REUBEN Collins has broken his silence on his split from Grace Jackson and revealed a family tragedy .
Earlier this week The Sun told how Grace and Reuben had called time on their relationship just weeks after meeting in the Love Island villa.
Now the semi-professional footballer has spoken out about the break-up for the first time.
Reuben said: “I can’t speak for her, but since we came out it has been quite busy and there’s a lot to deal with.
“We’ve both been very busy and with the long distance it was difficult. I wish her all the best, she wishes me all the best. There are no bad feelings. We had a great experience together.”
Grace is based in Manchester while Reuben lives in London.
Speaking to the MailOnline, Reuben revealed he’s been dealing with a family tragedy in private.
He said: “And for myself, before I went in we were caring for my grandad who was living with us as he had a terminal cancer. When I came out I had a week with him before he passed.”
Grace first entered the villa this year as a bombshell and quickly turned ex-boyfriend Joey Essex’s head.
He quickly dumped Samantha Kenny to rekindled things with Grace, but had his head turned once again when Jessy Potts arrived.
Grace enjoyed a brief fling with Blade Siddiqui before things blossomed between her and Reuben.
They left the villa together, and she later told The Sun: “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.”
