Jess Harding was one of the OG Islanders on Love Island 2023 (2.0), immediately becoming a fan favourite due to her sense of humour and genuine nature.
Prior to entering the show she had been single for two years, but this summer everything has completely changed.
Not only is the aesthetics practitioner leaving the villa with a boyfriend aka Sammy Root, she's also leaving with £25,000 and as queen of the 2023 villa after scooping up a surprising (but well-deserved) victory.
Maybe Jess' Love Island victory was due to the fact that fans could relate to her rollercoaster journey in the villa.
Who was Jess Harding coupled up with on Love Island?
She started out in a couple with George Fensom (remember him?) but rejected him less than 24 hours hours later.
That was followed by a friendship couple with Mitchel Taylor - who later thought that he had feelings for her after seeing her do a very impressive butterfly kick during a football challenge - and a date with Sammy Root.
Whilst Jess was immediately feeling it with Sammy, the 6ft 3 project manager from Kent tested out multiple other connections (we're talking Leah Taylor, Mal Nicol, Amber Wise and Gabby Jefferey) before realising that Jess was of course perfect for him.
Fans weren't convinced by Sammy's true feelings at first, but it seems that the pair were eventually able to convince viewers, just in time to scoop up the crown.
How old is Jess Harding?
Jess is 22 years old.
What does Jess Harding do? What is Candy Aesthetics?
Jess is an aesthetics practitioner meaning she’s well versed in the art of ‘tweakments’. She owns the company Candy Aesthetics.
What is Jess Harding’s type?
Speaking about the three things that she’s looking for in a man Jess revealed, ‘Independence and someone who can drive. I want to be the passenger princess! They need to have a good personality too.’
Having said that, any stunting about said car is strictly off limits. Not only is it one of Jess’ ‘icks’, it also forms part of her worst ever date. She told ITV, ‘I went out with a guy and he picked me up in his black Lamborghini and at every traffic light there were people jumping out to take a picture with the car and it was just such an ick. I usually would love the attention, but he was stunting for it. It was a bit cringey, especially when I’d only just met him.’
When asked if there was a former Love Islander that was her type, Jess admitted, 'Jacques O'Neill is my type to a tee. I do like a bad boy. Last year I was seeing someone and they were just too nice for me and it put me off. I need someone who can keep me on my toes.' Safe to say Sammy (who said 'I'm more Jess' type than she is mine') fits the bill!
What is Jess Harding's claim to fame?
It's become almost a requirement that Love Island contestants have a claim to fame and Jess' is that TOWIE and Love Island star Jon Clark once slid into her DMs.
She told us, 'I've had Jon Clark in my DMs but he's a bit too old for me bless him. I properly entertained it though - he's got a blue tick, why wouldn't I? We never went on a date or anything like that but when I saw him at an event once he put me in the VIP section!'
Does Jess Harding have social media?
Of course she does! You can follow her on Instagram @jesshardingox. As a result of appearing on Love Island Jess now has over 347k followers.