It's barely been 24 hours since the winners of Winter Love Island 2023 were announced by the final voting figures are in - and it appears Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan were always going to be crowned the winners of the ninth series, but only the second-ever winter run.
The Manchester PE and Science teacher and the social worker, from Bedford, beat fellow couples Lana Jenkins and Ron Hall, who landed up in second place, and Samie Elishi and Tom Clare, who finished in third position, during the final episode which saw host Maya Jama return to the South African villa. Tanya Mahenga and Shaq Muhammad placed fourth following a public vote.
Before the results were revealed, the last episode of the series saw the four remaining girls leave the villa for a luxurious spa day, before returning to share declarations of love with their partners. Decked out in tuxedos and elegant dresses, the contestants each gathered by the pool before standing to read to each other in front of a heart-shaped arch.
READ MORE: ITV Love Island fans say 'please' over show's announcement as viewers spot 'real villain' of series
Viewers of the ITV2 dating show also saw host Maya Jama return to the South African villa where she chatted with each of the couples before announcing who had bagged the title and the £50,000 prize money.
It has now been revealed by ITV, on Tuesday (March 14), that Kai and Sanam walked away with a huge 44 per cent of the whole final public vote, ahead of Lana and Ron's second place of 30%.
Tom and Samie took 24% of the final cotings figures but it was bad news for Shaq and Tanya as despite being the first couple to drop the 'L-bomb' before making their relationship official on their final date,as they claimed just 2% of the final vote.
Kai and Sanam have already broken their silence on their win as just moments after being crowned winners of the 2023 winter series, their reactions were filmed in a video shared to the Love Island Instagram page. In it, Kai admitted they were 'shook' while Sanam also shared her disbelief.
A delighted Kai said: "Honestly, I think we're both so shook." Sharing her first thoughts, Sanam continued: "So shocked, I can't believe it. I just want to thank every single person out there who has voted for us and supported us. If I could hug every single one of you I would.
"That's how much love I feel." Kai then added: "I can't comprehend it, it's mad. Thank you everybody that voted for us. Truly, I'm so thankful."
READ NEXT:
- ITV Corrie's Samia Longchambon told to 'stop it' as she stuns in little black dress and sips pint of Guinness
- Christine McGuinness shares 'biggest support' in her life after Paddy split as she jokes about her 'audacity'
- Ruth Langsford shares sweet two-word message to husband Eamonn Holmes as he offers health update
- Gemma Atkinson throws daggers at fiance Gorka Marquez as she warns him off before candid pregnancy update
- Phillip Schofield reveals real reason for Dancing on Ice 'delay' as host forced to halt show