He was accused of sending offensive messages to an ex-girlfriend after she told him she'd bedded black men after their split.

And, Connor Durman, 25, has now apologised to Sophie Piper, 21, for the racist comments to his ex, admitting that he messed up during a heartfelt chat.

Medical PA Sophie has accepted the coffee bean salesman's apology as the pair's relationship 'gets serious' since leaving the villa.

Making amends: Connor Durman, 25, has now apologised to Sophie Piper, 21, for the racist comment to his ex, admitting that he messed up during a heartfelt chat

A source told The Sun Online: 'He explained himself and was genuinely sorry, as it was said in anger over his relationship breaking down.

'If he's honest, he was bitter at the time and it was in the heat of the moment. Sophie believes him and won't punish him for his past.'

The insider continued: 'Connor and Sophie have spent so much time together since leaving the villa and things are going from strength to strength between them.'

Connor Durman's representative confirmed to MailOnline that the report is accurate. MailOnline has contacted Sophie Piper's representatives for comment.

Going strong: Medical PA Sophie has accepted the coffee bean salesman's apology as the pair's relationship 'gets serious' since leaving the villa

Loved-up: 'Connor and Sophie have spent so much time together since leaving the villa and things are going from strength to strength between them' said the insider

Connor was with his ex-girlfriend Stevie-Leigh Pich for four years, with the couple parting ways a few months before the recent series of Love Island.

Friends claimed the coffee bean salesman bombarded Miss Pich with abusive text messages, branding her a 'sl**' and a sl**'.

The texts also see him describe the make-up artist sleeping with black men as a 'rank', adding 'it makes me sick', according to The Sun.

Racist comments: Love Island star Connor (left) sent a string of racist messages to his ex-girlfriend Stevie-Leigh Pich, 22, (right), friends claimed

Friends of the make-up artist told the newspaper: 'It's disgusting that he can send messages like that given who he's paired up with on the show.

'He kept telling Stevie that it made him sick that she'd seen the guy and was really nasty.'

Connor then told his ex that 'liking black boys' is 'such a put off', the paper reported.

Case of the ex: Connor broke up with his former lover Stevie-Leigh months before going into the villa and was coupled up with Rochelle Humes's sister

Sophie had her fair share of drama during her South African stay, most notably fending off the advances of Mike Boateng, 24, after love rival Connor was booted off the island.

Eventually, the brunette beauty was reunited with Connor on ITV2's Love Island Aftersun.

The loved-up couple couldn't contain their delight at seeing each other again and giggled their way through the interview with show host Laura Whitmore, 34.