Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea have won Love Island 2019.
The couple – who got together just two weeks ago – beat Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague, who had been seeing one another for 54 days in stark contrast.
After announcing them as the winners, host of the show Caroline Flack asked the beautician, 21, and the rugby hunk, 24, to choose an envelope each – one containing the £50k prize fund, the other containing nothing. Greg selected the money and after a moment of brief tension announced he’d be splitting it with Amber.
Love wins! Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea have won Love Island 2019
Prior to this, Curtis Pritchard, 23, and Maura Higgins, 28, were axed first from the final – which was aired on ITV2 live on Monday night – coming in fourth place. They were followed swiftly by Ovie Soko and India Reynolds, both 28, who placed third.
In their chat with Caroline – which took place before they were announced as winners – Greg and Amber gushed over one another, admitting they felt shocked to have gotten so far in the process.
Amber said: ‘I don’t know how we’ve done it. It’s wild. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotion. Absolutely mad. I had that period of time that was just awful and I thought it was over for [me] then. Then [Greg] came in.’
Share the wealth: Amber – a beautician from Newcastle – and Greg – an Irish rugby star – split the £50k winnings between them
Victory! After announcing them as the winners, they had to choose an envelope each – one containing the £50k prize fund, the other containing nothing
Exit chat: Speaking to Caroline Flack the eliminated couples reflected on their time in the villa
Decisions: Greg selected the money and after a moment of brief tension announced he’d be splitting it with Amber
Gutted: Amber and Greg – who got together just two weeks ago – beat Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague, who had been seeing one another for 54 days
Out! Curtis and Maura [L] were axed first from the Love Island final on Monday night, coming in fourth place, followed swiftly by Ovie and India [R] who placed third
Of her previous dramas with ex-Islander Michael, who ditched Amber for Joanna, Amber went on: ‘I was definitely prepared to stay with Michael. We had a great friendship. But I knew when I looked him up and down that he was going to ruin my life.
‘It was horrible [when Michael paired up with Joanna]. I had a sneaky feeling but I was hoping that he wouldn’t do it. [Greg] is just lovely. He’s got nice energy. I like being around him all the time.’
Greg said of Amber: ‘I knew she was the one because she was funny and because of her confidence. My parents raised me to have good morals and good principals. It’s nice to treat women with respect.’
Amber said she would never have given Michael another chance after Greg’s arrival. She shared: ‘I’m not the type of person to go back to someone. I had an instant click [with Greg] and I wanted a fresh start. I had to work to build it with Michael. I didn’t want to go back there! I literally lost all hope [until Greg came in].’
In their chat with Caroline – which took place before they were announced as winners – Greg and Amber gushed over one another, admitting they felt shocked to have gotten so far in the process
Of her previous dramas with ex-Islander Michael, who ditched Amber for Joanna, Amber went on: ‘I was definitely prepared to stay with Michael. We had a great friendship. But I knew when I looked him up and down that he was going to ruin my life’
Amber went on: ‘It was horrible [when Michael paired up with Joanna]. I had a sneaky feeling but I was hoping that he wouldn’t do it. [Greg] is just lovely. He’s got nice energy. I like being around him all the time’
Prior to being announced as runners-up, Tommy, 20, said of Molly-Mae: ‘If it wasn’t for Molly I wouldn’t be half the man I am sat here today.’
To which Molly-Mae, 20, added: ‘I never thought I would in a million years that I would find him.’
Referring to their ‘love triangle’ earlier in the series – which involved Lucie at one point and Maura at another – Tommy said: ‘I don’t like shapes. I didn’t at school and I don’t now. I made some bold moves at the start. When Molly-Mae came along it was straight sailing.’
Greg said of Amber: ‘I knew she was the one because she was funny and because of her confidence. My parents raised me to have good morals and good principals. It’s nice to treat women with respect’
Prior to being announced as runners-up, Tommy said of Molly-Mae: ‘If it wasn’t for Molly I wouldn’t be half the man I am sat here today’
Tommy said: ‘I don’t like shapes. I didn’t at school and I don’t now. I made some bold moves at the start. When Molly-Mae came along it was straight sailing’
Congrats! The finalists all congratulated one another after their eight weeks together
Of her initial competition for Tommy’s affections against Maura, Molly-Mae said: ‘When I met Maura I knew we would get along. It all sorted itself out. I like a bit of a challenge.’
Tommy said – of his time in Casa Amor, away from Molly-Mae: ‘I was walking around with my head in the clouds. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was eating a bucket of mayonnaise. I have put on a stone.’
He then added: ‘She has changed me now. And it’s all thanks to Molly-Mae.’
Molly-Mae was then forced to deny that she was ‘fake’ after fans accused her of crying ‘crocodile tears’ during her time in the villa.
A laugh a minute: The cast were full of beans as they celebrated their final night in the famous villa
Denied: Molly-Mae was forced to deny that she was ‘fake’ on Monday’s Love Island final after fans accused her of crying ‘crocodile tears’
Not buying it: The nation seem convinced Molly-Mae isn’t actually into Tommy
The influencer hit back at the claims and said: ‘I know he knows how I feel, he knows how I feel, the Islanders know.
‘I don’t care what anyone thinks. I love him. It does frustrate me. I genuinely can’t see anything come between them.’
Just days before the final, it was claimed that Molly-Mae secretly told a fellow Islander that the thought of kissing Tommy ‘made her feel sick’.
Molly-Mae’s representative told MailOnline, however: ‘Molly-Mae has gone into the Love Island villa to find love and we have no doubt that Molly and Tommy are genuinely attracted to one another’.
Prior to Tommy and Molly-Mae’s chat with Caroline, third placed Ovie said of India: ‘She is funny and beautiful and intelligent and there are lots of levels to her. I am looking forward to discovering more.’
When Caroline asked India what she liked about Ovie, she simply replied: ‘What isn’t there to like about him?’
Asked ‘what’s next?’ by Caroline, Ovie said: ‘A family BBQ. I love to get on the grill.’
They insisted that they are ‘going at a really good pace’ and once they get out of the villa they’ll continue to ‘enjoy each other’s company’. India added, of the moment she realised she liked Ovie: ‘During the builder challenge. I don’t need to say anything else.’
The last time: Viewers couldn’t handle Ovie shouting out ‘MESSAGE’ during his final speech
The nation took to Twitter in their droves to praise Ovie, who has gone down a storm in the villa with the show’s fans, particularly loved for his catchphrase ‘MESSAGE’, which he would shout out every time an Islander announced that they’d ‘got a text’.
Before Ovie and India’s chat, Caroline spoke to axed first-Maura and Curtis.
Maura said: ‘I can’t believe we came that far really!’
Reflecting on his time in the villa, Curtis said: ‘There’s been highs, lows, a lot of emotion. I’ve learnt a lot about myself, you’ve got to always be 100 percent true to yourself, if something feels wrong go with it.’
Reflecting on how he dumped former-star Amy, he said: ‘If I’m in a relationship, I’ve only had one before, my head doesn’t get turned. I don’t do stuff like that.
‘Me and Amy were there from beginning. We were in this bubble where everything was amazing, fabulous, she’s an amazing girl, we got crowded by this bubble. Then Casa Amor happened, I could not lie about Amy. I just had to be truthful which was hard to do and horrible to do, but I had to.’
Caroline then asked Maura if she had her eye on Curtis the whole time. She replied: ‘I would have gone for Curtis, but he was already with Amy and I didn’t want to tread on anyone’s toes. So obviously I wasn’t going to do anything. Then [Amy] happened. So yeah, I made a beeline for him straightaway.’
Fans also clocked Maura’s ‘savage’ reaction to Amber and Greg’s win, commenting on it on Twitter.
When Caroline announced the final result, Maura couldn’t hide her reaction as she looked around stunned at her fellow Islanders.
One person posted: ‘Sorry but is Maura the only one who doesn’t look happy for Amber and Greg?? #LoveIsland.’
A second penned: ‘Maura’s face when Greg and Amber announced the winners “f**k me #priceless #LoveIsland.’
Another person not too overjoyed for Amber and Greg was ex-Islander Michael, who left Amber humiliated when he ditched her for Joanna earlier in the series and then tried to win her back.
He took to Instagram to announce he ‘did not expect’ his ex to be crowned winner alongside Greg, as he watched the finale on TV.
The fireman, who came under fire for his manipulative ‘gaslighting’ behaviour inside the villa, said in the footage: ‘Oh s***, oh s***, I did not expect that.’
Continuing his frenzy, he gasped in shock and added: ‘Wow.’ The reality TV star then blurted out ‘ratings’ before the clip ended.
Michael spent the evening viewing the episode at Boxpark Wembley where a large screen was erected to show the final.
Earlier in the episode, as the couples stood waiting patiently as Caroline dished out the results of the public vote, viewers were shown what happened on the Islanders’ final night, when they got dolled up and made ‘declarations’ to one another, against the backdrop of a lavish summer ball.
Shocked: Michael took to Instagram to announce he ‘did not expect’ Greg and Amber to win
We saw that! When Caroline announced the final result, Maura couldn’t hide her reaction as she looked around stunned at her fellow Islanders
Earlier in the day, Maura received a text, which read: ‘Girls. It’s now time to go dress shopping! Please get ready to leave the villa. #boujeebabes #tryingiton’
The girls headed out of the villa to find the perfect outfit for the evening, while the boys got suited and booted in three-piece suits.
As the final four couples raised their glasses, Ovie said: ‘All of you ladies look absolutely amazing. I’ve got to be a bit biased and say India, you look phenomenal. I feel like all of us guys are really lucky guys. To the final, guys!’
The couples then made their declarations to each other with Curtis and Maura going first…
Curtis said: ‘Once upon a time, there was man on a journey. He had one goal in mind on his journey of crazy events. That goal, was to find a princess. This princess wasn’t just any princess, she was the most beautiful princess in all the lands…’
Maura replied with: ‘Curtis. Here before you I stand a very different woman, to the one who walked in the villa seven weeks ago.
Baited breath: The four pairs stood nervously on the decking of the famous villa, waiting to learn who had been voted this year’s winner
Let’s dance: The couples got dolled up and made ‘declarations’ to one another, against the backdrop of a lavish summer ball
‘Last year a dancer slid into my DMs and I didn’t reply to that message. And now I am standing in front of you. Love Island works in mysterious ways.
‘I had to spend my first few weeks watching somebody else fall in love with you, when all I really wanted was it to be me you were dancing with. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.’
Maura was of course referring to Amy, whom Curtis sensationally dumped, causing her to flee Mallorca as a result.
Amy was forced to watch Maura’s flirtatious ways with Curtis – as the pair shared a sensual dance lesson in front of her. The air hostess then decided it would be too hard to live with Curtis and that she felt it best she went home.
Heartbreak: Maura was of course referring to Amy, whom Curtis sensationally dumped, causing her to flee Mallorca as a result
Time to leave: Amy decided it would be too hard to live with Curtis – and to watch him flirt with new love interest Maura – and felt it best she went home
Up next was Ovie – who told Amber she was like a little sister to him – and then told India: ‘Since you took me on that first breakfast date, the good energy hasn’t stopped since. You’ve cheered me up and made me smile and you’ve even had Mr Cool feeling nervous. If there was one thing I could change, it would have been that you would have come sooner…’
India said: ‘Firstly, I want to thank you for making my time in the villa so amazing. I think we can all see that you were carved by angels. You are literally the fittest human I have ever seen. I couldn’t have prepared myself for what comes with it. You are so kind, caring and considerate. You’ve proven to me that chivalry is not dead.
‘My night in shining armour came in the form of a builder smashing through a wall. There was no noble steed, but I’d take you and a wheelbarrow any day.’
When it came to Amber and Greg’s turn, Greg revealed he had penned a poem for Amber.
Suited and booted: The four couples donned their finery during the shows big finish
As the final four couples raised their glasses, Ovie said: ‘All of you ladies look absolutely amazing. I’ve got to be a bit biased and say ‘India, you look phenomenal’
Grand gesture: Tommy dropped his cards to the floor, so he could speak ‘from his heart, not his mouth’
Curtis said: ‘Once upon a time, there was man on a journey. He had one goal in mind on his journey of crazy events. That goal, was to find a princess. This princess wasn’t just any princess, she was the most beautiful princess in all the lands…’
‘I’m going to keep this short and sweet, just like when we first came to meet. Up in the Hideaway sheltered from the trouble, we instantly connected and formed our own little bubble.
‘You are so unique with your stand-out hair and the way you speak. If we’re not the first ones across the line, I’m really into you Amber Gill and I can’t wait for you to teach me how to control the wine.…’ he recited.
Amber came back with: ‘It would be fair to say that I’ve had quite a journey in the villa this summer. There have been so many highs and then some lows, but then along came Greg. You came in at the 11th hour and made me find my smile again. Thank you for helping to build me back up. You’ve always been so sweet and lovely to me and you’ve managed to bring out my soft side.
‘I am excited to see what happens on the outside world. There must be something in the water, because this ice queen is melting.’
Finally, Molly-Mae and Tommy made their declarations, but as Tommy began reading his, he dropped his cards to the floor and said: ‘This isn’t me. I want my heart to speak to you, not my mouth.
A sight for sore eyes: The gents all wore black tie for the final show
What a guy! Greg penned a poem for Amber – ‘I’m going to keep this short and sweet, just like when we first came to meet’
Happy: Maura [L] and Molly-Mae [R] beamed as their men read out their declarations
Incredible: Amber looked incredible in a form-fitting white gown [L] while Molly-Mae looked showstopping in yellow [R]
‘From the first moment I walked up into the Hideaway, I instantly knew I had seen the most beautiful girl on this entire planet. You’re absolutely everything I’ve ever wanted in a girl.
‘Every morning you put a smile on my face. You are everything in my entire world and I’ll love you until the day I die.’
Molly-Mae said: ‘Tommy. For someone whose career depends on fighting other people, you’re the gentlest person I’ve ever met. You’re my bestest friend and the most incredible dad to our Elly-Belly. I genuine believe I am the luckiest girl in the world and am being loved in a way I have never been loved before.
‘Thank you for showing me kindness and nothing but pure love every day. And for making me realise that fairy-tales really do exist. I love you so much and I can’t wait for the adventures that we haven’t’ even dreamed of yet.’
The Islanders then danced around the garden before leaping into the pool one last time.
Daring: Maura flashed her nude underwear in a semi-sheer gown in the summer ball scenes
Take a bow: The men all looked very smart in their respective get-ups
King Ovie! India told fan-favourite Ovie that he had taught her that chivalry is not dead
Samba: Earlier in the show, Greg appeared to make a jibe about Curtis’ size when he ‘taught’ the other contestants how to dance ahead of the final soiree
Work it: After it was claimed that producers have had to order the professional dancer new clothes due to ‘weight gain’, Greg was accused, by some, of ‘fat-shaming’ him, after he said he could ‘dance well for a big fella’
Earlier in the show, Greg appeared to make a jibe about Curtis’ size when he ‘taught’ the other contestants how to dance ahead of the final soiree.
After it was claimed that producers have had to order the professional dancer new clothes due to ‘weight gain’, Greg was accused, by some, of ‘fat-shaming’ him, after he said he could ‘dance well for a big fella’.
Curtis, who is a professional dancer on Ireland’s Dancing With The Stars, decided to show off his own moves – leaving his partner Maura swooning as she admitted he made her ‘f***y flutter’.
Clearly impressed by the routine, Greg revealed afterwards that he enjoyed the performance, although he brutally added: ‘He can dance well for a big fella.’
The comment sent Twitter into meltdown as they accused the rugby player of ‘fat-shaming’ Curtis.
Leggy: Also distracting those watching the finale at home was host Caroline’s choice of attire for the evening
Distracting: The host, 39, left nothing to the imagination as she showed off her toned pins in the tiny striped strapless mini dress with a pair of gold strappy heels
One person tweeted: ‘Has Caroline tried to wear a top as a dress #LoveIsland.’
One person said: ‘”Man can he move for a big fella.” Did Greg just call Curtis fat? #LoveIsland.’
Also distracting those watching the finale at home was host Caroline’s choice of attire for the evening.
She left nothing to the imagination as she showed off her toned pins in a tiny striped strapless mini dress with a pair of gold strappy heels.
One person tweeted: ‘Has Caroline tried to wear a top as a dress #LoveIsland.’
While a different account added: ‘Not keen on Caroline dress. Bit short girl! #LoveIsland.’
However, not all viewers were distracted by Caroline’s choice of dress and some fans couldn’t get over how incredible she looked.
One tweet read, ‘Caroline Flack looks amazing as always love her dress #LoveIsland,’ as someone else echoed: ‘Caroline Flack is freaking gorgeous #LoveIsland #loveIslandfinal.’
Split! Fans were divided on Caroline’s attire
The comments come after it was reported that Caroline is set to ‘triple’ her fee for hosting the dating show as it is set to have a winter edition in 2020.
According to The Mirror, Caroline, who hosts the main show and spin-off Aftersun, ‘drove a hard bargain’ when re-negotiating her contract ahead of the latest addition to the Love Island franchise.
A TV source revealed to the publication: ‘Caroline negotiates a good deal. She drove a hard bargain. It is thoroughly deserved and she is highly valued at ITV.
‘Her fee for two months each year was £450,000 plus expenses but she’d only agree to commit to both series with a massive pay rise.’
Caroline – who has fronted the revived ITV2 dating show since its launch in 2015 – will travel between the UK and South Africa for the series, which is expected to last for six weeks.
Impressive: The comments come after it was reported that Caroline is set to ‘triple’ her fee for hosting the dating show as it is set to have a winter edition in 2020
Ka-ching! ‘Her fee for two months each year was £450,000 plus expenses but she’d only agree to commit to both series with a massive pay rise’ shared the TV insider
New gig: Caroline – who has fronted the revived ITV2 dating show since its launch in 2015 – will travel between the UK and South Africa for the series, which is expected to last for six weeks
A source told The Sun earlier this week: ‘Caroline is now synonymous with the show so it wouldn’t seem right to have anyone else hosting it. They’ll use the same production crew too so it should all run like clock work.’
The insider added: ‘ITV bosses have been thrilled with the popularity of the show this year and enjoyed bumper viewing figures so it seemed like a no brainer to fill the January reality TV slot left by Celebrity Big Brother.
‘Winter Love Island makes sense as fans adore the drama and love triangles and everyone wants to enjoy a bit of sun on screens in the cold winter months.’
It will be filmed in South Africa; the very same location where ITV2 shot axed show Survival Of The Fittest which only aired on television for one series.
Audience figures for Love Island are through the roof with a record-breaking 5.9million people tuning in across their devices to watch the first episode of the 2019 series.