Heart-stopping ordeal for Love Island star’s girlfriend in hospital

The girlfriend of Love Island star Sam Taylor was urgently hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest, a sudden and life-threatening event where the heart stops beating unexpectedly. Sam, who gained fame on the reality show last year, has been by her side as she navigates this critical health challenge.
Em Leah, a 22-year-old social media influencer dating Chesterfield-born Sam, shared the alarming news with her followers, revealing that her heart had stopped and she was rushed to hospital. Despite the severity of the incident, she reassured fans that she was recovering and expressed deep appreciation for Sam’s unwavering support during this difficult time.
A video posted by Em showed her being wheeled through hospital corridors by Sam, a hairdresser, accompanied by the caption, “Not sure I could’ve done it without you.” In another poignant post from her hospital bed, she described the cardiac arrest as something “not on today’s to-do list,” highlighting the unexpected nature of her condition.
Em thanked her followers for their messages of support, stating, “I’m okay and in the best place,” and shared a heartfelt message about the importance of her family, saying she didn’t know where she would be without their support. She also acknowledged the overwhelming response from fans, admitting she would struggle to reply to everyone but was grateful for the kindness shown.
Reflecting on her experience, Em wrote about how the ordeal put many things into perspective, reminding her to appreciate the small moments and to always be kind. She urged her followers to recognize life’s fragility, saying, “You never know when your last days are going to be! Be kind and always.”
With a following of 155,000 on Instagram, Em expressed awe at her body’s resilience, marveling at the simple miracles of waking up, breathing, and feeling her heartbeat after such a traumatic event. She shared a powerful message of self-love and acceptance, emphasizing that her journey taught her to cherish being alive rather than striving for perfection.
The couple had only recently gone public with their relationship, sharing stylish coordinated photos that captivated their followers. Their social media announcement, captioned simply “Newest addition” with a black heart, sparked an outpouring of well-wishes from fans and fellow influencers alike.
Among the supportive comments were musician Hugo Godfroy’s enthusiastic “Andddd take off” with a rocket emoji, influencer Holly Hawkins-Smith’s “Happy looks good on you my girl,” and Love Island’s Lionel Awudu calling them “The lovely couple.” Fans also praised their chemistry, with one declaring, “Damn sexy couple alert, glad you found someone.”
Before going public, Sam had hinted at their relationship with a gym selfie featuring Em, and sources close to him noted that things were progressing well. Friends joked that Sam was acting differently now that he had a girlfriend, suggesting he was “finally tamed.”
Em’s connection to the Love Island community is not new; she previously dated Kodie Murphy, a contestant from the show’s tenth series who entered as a Casa Amor bombshell in 2023. This history adds context to her current relationship with Sam and their shared reality TV background.
Cardiac arrest, while sudden, is a critical medical emergency where immediate intervention significantly improves survival chances. Studies show that timely CPR and rapid medical response are crucial, with witnessed and monitored cardiac arrests in hospital settings having higher survival rates. Public awareness of symptoms and prompt action can be life-saving, as highlighted by other survivors who stress the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking urgent care when needed.
Em’s experience underscores the unpredictable nature of cardiac events and the vital role of support networks in recovery. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of health vigilance and the power of community during medical crises.