reuben lives in London.
Grace was a very successful model prior to entering the villa and has been inundated with offers since leaving the show.
The couple were seen looking loved up just last week as they attended a film premiere together. They gained a huge following during their time in the villa over the summer – as they connected after a tricky few weeks for Grace.
The blonde beauty initially entered as a bombshell on day 12 and instantly reconnected with her former flame Joey Essex. The pair had briefly dated last summer. Things were going well, but then Jessy Potts entered the villa and Joey dumped Grace for her.
Grace then decided to move on by coupling up with Blade Sidiqui after Casa Amor, however she decided to just be pals. Things then started to blossom between her and Reuben – and the pair left the villa very happy and looking towards the future, despite being dumped as part of a cruel game.
Speaking to The Sun after her exit, Grace said: “Whether I made it to the final or if I didn't, I was really pleased just to be there.
“I think, ultimately, what I went in for, I found. I'm enjoying my time with Reuben so much. So, whether it meant I left when I did or made it to the final, it wasn't a massive deal in that sense.
“I'd found what I wanted so I was happy to go at any point.”
She gushed about their romance going 'really well', and revealed their plans for the future, saying: “We're planning date nights. I'm going to go and meet the rest of his family. He's going to be coming to see my friends and family and just making it work.
“He's London, I'm Manchester. But I'm hoping to move to London soon anyway.
“I'm really excited to get on the outside with him.”
Fans have been desperately watching their every move since to see if they have remained together – but noticed they had been spending time apart as they settled back into their lives. And the results are in!
Why Did They Split?
Despite their seemingly strong connection and enthusiastic plans for the future, the couple have gone their separate ways, citing conflicting schedules and the long distance between them as the reason for their split. Grace’s modeling career in Manchester and Reuben’s football commitments in London proved too difficult to navigate in the early stages of their relationship. While they both expressed their fondness for each other and a desire to remain friends, it seems their paths are diverging for now.
What’s Next for Grace and Reuben?
The split comes as a surprise to many fans who were rooting for the couple after they left the Love Island villa, however, it’s not unusual for relationships formed on the show to struggle in the real world. While some viewers speculated that Grace’s recent appearances with fellow islander Omar Nyame might have played a part in the split, the official statement from the couple’s representatives made it clear that the decision was a mutual one based on practical considerations.
The split has left fans wondering about the future for both Grace and Reuben. Grace, with her successful modeling career and burgeoning social media presence, is sure to continue to be in the spotlight. Reuben, who recently returned to his role as a semi-professional footballer, is focusing on his career.
As for their respective careers, Grace has been in high demand since leaving the villa, receiving numerous offers from different modeling agencies and brands. Reuben has resumed his football career as a semi-professional player for Chertsey Town FC. Both appear to be focused on their careers, which may make a romantic reunion challenging in the near future.
Love Island's Curse?
The split between Grace and Reuben adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of Love Island couples struggling to make their relationships work in the real world. While some couples find lasting love on the show, the pressure of fame, distance, and the intense scrutiny of the public eye often prove too much for even the strongest connections. It's a testament to the challenging realities of relationships, even those formed under the sunny skies of the Love Island villa.
While the future remains uncertain for both Grace and Reuben, it’s clear that they’ve both made a lasting impression on fans with their individual personalities and unique charm. It seems like it’s the end of the road for Grace and Reuben, but it is definitely not the end of the story for either of them.
