Big Brother finale: Cameron is crowned the last ever WINNER

Cameron Cole has been crowned the winner of Big Brother 2018, as fans said goodbye to the Channel 5 show after a staggering 18 years.

The 19-year-old vlogger was crowned the series champion with Akeem Giffiths finishing runner-up, as the doors on the Elstree abode closed for the final time.

Cameron broke down in tears mere seconds after it was announced that he had won, but told host Emma Willis that it was the best experience of his life as a lifelong fan of the show, also paying tribute to ‘his own Big Brother’ Lewis Flanagan who helped him through the turbulent experience.

Cameron seemed shell-shocked that he had come out on top opposite fifteen other housemates, embracing Emma as fireworks rained down from above.

Speaking to Emma he said: ‘I’m completely and utterly shell shocked this is the most incredible feeling of my life, I thought I’d be out the first week.

‘I thought we’d be out, a bit irritating annoying, I didn’t think I was going to fit in, the housemates I loved all of of them it’s been the most incredible house, I wouldn’t been able to do it without them.

‘This is the like the miracle, I don’t know what to say. I got what I expected and a hundred times more, an unbelievably positive way, it’s the most life changing experience in the world, the situations you find yourself him, I am so SO grateful.’

You won! Speaking to Emma he said: ‘I’m completely and utterly shell shocked this is the most incredible feeling of my life, I thought I’d be out the first week’

Emma also touched on Cameron’s incredibly close friendship with Lewis F, saying that it seemed the pair helped each other through the show.

He added: ‘I love him to bits I absolutely love him to bits I cannot thank him enough for what he did to me. 

‘It was a brotherhood as soon as I walked down the steps and it was an instant connection we did everything together. Almost too perfect he is incredible I love him to bits and I’m so glad I’ve been able to win for him. I still think this a prank, a massive prank.’

In a moment that left viewers in tears, Cameron came out to the house earlier in the series after first opening up to Lewis about his sexuality, and said it was that support that helped him take the plunge.

He added: ‘I definitely I’d never have done it without him, I’d never been so comfortable to help me the way he did and help me do I’d never be so grateful.

Reunited: As the final came to a close Cameron was reunited with this year’s housemates, who appeared delighted that he had been crowned the champion

Thrilled: The class of 2018 were out in force to send off the series in style, and couldn't hide their delight at Cameron coming out on top

Thrilled: The class of 2018 were out in force to send off the series in style, and couldn’t hide their delight at Cameron coming out on top

Elated: After evicted her during the Week In A Day task, Cameron and Isabella proved there was no bad blood as they embraced at the live final

Elated: After evicted her during the Week In A Day task, Cameron and Isabella proved there was no bad blood as they embraced at the live final

Delighted: After his removal from the house, Lewis had told fans on social media he wasn't able to attend the final, but did take to Twitter to say he had never been prouder of Cameron in the seven weeks they knew each other

Delighted: After his removal from the house, Lewis had told fans on social media he wasn’t able to attend the final, but did take to Twitter to say he had never been prouder of Cameron in the seven weeks they knew each other

‘I planned not to say anything about it, what I forgot is that 24/7 cameras are everywhere you can’t go into your bedroom and cry about it.’

After his removal from the house, Lewis had told fans on social media he wasn’t able to attend the final, but did take to Twitter to say he had never been prouder of Cameron in the seven weeks they knew each other.

He wrote: ‘Blown away, so proud of my little brother you deserve it kid I f*****g love you to pieces, can’t wait to see you.’ 

It was an emotional farewell to a show that had been so loved by so many for almost two decades, and many said this was their favourite civilian show as it took them back to the roots. 

Akeem made his exit from the house mere seconds after the winner was announced, and graciously told Emma he loved every second of the experience despite facing eviction five times.

Beaming: Akeem made his exit from the house mere seconds after the winner was announced, and graciously told Emma he loved every second of the experience despite facing eviction five times

Beaming: Akeem made his exit from the house mere seconds after the winner was announced, and graciously told Emma he loved every second of the experience despite facing eviction five times

He told Emma: ‘I am gutted to come so close but we’ve got a worthy winner there Cameron has been absolutely fantastic, what a 19 year old boy, a well deserved winner.

‘It was amazing it wasn’t what I expected, I wasn’t expecting so many activities and tasks to take place, obviously I’m quite competitive, but I didn’t expect to have game changers every week, but I’ve enjoyed every second of it and don’t regret any of it.;

Emma also touched on the fact so many housemates repeatedly accused Akeem of playing a game, asking whether he some form of ulterior motive – which was overplayed by his cringe-worthy shirtless performance in front of the store room mirror.

‘I did start to great on me eventually but the only thing is to turn a negative situation into a positive situation,’ he said.

Thrilled: He told Emma: ‘I am gutted to come so close but we’ve got a worthy winner there Cameron has been absolutely fantastic, what a 19 year old boy, a well deserved winner’

Awkward moment: Emma also touched on the fact so many housemates repeatedly accused Akeem of playing a game, asking whether he some form of ulterior motive

Awkward moment: Emma also touched on the fact so many housemates repeatedly accused Akeem of playing a game, asking whether he some form of ulterior motive

‘If you start acting negative, you start to lose your way in there. The only people I felt sorry for is my parents.

‘It did at times but I never show my frustration I always remain positive, i can see why people thought I was a game player and I’m glad people at the end saw I wasn’t a game player. 

‘That’s just the way I am like you know! I think I have [done Wales proud] I hope my mother is [proud], I can’t wait to return back home.’

Ahead of Akeem and Cameron’s exit it was announced early in the show that Zoe and Cian finished in third and fourth place respectively.

The mother-of-one and Irish farmer were thrilled to make their exit together as they proudly embraced final two Akeem and Cameron.

It comes as viewers prepare to say an emotional goodbye to the much-loved show, with Emma Willis struggling to hold back tears for the heart-wrenching farewell. 

Out: Ahead of Akeem and Cameron's exit it was announced early in the show that Zoe and Cian finished in third and fourth place respectively

Out: Ahead of Akeem and Cameron’s exit it was announced early in the show that Zoe and Cian finished in third and fourth place respectively

Left: The mother-of-one and Irish farmer were thrilled to make their exit together as they proudly embraced final two Akeem and Cameron

Speaking to Emma, the two gushed about their strong friendship inside the house – and even threw in a cheeky impression of their in-house alter-egos John and Margaret.

Although they were also stunned to hear from Emma that the show had been axed, as the news had broken while they were in hiding ahead of September’s launch.

Talking about their housemate squad The Misfits, Zoe said: ‘We thought I came up with the misfits but before I even said I thought they might be offended… what did you say Solid Crew?!’ 

‘I’ve loved every second of it, I were p****d when i sent my video in.’

Best pals: Speaking to Emma, the two gushed about their strong friendship inside the house - and even threw in a cheeky impression of their in-house alter-egos John and Margaret

Best pals: Speaking to Emma, the two gushed about their strong friendship inside the house - and even threw in a cheeky impression of their in-house alter-egos John and Margaret

Best pals: Speaking to Emma, the two gushed about their strong friendship inside the house – and even threw in a cheeky impression of their in-house alter-egos John and Margaret

But they also touched on a difficult patch in the pair’s close bond when Isabella entered the hose, with Cian admitting he had no idea how Zoe felt about the whole thing.

Cian said: ‘I was completely oblivious that it seem I was binning her and that was my mistake. 

Zoe added: ‘I were gutted and I was like where’s my mate gone? I was so lonely and I thought Cian’s the only one that hangs out with me.’

Emma also took a moment to praise Zoe for speaking so openly about her mood swings when on her period, saying that she ‘spoke on behalf of women everywhere.’

Heartbreaking: Talking about their housemate squad The Misfits, Zoe said: 'We thought I came up with the misfits but before I even said I thought they might be offended... what did you say Solid Crew?!'

Heartbreaking: Talking about their housemate squad The Misfits, Zoe said: ‘We thought I came up with the misfits but before I even said I thought they might be offended… what did you say Solid Crew?!’

Rough ride: But they also touched on a difficult patch in the pair's close bond when Isabella entered the hose, with Cian admitting he had no idea how Zoe felt about the whole thing

Rough ride: But they also touched on a difficult patch in the pair’s close bond when Isabella entered the hose, with Cian admitting he had no idea how Zoe felt about the whole thing

Emma Willis stunned in gorgeous green velvet on Monday night as she struggled to hold back tears hosting the last ever final.

Sporting her signature blonde quiff the presenter pulled off her most sensational look yet to give the show a well-deserved send-off.

The show came to a tear-jerking end following a montage of best bits from the series, with Emma’s final speech meaning there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Emma said: ‘Thank you to the 300 plus production team that work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you our very special show. To Davina [McCall], Marcus, and Brian, who have paved the way as hosts. 

‘To all of the Big Brother housemates that have taken part over the last 18 years, and to all of you at home. Whether you’ve been here for the long haul, or you’ve recently climbed on board, with you, we would never have lasted 18 years.’  

‘But most of all, thank you to ‘Big Brother’ for being the best big brother to me. Like any sibling he has made me laugh uncontrollably, scream in frustration, and weep with sadness and joy. I will love you always, but it’s time now for this house to hopefully find a new home. Thank you so much for watching.’ 

Too much crying: Emma broke down in tears as she wished the show a fond farewell, and thanked everyone who had ever worked on the show in its 18-year history

Too much crying: Emma broke down in tears as she wished the show a fond farewell, and thanked everyone who had ever worked on the show in its 18-year history

Heartbroken: She ended her speech with: 'I will love you always, but it's time now for this house to hopefully find a new home. Thank you so much for watching'

Heartbroken: She ended her speech with: ‘I will love you always, but it’s time now for this house to hopefully find a new home. Thank you so much for watching’

It's the end: The legendary voice of Big Brother Marcus Bentley was one of the first to bid it a fond farewell, after recording a dramatic final disclaimer...warning fans the show would be full of 'offensive language and emotional goodbyes'

It’s the end: The legendary voice of Big Brother Marcus Bentley was one of the first to bid it a fond farewell, after recording a dramatic final disclaimer…warning fans the show would be full of ‘offensive language and emotional goodbyes’

Distraught: Viewers took the Twitter - many through their tears - to mourn in unison the show that they had loved for so many years

Distraught: Viewers took the Twitter – many through their tears – to mourn in unison the show that they had loved for so many years

This final civilian series took the show back to its social experiment roots, after years of complaints from the fans that the housemates were just ‘wannabes and minor celebrities.’  

With a greater focus on ‘The Game’ of it all, the first week saw housemates battle for immunity from the first eviction by trying to earn as many Big Coins as possible.

Throughout the series the amount of coins you had also determined your success and power in the house. 

Amazing: Emma sported her most stunning look yet as she hosted the last ever final, after almost a decade of stylish looks as a presenter of the show and its various spin-offs

Amazing: Emma sported her most stunning look yet as she hosted the last ever final, after almost a decade of stylish looks as a presenter of the show and its various spin-offs

Beautiful: The presenter rocked a green velvet gown with her signature blonde quiff as she took to the stage in Elstree for the final time

Beautiful: The presenter rocked a green velvet gown with her signature blonde quiff as she took to the stage in Elstree for the final time

Within hours of launch the show saw its first drama as fast food worker Ellis was removed after historical racist tweets resurfaced from the 19-year-old.

And while the series had its fair share of clashes, one of the more touching moments came when 19-year-old vlogger Cameron Cole came out as gay to the rest of the house.

Supported by Lewis Flanagan, the teen held back tears as he finally answered yes to the question of whether or not he was gay, leaving the entire house and viewers at home sobbing.

Alongside its weekly evictions this series also introduced the game-changer, when the housemates nominated for eviction could battle to save themselves from the dreaded vote-off.

Gone: Just a week before the final, fan-favourite Lewis F was removed from the house for using 'unacceptable language that contravenes the rules'

Gone: Just a week before the final, fan-favourite Lewis F was removed from the house for using ‘unacceptable language that contravenes the rules’

In an explosive mid-series twist viewers also got to see the housemates live out an entire week in an evening, as they nominated, played a game changer and then saw a housemate evicted.

And just a week before the final, fan-favourite Lewis F was removed from the house for using ‘unacceptable language that contravenes the rules,’ according to a statement from show bosses.

The bartender has since revealed in an interview with The Sun that it was a drunken impression of Hitler that led to his ejection. 

The gang's all here! This year's stars - minus Isaac and Lewis F - reunited for the final show, ready to party at the show's wrap bash

The gang’s all here! This year’s stars – minus Isaac and Lewis F – reunited for the final show, ready to party at the show’s wrap bash

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