Love Island alum Molly Marsh said her recent split from boyfriend Zachariah Noble was the "best decision" for both of them, calling the breakup "emotional, challenging and deeply personal." Marsh, 24, spoke to the Daily Mail at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, marking her first public comments since the couple ended their relationship in July.
Marsh, who attended the NTAs as a guest with Fake Bake UK, said she had not wanted to discuss the separation in detail out of respect for their privacy and for fans who supported them on the show. "Navigating my breakup from Zach has been one of the hardest things I have faced, something I have not spoken much about publicly," she said. "It has been emotional, challenging, and deeply personal, but through it all, I believe everything happens for a reason. Standing here tonight at the National TV Awards, I feel excited and ready for new beginnings."
Prior to the NTAs appearance Marsh had confirmed on Instagram that the relationship had ended but had otherwise remained largely silent. She told reporters she had chosen that approach because "this is life and everyone can understand a level of privacy is needed in those times of change." Marsh added that she aimed to make her followers aware out of respect and said she was open to "move on and open to find love." She also said she and her sister were due to travel to New York for Fashion Week and that she planned to return to the studio to record new music.
Marsh and Noble first met during season 10 of Love Island in 2023. Their on-screen pairing survived a series of highs and lows: Marsh was briefly dumped from the villa, returned during Casa Amor, and the couple ultimately finished fourth. They split in March 2024, rekindled their relationship during a later brand trip to Australia, and moved in together last summer before ending the romance earlier this summer.
At the NTAs, Marsh wore a midnight-blue sequined gown and shared photos from the event on social media. The ceremony, held at London's O2 Arena and hosted by Joel Dommett for its 30th anniversary, featured a wide range of winners. Gary Lineker won Best Presenter, ending Ant and Dec's long winning streak. This Morning reclaimed the Best Daytime award, Strictly Come Dancing won Best Talent Show, and EastEnders took Best Serial Drama. The evening also recognised new drama Adolescence and honoured veteran performers and shows across genres.
Marsh's comments come amid a pattern of Love Island couples publicly navigating relationships and breakups following their time on the show. Several pairings from series 10 have since split; winners Sammy Root and Jess Harding announced their split two months after leaving the villa, while other contestants have moved on or kept their private lives largely out of the spotlight.
Speaking on the reasons for her own decision, Marsh said, "It became apparent over time that it was the best decision for us to go our separate ways." She declined to elaborate further about the specifics of the breakup, reiterating a desire for privacy.
Marsh's appearance at the NTAs and her expressed plans for Fashion Week and music projects signal a focus on work and new opportunities. The former Love Island contestant, who has built a profile in television and brand partnerships since leaving the villa, indicated she is looking ahead: "NTAs is always such a fun night and I'm looking forward to catching up with TV friends and spending the night with our Fake Bake family," she said.