Love Island champions Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan say they have been left both ‘proud and overwhelmed’ by their historic win.
On Monday the couple became the first black couple to win the ITV2 show since the rebooted version of the series began in 2015.
Both were left gobsmacked when host Maya Jama announced their names during the live final as they walked away with the £50K cash prize.
Following the result Mimii, 24, said: ‘I’m so shocked about it. It’s nice. Hopefully it will set pace for more diverse representation.
‘It’s overwhelming, but in the best possible way’.
Love Island champions Mimii Ngulube, 24, and Josh Oyinsan, 29, say they have been left both ‘proud and overwhelmed’ by their historic win
On Monday the couple became the first black couple to win the ITV2 show since the rebooted version of the series began in 2015
Both were left gobsmacked when host Maya Jama announced their names during the live final as they walked away with the £50K cash prize
Agreeing Josh, 29, added: ‘I definitely feel proud. To be able to add a little bit to help balance the scales, if it means greater diverse representation, that is great. We are just happy to write history’.
The couple were in the final with Nicole Samuel and Ciaran Davies, Matilda Draper and Sean Stone and Jessica Spencer and Ayo Odukoya.
Jessica and Ayo finished in fourth place while Matilda and Sean were awarded third position in the reality show competition.
Nicole and Ciaran were the runners up in the final, as viewers ultimately voted to crown Mimii and Josh as their winners.
After the news was announced, many viewers took to X to share their thoughts on the history making win, saying: ‘I’m celebrating Mimii and Josh’s win all weekend’; Josh and Mimii are the first black couple to ever win Love Island UK’;
‘The first black couple to ever win in Love Island UK history oh my god so happy for Mimii and Josh’; ‘Mimii and Josh making history, no black couple has ever placed higher than third in the final we love it’;
‘This feels so unreal… so unusual. But yaaay first black couple to win the UK’; ‘No freaking way. A black couple finally won Love Island UK . Mimii and Josh deserve!!’
Their win comes just a week after black couple Serena Page and Kordell Beckham won the US version of Love Island.
Following the result Mimii, 24, said: ‘I’m so shocked about it. It’s nice. Hopefully it will set pace for more diverse representation. It’s overwhelming, but in the best possible way’.
Josh added: ‘I definitely feel proud. To be able to add a little bit to help balance the scales, if it means greater diverse representation, that is great. We are just happy to write history’.
Their win comes just a week after black couple Serena Page and Kordell Beckham (pictured) won the US version of Love Island
After the news was announced, many viewers took to X to share their thoughts on the history making win
Mental health nurse Mimii broke down in tears and model Josh told Maya: ‘Thank you everyone, we love you!’
Josh admitted he has only had eyes for Mimii since he entered the villa, telling Maya: ‘I told her when I met her, she surprised me, everything I expected her to be, she was and more. So I didn’t need to make other connections.’
Before they were announced as winners, the two remaining couples received sweet video messages of support from home.
Mimii has been coupled up with Josh since he arrived as a bombshell later on in the series, aftter previously being coupled up with Ayo.
Mimii was coupled up with Ayo during the Casa Amor twist and stayed loyal to him when the boys and girls were split into separate villas.
However, Ayo’s head turned following the arrival of Jessica and he ultimately decided to recouple with her – while Mimii returned from Casa single.
While many fans were convinced Mimii and Ayo would rekindle their romance, it wasn’t meant to be – despite Mimii’s ‘secret mission’ to pull Ayo to the terrace.
Mimii and Ayo decided to leave their brief romance in the past and persued their new connections with Josh and Jessica respectively.
Nicole and Ciaran were the bookmakers’ favourites to win the show with odds of 2/5, over a 71 per cent chance of claiming the £50K prize.
During the final episdoe of the series four final couples stood in the garden to share their declarations of love on their last night in the villa.
Nicole and Ciaran finished the show in second place
Matilda and Sean finished the series in third place
It was announced that Jessica and Ayo were fourth
During her speech, Mimii opened up to Josh and said: ‘You’re attentive, kind, gentle and loving. Thank you for showing me the qualities that I thought were unrealistic in this day and age.’
After sharing a warm embrace it’s Josh’s turn to tell Mimii how he feels, Josh said: ‘You mentioned to me that no one has ever written you a poem before and I promised you I will so I hope you like it.’
While Mimii could be seen wiping away tears, fans also got emotional watching their heartwarming exchange.
They said: ‘I believe the only genuine ones are Mimii and Josh to be honest’; ‘haven’t watched a lick of Love Island this season but I’m tuned in to make sure Mimii and Josh take this money’;
‘Was I the only one crying through Josh’s speech? Words of affirmation is one of Mimii’s love language and he gets it, Mimii’s speech was speaking life into Josh too, they’re adorable’;
‘Alright I take it back after that poem. Mimii and Josh for the win’; ‘I’m obsessed with Mimii and Josh, wow.’
LOVE ISLAND 2024: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
NAME: Mimii Ngulube
AGE: 24
FROM: Portsmouth
OCCUPATION: Mental Health Nurse
WHY LOVE ISLAND? The pool in Portsmouth is not giving. I’ve tried dating and speaking to people on social media and it just hasn’t been successful. Applying was a spontaneous thing, I didn’t expect to get here!
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? My girls are my rocks and I’m theirs, so I’ll be a good friend as well as going in there to find a man. I like dressing up, so I’ll bring style, and I’d like to think I’m quite funny so I’ll make people laugh. Bringing honesty as well – I’m good at picking up on people’s personality traits and side-eyeing those who might be liars.
NAME: Sean Stone
AGE: 24
FROM: Hertford
OCCUPATION: Sweets Salesman
WHY LOVE ISLAND? I’ve always been one for relationships, and when you have found someone you want to be with it’s the best feeling. Now is the perfect time, the one thing that is missing is my soulmate.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? Very loving, caring and thoughtful. I’m the kind of guy that, if you broke down on the motorway and needed your tyre changed, I’d be there at any time of night.
NAME: Ayo Odukoya
AGE: 25
FROM: Canning Town
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I’d bring excitement and joy. I think people would have someone to come to and talk to and feel comfortable being around or to have a laugh with. I think I’m somebody everyone would take to.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I feel like the way I carry myself is very respectful and I think people take to that and once you show who you are to somebody you get it back tenfold. The way I am gives off a good enough energy for people to feel comfortable around me.
NAME: Nicole Samuel
AGE: 24
FROM: Aberdare, Wales
OCCUPATION: Accounts Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’ve been enjoying single life and the attention of different boys, it’s fun. I’ve enjoyed being able to go on holiday with the girls and not having to worry about someone back home. All the girls are there texting in their room and I’m out till 4 in the morning living my best life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? I became a world champion dancer in 2011, not many people know that. I was a professional street dancer.
NAME: Ciaran Davies
AGE: 21
FROM: Pencoed, South Wales
OCCUPATION: Surveyor
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? Obviously looks but humour is a big thing for me, I’m a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back. Loyalty is another one for me: I think that’s the most important thing to look for in a relationship.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? When I was in Malia on a boys holiday I pretended to be Liam Reardon from series 7 to get into a club because they wouldn’t let us in. It worked and we ended up getting a private booth and free drinks all night.
NAME: Matilda Draper
AGE: 24
FROM: Beckenham
OCCUPATION: Recruitmant Consultant
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BRING? I want to bring sunshine to the Villa. I’m lighthearted and don’t take myself too seriously. If things get too serious in the Villa I’m going to throw in a little joke or a ‘would you rather’.
Jessica Spencer
NAME: Jessica Spencer
AGE: 25
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Fashion Stylist
WHO DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON IN THE VILLA? I have my eyes on Ayo, despite his connection with Mimii. I fancy Ayo so much. Wil also seems like a catch and someone I want to explore a connection with.
WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER ARE YOU GOING TO BE? I’m funny, flirty, sassy and ready to find love
Josh Sunday Oyinsan
NAME: Josh Sunday Oyinsan
AGE: 29
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer
WHO DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON IN THE VILLA? All of them!! Mimii, Uma, Grace and Jess S. All of the girls there are beautiful.
WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER ARE YOU GOING TO BE? I am not afraid to speak my mind! I’m not afraid of treading on any toes…
