Love Island’s Chris Hughes reveals he and Jesy Nelson ‘grew apart’ as he reflects on their split

He recently revealed his split from former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson was ‘difficult’ and life after their break-up was ‘a s**tstorm’.

And Chris Hughes has now revealed that the duo ended things last April after a 16-month relationship because they ‘grew apart’.

The Love Island star, 28, explained that ‘not everything is meant to last’ but added that he’s happy they’re still good friends in a new interview with New Magazine.   

‘Not everything is meant to last’:  Chris Hughes has said that he and Jesy Nelson ended things last April because they ‘grew apart’ in a candid new interview

Chris told the publication: ‘It’s just one of those things — people grow apart and things happen. 

‘Not everything is meant to last and the world would be very weird if everyone who went out with someone was with them for the rest of their lives.’

He added that he’s happy to still be on good terms with his ex, saying: ‘I’m just grateful and fortunate that Jesy’s still a very good friend of mine.’ 

Chris also turned his attention to the future, saying that for him it’s important to find the ‘right person’ and that can’t be ‘rushed’.  

Honest: The Love Island star, 28, said 'not everything is meant to last' but added he's happy they're still good friends (pictured with the former Little Mix singer before their 2020 split)

Honest: The Love Island star, 28, said ‘not everything is meant to last’ but added he’s happy they’re still good friends (pictured with the former Little Mix singer before their 2020 split)

The hunk also shared some candid details about his past relationship earlier in April, admitting that it was ‘difficult’ when they first broke up. 

He told The Sun: ‘It was difficult. Sometimes you just grow apart. There have definitely been days when I wake up and things haven’t felt great. 

‘The period 12 months ago was really tough. There were days where I was waking up and our split was the first thing I was thinking about.

 ‘I had to try my hardest mentally to break the cycle. Life was a s**tstorm.’

Jesy and Chris went public with their romance in January 2019, when they were seen enjoying a steamy date in a kebab shop, after weeks of rumours around the union.

The pair called it quits in April last year, with insiders revealing to MailOnline at the time that Jesy broke up with Chris over the phone in the midst of their separate self-isolation amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

Claims: The pair called it quits in April last year, with insiders revealing to MailOnline at the time that Jesy broke up with Chris over the phone (pictured in 2020)

Claims: The pair called it quits in April last year, with insiders revealing to MailOnline at the time that Jesy broke up with Chris over the phone (pictured in 2020)

Chris is currently single, while Jesy last month sparked speculation she’s rekindled her romance with ex Harry James, weeks after her breakup from Sean Sagar.

The hitmaker posted a video of a food order from upmarket sushi restaurant Roka on a Saturday night – while Harry shared an identical snap to his Instagram stories. 

Jesy previously split from musician Harry in 2018 after a 16-month relationship – but sources have since said the pair have become reacquainted after spending time together in the studio.

A source told MailOnline: ‘Jesy and Harry have been hanging out together again after reconnecting in lockdown.

‘They always shared something special and are enjoying bonding over music, with Harry even joining Jesy in the studio as she works for the first time on solo material.

Back on? Last month, Jesy sparked speculation she's rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Harry James, weeks after her breakup from Sean Sagar (pictured with Harry in 2018)

Back on? Last month, Jesy sparked speculation she’s rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Harry James, weeks after her breakup from Sean Sagar (pictured with Harry in 2018)

Date night? The former Little Mix star posted a video of a food order from upmarket sushi restaurant Roka

Yum: Harry, who Jesy previously split from in 2018 following a 16-month relationship, shared an identical snap to his Instagram stories while his hand also appeared in the singer's upload

Date night? The former Little Mix star posted a video of a food order from upmarket sushi restaurant Roka (left) last month while Harry shared an identical snap to his Instagram stories

‘Sean and Jesy have stayed friends and all he wants is for her to be happy, he’s pleased she’s been able to reconnect with Harry.’

Jesy was first linked to Our Girl actor Sean in July last year after meeting through mutual pals.

They soon became close and enjoyed a summer staycation together in Cornwall to meet each other’s families. 

However, cracks in their relationship started to show around Christmas and they split in January, with both wanting to focus on their careers.

Jesy announced her departure from Little Mix in December, explaining that she needed to do so for the sake of her mental health.

She has since been back in the studio and has signed a new solo deal with global management firm YMU, and was seen working on material with music producers in a series of Instagram posts.

Over: Jesy was first linked to Sean (pictured with Jesy) in July after meeting through mutual pals, but the pair has since parted ways

Over: Jesy was first linked to Sean (pictured with Jesy) in July after meeting through mutual pals, but the pair has since parted ways