Say it ain't so! Love Island finalists Tom Clare and Samie Elishi have called it quits. The pair starred on this year's winter edition of the hit dating show, coming in third place behindRon Halland Lana Jenkins. However, just a month after leaving the villa - their romance is over.
In an Instagram statement Tom said, 'I didn't think I'd be writing this one but me & Sami have gone our separate ways. We are still on good terms and I have nothing but love and respect for her. I'm gutted it's come to an end but I truly wish Sami the best.'
According to previous reports the pair quietly split earlier this month. A source told The Sun, 'Samie and Tom have sadly decided to call it a day. There is a lot of love and respect there but it just wasn’t going anywhere.' Adding, 'The distance between them was too much and they are both really focused on their careers post Love Island.'
Footballer Tom is from Lancashire whilst estate agent Samie is from London. Depending on your mode of transport that could be up to 4 hours of travelling. Tom had previously told the publication that he would happily move to wherever for Samie to make their relationship work but there was 'no rush' to do so. In the meantime, the pair were travelling to each other's homes to spend a 'few days together' and trying to make their romance work.
Tom saidearlier this month, 'I've been down there for a few days or she's come up here. It hasn't been like a one day thing, we're making it work. I think eventually we want to move in together but that takes time, it's not something that you rush. Adding, 'I'd live wherever Samie wants to live - I'm not bothered.'
However, of course this is no longer true. Here at Grazia, we already spotted a number of clues that pointed to trouble in paradise.
Social Media
Fans previously feared the pair had split after not posting each other on their social media accounts for two weeks. We know this might sound crazy to some, but for the Islanders, their social media post-villa is focused on their relationship. If we look at the other couples like Shaq and Tanya or Will and Jessie who are consistently positing each other or commenting on each other's pictures - they are the anomaly right now.
It's not like Samie and Tom have shied away from posting each other since they came out the villa, so the sudden drop in engagement online has only fuled further speculation.
A revealing podcast appearance with Chloe Burrows
During an appearance on fellow Islanders Chloe Burrows podcast, Chloe v. The World, the pair discussed why they applied for Love Island. Samie and Tom both admitted that they were more focused on the opportunities and exposure Love Island would bring, rather than the love aspect. Whilst this is a common theme with Islanders today, it seemed to ruffle some feathers. Samie said, 'I didn't think I would find anybody. But I was thinking strategically, who do I pick to stay the longest.' Whilst Love Island is a game show, this comment did raise eyebrows and it has made many fans question how genuine their relationship really is.
The silent treatment
When a rumour like this goes around, naturally anyone (who is still together) would put the media circus to bed with a quick statement. However, Tom and Samie have stayed very quiet about their rumoured split. The ex-Islanders have even been posting things individually on their Instagram but haven't referenced the headlines. This leaves many fans to believe they are just waiting for the right moment to release their joint breakup statement...
Tom was spotted in London - without Samie
As we all know, Tom lives in Lancashire whilst Samie lives in London. This week Tom has been in the capital shooting for an Ebay campaign - but there was no sign of Samie. She was at his previous London Ebay shoot, so fans wonder why she wasn't present this time. Due to the long distance between them, many found it strange they haven't been together at all in London. Of course, they could be keeping their moments together private - but it's not the usual pattern they follow.