Liam Reardon caused concern among fans by following a string of models on social media, it was previously reported – just months before he split up from partner Millie Court.
It was announced on Wednesday that Liam, 23, and Millie, 26 – who had met on Love Island last summer, which they went on to win – are no longer in a relationship.
The former couple issued statements on their Instagram accounts in which they expressed their disappointment and wished each other the best moving forward following what they called a "separation".
The news has prompted speculation over what may have been behind the break-up – particularly as neither party has provided details about the circumstances around it.
There has however been concern about the relationship for months, as it had been claimed that Liam had followed a string of models on social media, as reported by the Sun.
A fan made the claim in a post on discussion website Reddit earlier this year, with them describing such behaviour as potentially being a "red flag" if it happens in a relationship.
They wrote on the platform: "Hope I'm wrong as I'd feel so bad for poor Millie but he is constantly following other girls like blue tick girls or models who aren't following him."
The comment prompted a discussion amongst other fans over whether following models and influencers on social media should be considered a 'red flag' within couples.
Some suggested that it can be inappropriate, particularly when Liam had infamously kissed another girl, Lillie Haynes, behind Millie's back whilst they were on Love Island together last year.
Others, however, felt that such behaviour on social media is harmless, especially if Liam had met the models and influencers at work events over the months prior.
The discussion back in March caught the attention of some media outlets at the time, with the original poster – who made the claim – later issuing an update in response.
They wrote: "Liam has now unfollowed said blue tick models. I'm creasing when there [are] screenshots everywhere." No screenshots are visible in the thread on Reddit though.
It's not the only thing that had sparked concern about Liam and Millie's relationship though, with a comment that he made on a podcast said to have caught fans' attention too.
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As reported by the Daily Mail, he said back in March that after moving to Essex, to be closer to Millie, he had "noting to wake up for" as his family and friends didn't live nearby.
Millie said in her statement announcing their split earlier this morning that it had been a "tough decision," though she added: "It's ultimately what is best for us right now."
Liam shared a similar statement, in which he told his followers: "I will remain as Millie's biggest supporter in all that she does and I know she'll always do amazing."
The former couple – who are the reigning winners of Love Island – said in their respective statements that they were "gutted" but are prepared for "new chapters" in their lives.
Liam's rep declined to comment.
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