Why did Ronnie and Harriett from Love Island split?... ngocc

RONNIE Vint and Harriett Blackmore found a connection on Love Island 2024, but their relationship ended just weeks after they left the villa together.

Now Ronnie has joined the lineup for All Stars 2025 — and there are rumours swirling that his ex Harriet may well be joining him. Here we take a look at why they split up.

Ronnie, 28, was spotted by an eagle-eyed passenger on an overnight flight leaving Gatwick for Cape Town on January 5, 2025.

Exclusive footage obtained by The Sun shows the former football star settling into his premium economy seat on the plane to South Africa.

A source told The Sun: "Ronnie was a breakout star of Love Island last summer and while his hopes of finding love may not have worked out, he fancies a second shot in the villa.

"He also isn't afraid to ruffle feathers, play the field and he'll also have the support of his pals Olivia Attwood and Bradley Dack behind him.

"If his ex Harriett Blackmore is also in the villa, however, things could get very awkward very quickly."

Why did Ronnie and Harriett split?

Ronnie and Harriett got together on Love Island 2024 in June.

The couple, who left the villa together on day 26, initially seemed to be going strong.

But they called time on their relationship just three months later.

The split was first hinted at by their Love Island co-star Matilda Draper, who posted a TikTok video of herself with Harriett on September 7, 2024, captioned "When your bestie is single with you".

The public revelation came as a surprise to fans, especially since Ronnie had only just denied cheating allegations and claimed they were "loved-up".

He exclusively told The Sun at the time that he was even thinking of making Harriett his girlfriend in the coming days.

Ronnie said: “Even when the story came out, I said to Harriett, I FaceTimed that night, so she knew straight away what happened.

"So it was brushed under, and other than that we’ve been so good.

“We just had a little trip to Italy together.

I love him so much but it just didn’t work as a relationship and that’s fine

Harriett BlackmoreThe Sun

"I met her family, and she’s met mine — the parents, and everything is going so well.

"I’m really looking forward to our next chapter together."

However, there were several factors that contributed to their breakup.

Personal growth

While things between them quickly became steamy in the villa, they may not have been ready for a serious commitment.

Harriett explained that she and Ronnie both needed to work on themselves individually.

She told HeatWorld: "I think we both need to work on ourselves and he's the most amazing boy ever and I've shared such a special experience with him."

'Rushed into it'

Harriett also mentioned that they may have moved too quickly, like many other Love Island couples.

She expressed a desire to take things slower, saying: "I think we just need to take things slower because, like with everyone else, we rushed into it."

Cheating rumours

Although Ronnie vehemently denied the allegations of infidelity, the speculation may have put a strain on their relationship.

Ronnie was spotted cosying up to a stunning teacher on a night out in Milton Keynes.

But he later explained this was just part of his personal appearances and photo opportunities with fans.

He said: “I’ve been doing PAs, and obviously I’m going to take photos with girls and whatever, but there is nothing else, and she knows that, and obviously that’s the life we live now.

“If someone is close friends with me, and I’m talking to her, someone is going to try to take a photo, and that’s what it can look like."

Outside world

Transitioning from the controlled environment of the Love Island villa back into the real world can be challenging for many couples.

The pressures of public scrutiny and maintaining a relationship while juggling newfound fame likely played a role in their split.

Harriett told The Sun: "I love him so much but it just didn’t work as a relationship and that’s fine.

"We shared the most amazing experience together and I always have so much love and respect for him."

The star also hit back at criticism from Love Island fans who accused the pair of faking their romance for the cameras and to boost their careers.

She said: "It’s not often you share a villa experience with someone — and if people are calling it a showmance, it simply wasn’t a show.

"We have a special connection and I’ll always treasure that. It’s time for hot girl winter!"