The much-anticipated grand final of Love Island’s summer 2024 season has crowned its winners, bringing an end to an exhilarating eight weeks in the villa. The contestants, isolated from the outside world, missed significant events like a Euros tournament, the Olympics opening ceremony, and a general election. Yet, their time on the show was equally eventful, filled with shocking dumpings, dramatic recouplings, and those memorable sneaky kisses on the famous terrace.

After weeks of building connections and facing numerous challenges, only one couple could take home the coveted £50,000 prize. If you’re not keen on spoilers, it’s time to look away because the winners are Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan. The pair emerged victorious, capturing the hearts of the public and securing the top spot. Coming in second place were Nicole Samuel and Ciaran Davies, followed by Matilda Draper and Sean Stone in third, and Jessica Spencer and Ayo Odukoya in fourth.

The final episode was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the finalists sharing heartfelt declarations of love. Mimii praised Josh for being “attentive, kind, gentle, and loving,” highlighting the deep bond they had formed. Josh reciprocated with a touching gesture, recalling a promise he made to write Mimii a poem, fulfilling it in a moment that encapsulated their journey together.

Interestingly, the islander who generated the most buzz this season didn’t even make it to the final. Joey Essex, who quickly became a favorite upon entering the villa, saw his chances slip away just before the grand finale. His exit was a result of a vote by previously dumped contestants, who returned to the villa to decide the fate of the “least compatible couple.” A heated exchange with Samantha Kenny, whom Joey had ditched earlier in the series, sealed his and his partner Jessy Potts’ departure.

Joey’s inclusion in the 11th series of the ITV2 show sparked mixed reactions. While some fans were unhappy with a celebrity joining the cast, others welcomed the added drama. Joey, at 33, was at the center of some of the season’s most talked-about moments, keeping viewers hooked despite the controversy surrounding his casting.

Love Island, once a ratings juggernaut for ITV, has seen a decline in viewership over the years. The 2019 final attracted a staggering six million viewers, but the All Stars edition earlier this year saw only one million tuning in. However, the current season managed to rejuvenate interest, with the opening episode drawing about two million viewers, up from 1.3 million in 2023, making it the best-rated opener in two years.

In response to past tragedies involving former islanders, the show’s producers have significantly enhanced their approach to contestant wellbeing. A notable measure has been the social media ban, preventing friends and family from posting on behalf of the islanders during their stay in the villa. This policy, introduced in 2023, was briefly lifted for the All Stars season but reinstated for the latest series. ITV maintains that this move is part of its “continued commitment to duty of care,” aiming to protect contestants from the often harsh and abusive nature of social media.

As Mimii and Josh embark on their journey beyond the villa, they leave behind an unforgettable season marked by love, drama, and personal growth. Their victory not only underscores the unpredictable nature of Love Island but also celebrates the genuine connections that can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances.

For fans, the end of this season is a bittersweet moment, filled with nostalgia for the highs and lows experienced over the past eight weeks. As we bid farewell to the villa for now, anticipation already begins to build for what the next season will bring. Love Island continues to be a cultural phenomenon, adapting and evolving with each iteration, and capturing the imaginations of viewers year after year.