'My ex and I broke up then had to live together - what he did surprised me'

A woman who had no choice but to live with her ex-boyfriend for a year said it was "actually quite fun" and was surprised by how well it went, for the most part. The unique experience might seem like the plot of a rom-com, but for Hannah Linsley and Michael Loven, it was reality.

Hannah, 22, and Michael, 23, had been a couple for two years after meeting at 'pre-drinks' during their first year at Bournemouth University in March 2023. After spending every day together, the pair decided to move in together in September 2024 for the next academic year.

But just one month before they were due to move into their two-bedroom flat, Michael called off the relationship, leaving Hannah "really upset." With neither of them willing to find a replacement tenant for the flat due to their being "very stubborn," they were stuck living together as housemates.

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Despite its ups and downs—and the pair considering getting back together multiple times—the lovers turned flatmates say they remain firm friends. But Hannah said it wasn't without its awkward moments—like finding each other on dating apps and bumping into each other on nights out.

The 22-year-old psychology graduate from Portsmouth said: "Michael was the one who wanted to split up originally, so I said 'you can go'. But he said 'no, you go'. In the end it was like 'OK, well I guess we're living together then'. Overall, it's actually been quite fun.

"I say to people that I'd much rather be living with him as he's quite clean and tidy, rather than living in a house of six people and the kitchen always being a mess."

The pair had new challenges in single life that most never encounter while still living with an ex. Hannah admitted that she'd found Michael, from Oxfordshire, who is set to finish the final year of his psychology degree "on Tinder a few times" and Michael found his ex-girlfriend using Hinge.

She said: "As a joke we matched each other on Hinge. I'd be out on a Wednesday for student night and he'd be dancing with a girl, and he'll turn around and come with me.

"Talking about it makes you realise how funny it is. One time, on Valentine's Day, I was like 'right, I'm having a girls' night' and he served us pizzas dressed up as a waiter."

The couple have considered getting back together, with Michael first bringing up the idea in March 2025, but it never happened. Hannah added: "It's been very confusing for both of us.

"At one point, we were thinking of getting back together. He always says 'we're soulmates' but I always say 'if we were, we wouldn't have split up'. I do think there could be a time when we get back together. I don't know, it's the unknown."

Michael and Hannah were far from bitter about the break-up, and didn't make life hell for one another in the flat. The 23-year-old said: "We have been living our lives outside the flat, but in the flat we'd do our food shop together. I was selling her Vinted stuff for her. She gave me £20 to take the photos for her."

The pair will be leaving the flat behind as Hannah moves home to Portsmouth, Hampshire, to start her new job as a behavioural support worker in September. Meanwhile, Michael is set to move into a new flat with five other boys as he completes his final year at university.

He said: "For me personally, I don't think a relationship is going to blossom this year coming up as I'm in my last year of uni. In the future, who knows?"