Love Island star Liam Reardon has claimed he was the one to call things off with ex-girlfriend Millie Court, but hinted there may still be hope for the future.

The former couple went through a rollercoaster ride on Love Island 2021, going on to win the series outright, and things moved quickly between them as they bought a home together before they announced their separation in July of this year.

Liam has now opened up about the split, claiming he broke up with Millie, 25, so he could learn to ‘love himself’ first.

The 23-year-old turned to dating experts Paul Carrick Brunson and Anna Williamson on Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating where he was quizzed on his Love Island journey and relationship.

He said: ‘In the villa everything was stripped back, you’ve just got each other, and I fell in love with Millie, and we just went from strength-to-strength.’

Liam and Millie split after almost a year together (Picture: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Liam opened up about his relationship (Picture: Channel 4)

Liam continued: ‘It’s been a rollercoaster, I went from a small life in Wales, being a bricklayer to being catapulted into this new life and I found it difficult.

‘You’re trying to give 100 per cent to each other, you’re trying to give 100 per cent to yourself, you’re trying to give 100 per cent to this new life and career and it’s hard to juggle everything at once.’

When Paul directly asked who broke up with who, Liam replied: ‘I instigated it because if we want to be together, I want to be 100 per cent together.

Liam admitted he and Millie were both ‘upset’ after the split (Picture: Lia Toby/Getty Images)

‘For me to love her, I need to love myself and for the past few months I need to find myself a bit again.

‘Just never say never, in the future we could rekindle.’

Liam added that he and Millie were both ‘upset’ at the breakup, saying: ‘You know it’s one of those things, you’ve had such an amazing experience together and you don’t want it to end, it’s a tricky one.’

Liam hinted there is hope for ‘rekindling’ things in the future (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

After confirming their split, Millie wrote a statement to thank fans for their support but gave them a reminder to ‘be kind’ to herself and Liam.

She said: ‘Just wanted to jump on here to say thank you everyone, again, for your support and all of your really kind words.

‘It would have taken me hours to sit there and reply back to each and every one of you so just know that I see you, you made me smile on a really hard day and I love you all.’

Liam said he ‘instigated’ the break up (Picture: Channel 4)

The pair won Love Island 2021 (Picture: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

She went on to share how she feels ‘so lucky’ to have lovely people in her life, before issuing a plea to fans. 

Millie continued: ‘I’d also like to ask you guys to please not believe everything you have read in the press or have seen on social media. 

‘Last thing I want is people to say nasty things about Liam or put the blame on him, or vice versa. It wouldn’t have ended on a good note like it did if anything had happened.

Millie shared an update after the split (Picture: Instagram)

‘Going through a break-up is hard enough as it is, let alone when people are spreading nasty rumours that are simply not true. Please remember we are human beings too, we have feelings and to always be kind. 

‘You never really know what someone is going through.’

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She concluded her statement by apologising to followers for ‘being quiet’ after the news of her split emerged and admitted she needed to take some time away from social media. 

‘I’ll continue posting as normal, but again please be mindful of what you’re commenting,’ the star added. 

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The pair won Love Island 2021 but split after almost a year.