Love does not exist anymore if Ollie Skelton and Tahnee Cook have split up – which they have.
The couple, who first locked eyes on each other 16 months ago on Australia, have been going strong ever since.
While major drama ensued with all the other contestants of the dating show that year, Ollie, 27 and Tahnee, also 27, remained constants in the chaos.
In fact, they were the only pair still together from the series after Melinda Willis and Layton Mills split in October – that’s aside from a rogue pairing the show didn’t make in Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis, who started a relationship after season 10 wrapped.
But this morning, the two took to social media with heartbreaking messages announcing their amicable break up, reasoning that their lives are going in ‘different directions’ but they will remain ‘friends’.
Posting on her page, the influencer said: ‘Just as I share the highlights of my life on here, it’s only fair for me to share when things aren’t always fun.
‘Sadly, Ollie and I have decided to part ways. Our lives are taking us in different directions and we feel at this stage it’s the best decision for us. From meeting as strangers who got “married”, to genuinely finding love, I’m pretty proud of the time we’ve shared.
‘Our journey together has been such a roller coaster but sometimes relationships just don’t work out – no matter how much you want them to – and that’s okay.
‘I’m so thankful for what these last 16 months has taught me, and for the genuinely supportive community I’ve found on here. Break ups are never easy but heartbreak is worth it in the pursuit of love.
‘Much love, Tahnee ♡.’
Meanwhile, Ollie shared Tahnee’s sentiments as he posted a lengthy statement alongside a sweet video of them dancing taken the previous night, to show there is no bad blood between them.
‘Hello, Tahnee and I have split up. It’s sad, but it’s okay,’ he began.
‘What a ride! A journey filled with love, laughter, challenges, and in the last month, reflection. I think we tried really hard to make it work.
‘There is such a separation from Skye Suites to real life that I think is really hard to account for and (albeit not without trying) was an adjustment that we struggled to make.
‘I kinda have this pipe dream of us being like Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld post-breakup, a very hard thing to do obviously, but the sentiment at its core is that I plan to try to be someone who champions Tahnee and can be there for her as a friend.
‘In a post like this, the words “friend” and “breakup” are usually synonymous but with little truth behind them. However, if friendship was the foundation of us before love, I like to think it might be something we can share in the aftermath.
‘That video is from last night, so I think we’re on the right track. ❤️’
Fans and fellow MAFS stars shared their shock at the news, as Melinda wrote on Tahnee’s post, ‘Far out guys, devo! 😢 Sending all the love and hugs across the sea to you both. Melinda,’ while she commented on Ollie’s: ‘ this post though 😭 too sad I can’t watch! Just devo for this flame to have gone out.’
Bronte Schofield sent ‘so much love’ and as did Alyssa Barmonde, while Janelle Han commented: ‘Hope you’re both doing well ❤️.’
Ollie, seemingly joking, if we know anything about his playful personality, commented on Tahnee’s post: ‘Wow. News to me!!!’
Fans were shocked, too, as one user @aava.lilyy commented: ‘This has actually made me so sad what the hell.’
Meanwhile Instagram user jade_stephens.x said: ‘Omg I’m gutted for you both, really thought you’d make it! good luck moving forward xx.’
