Sam Workman for Love Island S13 / ITV
Love Island OG Sam Workman has exited the villa following the show’s latest shock recoupling, which left both him and bombshell Namibia Olpherts as singletons.
Shortly after her departure, Sam sat down with the press to reflect on his time on Love Island 2026…
How does it feel to be leaving Love Island?
“It’s a little bittersweet but I’ve had the best few weeks. I’ve loved every moment of it but it is sad to be leaving everyone. I’ve made friends for life and everyone was so lovely throughout my whole experience. I’m excited to see what the outside world has to offer.”
How would you describe the experience?
“I would say I had lots of ups and downs – I was in a lot of friendship couples so I don’t think my person was in there for a long period of time. I always felt I never wanted to force anything with anyone. I wanted to stay true to myself. I’m happy with how my experience went.”
You coupled up with Robyn on day one. Was there an initial spark there or was it purely friendship?
“It was purely friendship, really. On the first couple of days we were getting to know each other but it was friendship vibes. We both said that we had flirtier chats with other people but I think because we were a friendship couple, we actually grew very close and it was lovely to have that connection with her.”
When the two new bombshells arrived, we saw you get to know both Victoria and Namibia. It felt like you were more drawn to Namibia but then we saw you pursue things with Victoria before she left…
“Things to start with were very 50/50. Victoria was very forward, direct and flirty from the moment she came into the Villa. With Namibia, the conversations were longer and it seemed to flow a bit more. But a couple of days in I wasn’t getting any vibes from Namibia, there was no flirtiness. I explored things more with Victoria but unfortunately it was her last day. That last day, we went to Hideaway and had a really good day together. Things were looking good for us.”
Now that you’ve left the Villa would you be keen to explore a romantic connection with Victoria on the outside?
“I’ll definitely reach out to her and I’m sure we’ll have a few conversations. I guess we’ll have to see how it goes.”
Are there any couples who you think will go the distance?
“I think Lola and Fitzy [Sean] will stay together and I really hope they make it to the end. I think they deserve to win – they’re strong and everyone looks up to them and wants what they have. I certainly looked up to them and thought ‘I wish I had that connection with someone’. I definitely think they’ll be a strong couple on the outside.”
Love Island continues nightly at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
