Liam Reardon and Millie Court have won Love Island 2021.
The final – which aired on ITV2 on Monday night – saw the pair’s very rocky journey end in glee as they won £50k, and split the money between them, with Liam asking Millie to be his official girlfriend during their live exit interview.
Toby Aromolaran and Chloe Burrows were the runners-up, while Teddy Soares and Faye Winter came in third place. Kaz Kamwi and Tyler Cruickshank were booted from the villa first, placing fourth.
Winners! Liam Reardon and Millie Court have won Love Island 2021. The final – which aired on ITV2 on Monday night – saw the pair’s very rocky journey end in glee as they won £50k, and split the money between them, with Liam asking Millie to be his official girlfriend during their live exit interview
Hosted by Laura Whitmore, the remaining couples of the series were whittled down bit-by-bit as they waited to find out who would be crowned the series’ winners.
22-year-old bricklayer Liam and 24-year-old fashion buyer’s administrator Millie chatted about their time on the show, with Laura asking them how they overcame their dreaded Casa Amor incident – which saw Liam kiss another girl, Lillie, while staying in the other villa, as Millie remained faithful.
Although Liam returned to the show without Lillie, attempting to paper over the infidelity, she swiftly entered after him and told Millie what had gone on. Despite splitting with him at first, Millie eventually took Liam back, with them saying ‘I Love You’ earlier this week.
Of saying the L word, Liam told Laura: ‘It was on the tip of my tongue for a week, and I was so close to saying it but I wanted to wait until a nice time, and I thought that last date in the castle was the perfect moment. So I said it, and I beat Millie to it!’
Loved up: Liam sealed the deal by asking Millie to be his girlfriend, telling her he’d been ‘thinking about saying it for a while’. In the final moments of the show, Millie picked the envelope with the money inside meaning she could choose to keep the cash herself and leave Liam with nothing, or split it evenly between them – which is the option she chose
Obstacles: 22-year-old bricklayer Liam and 24-year-old fashion buyer’s administrator Millie chatted about their time on the show, with Laura asking them how they overcame their dreaded Casa Amor incident – which saw Liam kiss another girl, Lillie, while staying in the other villa, as Millie remained faithful
Eight’s a crowd: [L-R] Teddy Soares and Faye Winter came in third place. Toby Aromolaran and Chloe Burrows were the runners-up. Kaz Kamwi and Tyler Cruickshank were booted from the villa first, placing fourth. Millie and Liam won the show
While Millie added: ‘We both planned to say it, but we didn’t know we were both going to say it that night. But because it was his birthday, I thought it was the perfect time to say it and make it really special.’
Liam then sealed the deal in front of Laura and the other finalists on Monday’s live broadcast by asking Millie to be his girlfriend, telling her he’d been ‘thinking about saying it for a while’.
In the final moments of the show, Millie picked the envelope with the money inside meaning she could choose to keep the cash herself and leave Liam with nothing, or split it evenly between them – which is the option she chose.
Take the money: Some fans felt Millie should have taught Liam a lesson and taken all the money for herself, after the way he treated her earlier in the series
Some fans felt Millie should have taught Liam a lesson and taken all the money for herself, after the way he treated her earlier in the series.
Toby also asked Chloe to be his girlfriend on the episode, which was shown at the pre-recorded summer ball the night before.
Chloe and Toby took to the stage to make their declarations to one another, with Chloe saying: ‘Toby. Who would have thought that me and you would have made it all this way? From the first snog on the terrace to the bootylicious challenge, it’s clear we’ve always had an amazing connection.
The G word: The Love Island 2021 final saw Toby asking Chloe to be his girlfriend – the first time he’s ever asked a girl this
Out out! The Love Island 2021 final saw Kaz and Tyler [L] booted from the villa first on Monday night, placing fourth, followed swiftly by Teddy and Faye in third place [R]
‘I wanted to find someone coming into this villa but I didn’t expect to find someone as amazing as you.’
To which Toby replied: ‘I’m not the best with words but for you Chlo, I’m willing to try. While I read this declaration of love with those piercing blue eyes watching me, I know that if I look up I might lose all composure!’
Comparing their relationship to ‘riding on a boat without a license’, he then asked: ‘Chloe – will you be my girlfriend?’ To which she screeched ‘yes!’
Controversial coupling Faye and Teddy found themselves in third place, with Faye awkwardly having to watch back her now-infamous scene from Mad Movie Night, which saw her scream at Teddy for innocently telling another girl she was attractive, while in Casa Amor.
When asked by Laura if she overreacted, she admitted ‘absolutely’, and joked that she’d practically boarded a first-class flight out of the villa and gone home. She also admitted she hated the first few weeks of the show, prior to Teddy’s arrival, and had wished her parents had flown over to bring her home.
Tyler and Kaz spoke to Laura, reflecting on their rocky journey on the show – which saw them both flit from partner to partner, with Tyler cheating on Kaz in Casa Amor and brining an entirely different woman back to the main villa with him.
Despite this, the pair ended up back together and became exclusive – with Tyler telling Laura that they are in ‘the same place’ and are taking things ‘very slowly’ in their awkward exit interview.
Earlier in the show, the finalists woke up for their last full day in the villa and were told they were attending a summer ball for their penultimate night.
After a dance lesson from some pros, the girls were sent off for a pamper session while the boys penned their ‘love declarations’ – with Liam admitting he hasn’t used a pen for six years.
The girls wrote theirs at the spa before trying on dresses and being sent back to the villa, where their other halves waited suited up.
Millie told Liam: ‘I feel like I’m getting married! Seven weeks ago I walked into the villa not knowing what my journey was going to hold. However, I knew I only had eyes for you. Things took a turn for the worse but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay away and I just wanted to be back in your arms. I’d happily let you sing to me for the rest of our lives!’
Liam replied: ‘Laying next to you made me forget that I was in bed but almost made me feel like I was floating on a cloud floating high up in the skies. As our journey nears the end, I look back and love every minute of it. We now have a new journey to venture into – life outside the villa.’
Reading her declaration, Faye told Teddy: ‘No one would ever believe what would happen next, I was lucky enough to receive a text. I’m sorry you had to deal with a girl so insecure, luckily you’re fixing me just by being so pure. At times my outbursts caused our relationship to seem cursed but I’ll be forever grateful you stood by me at my worst.’
To which Teddy replied: ‘Ever since the beginning you’ve kept me on my toes. You’ve been a beautiful pain in my arse but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love that you are fiery, strong, stunning and an independent woman who cares for others with genuine affection. Yes we’ve had our ups and downs but every moment when I’ve looked into those deep blue eyes, I’ve seen a future with you.’
Kaz told Tyler: ‘My journey here started when you walked in. From the moment I saw you, I thought ‘he’s a bit of me!’ I never thought I would find someone like you here. You’re a gentleman, you’re funny, you’re kind and you’re even more affectionate than me!’
Tyler then replied: ‘My fair lady, cast your mind back to the moment I entered the Villa. You were so warm and welcoming and genuinely had a pure aura about you. I am yours Kaz and I’ve always been yours.’
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Name: Sharon Gaffka
Age: 25
Location: Oxford
Occupation: Civil Servant – Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Who is their type on paper? ‘I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me.
‘I’m quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.’
Name: Aaron Francis
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury Events Host
Who is their type on paper? ‘I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing – from scientist to anything – you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
‘I don’t like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.’
Name: Liberty Poole
Age: 21
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Nando’s Waitress and Marketing Student
Who is their type on paper? ‘So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy.
‘But obviously that’s always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.’
Name: Hugo Hammond
Age: 24
Location: Hampshire
Occupation: PE Teacher
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’ve been single for a while now. With the current climate, it’s been really hard to get back into dating.
‘I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.’
Name: Liam Reardon
Age: 21
Location: Wales
Occupation: Bricklayer
Are you competitive? ‘I am competitive to a certain extent. I’m not over the top. It’s always nice being a winner. If I’m in competition for a female, I want to try my best, but I won’t go too far out of my way. If she liked you that much she wouldn’t have to make a choice.’
Name: Jake Cornish
Age: 24
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Water Engineer
Who is their type on paper? ‘Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you…
‘I’ve had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don’t trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I’m single, I like having a good time!’
Name: Kaz Kamwi
Age: 26
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Blogger
Who is their type on paper? ‘I like meeting new people, I’m ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?’
Name: Chloe Burrows
Age: 25
Location: Bicester
Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive
Who is their type on paper? ‘I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you.’
Name: Faye Winter
Age: 26
Location: Devon
Occupation: Letting Manager
What is her type on paper? ‘Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.’
Name: Rachel Finni
Age: 29
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury travel specialist
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve scraped the bottom of the dirtiest barrels, that’s how I describe my dating life. So I thought “why not? Let’s apply. If it happens, it happens”.’
Name: Lucinda Strafford
Age: 21
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Online fashion boutique owner
Which boy do you have your eye on? I really fancy Brad. And then possibly Liam. But obviously I’m open to getting to know any of the other boys.
Name: AJ (Andrea-Jane) Bunker
Age: 28
Location: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Hair extension technician
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I’ve had the worst luck with men. I feel like this is the one thing I haven’t tried. I thought why not? Let’s give it a go.’
Name: Georgia Townend
Age: 28
Location: Essex
Occupation: Marketing executive
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I’ve been single for a really long time. Five years. I haven’t done the maths but it’s at least that. I feel like I’ve exhausted all the other options on how to meet people.’
Name: Mary Bedford
Age: 22
Location: Wakefield
Occupation: Model
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I have the worst luck, ever, with boys. Genuinely the worst ever. I always get dragged into the same circle of boys. So I was like, I need to go in another direction.’
Name: Kaila Troy
Age: 28
Location: Dublin
Occupation: DJ
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘Real life dating has not been doing me any favours at all. I’ve had it.’
Name: Matthew Macnabb
Age: 26
Location: Belfast
Occupation: Strategic Marketing Consultant
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I feel like I’m pretty chilled and very adventurous. I’m very laid-back in the sense I like to laugh and I don’t care too much about what people think.’
Name: Amy Day
Age: 25
From: Surrey
Occupation: Performer
Why have you signed up for Love Island: I’m clearly not very good at dating myself. I’m looking forward to the experience and the potential of finding someone I might not have met.
Name: Lillie Haynes
Age: 22
From: South Shields
Occupation: Trainee accountant
Who have you got your eye on in the villa? I’ve definitely got my eye on Jake. He’s 100% the type of boy I would go for at home. It’s too good of a match not to just go for. Liam is definitely a dark horse for me, he’s like James Bond when you look at him, absolutely gorgeous. So he could be a very close second.
Name: Jack Barlow
Age: 26
From: East Sussex
Occupation: Racing driver/coach
Who have you got your eye on in the villa? I’m very much a connection type of person so I’ll be able to tell more in person. From what I’ve seen and going off their energy, Chloe has been top of my list. It’s been nice to see her be herself and not care what anyone thinks. I think she’ll be a lot of fun.
Name: Aaron Simpson
Age: 24
From: Kent
Occupation: Footballer
What is it like dating as a footballer? Does it make things easier or does it stand in the way? A lot of people have an assumption of me as being a typical player, but I got all of that out of my system when I was younger and now I’m a lot more laid-back when it comes to dating. A lot of people would assume that I go on lots of dates but I’m actually quite picky when it comes to who I date. Sometimes it can be hard to know if someone is genuine or not. My mum is really protective over me. The approval is always needed from mumsy, for sure.
Name: Brett Staniland
Age: 27
From: Derbyshire
Occupation: PhD student and model
Why have you signed up to Love Island? I’ve never had a serious relationship and the last 18 months has been really stagnant in terms of meeting new people and dating. Lots of my friends have settled down, had kids. I’m kind of the one that’s left back from all of that. Now is the right time.
Name: Brad McClelland
Age: 26
Location: Northumberland
Occupation: Labourer
Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she’s a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.
Name: Toby Aromolaran
Age: 22
Location: Essex
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
How would he describe himself? ‘Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I’m a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.’
Name: Chuggs Wallis
Age: 23
Location: Surrey
Occupation: Hat entrepreneur
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I just feel like it’s now or never. I’m only 23 but I’m scared of aging. Especially as half of my last year of uni was taken away and we had so many fun plans. With Covid and the pandemic, I feel like I’ve missed a year of my youth, so I’m really gagging to get it all back.’
Name: Millie Court
Age: 24
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion buyer’s administrator
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve been single for over a year now. I’m ready to find ‘The One’. I’m very spontaneous and adventurous ‘
Name: Teddy Soares
Age: 26
Location: Manchester
Occupation: Senior financial consultant
What girl do you have your eye on? I want to get to know all of the girls. I’m not afraid to step on toes to get the girl I want.
Name: Abigail Rawlings
Age: 27
Location: Bournemouth (from Beaconsfield)
Occupation: Tattoo artist
Will you stir things up? ‘Even if I didn’t go in with the intention of stirring things up, it’ll happen regardless.’
Name: Tyler Cruickshank
Age: 26
Location: Croydon
Occupation: Estate agent
What will you bring to the villa? ‘More energy I think. I’m a person that doesn’t take myself too seriously. I like messing about. I like jokes. I’m not just going to be there just lazing around.’
Name: Medhy Malanda
Age: 24
Location: Luton (originally from Belgium)
Occupation: American footballer
What girl have you got your eye on? ‘Definitely Kaz. Kaz’s personality is fiery, she’s got energy, she’s funny and she’s got a beautiful smile and she’s a nice girl in general.’
Name: Salma Naran
Age: 20
Location: Dublin
Occupation: Model and Influencer
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I’ve never been in love. What better place to have a tunnel vision and really finding your one? ‘
Name: Harry Young
Age: 24
Location: Glasgow
Occupation: Car Salesman
What girl have you got your eye on? ‘Kaz has always been in my top three. But once I’m in there and speaking with people, it could change.’
Name: Clarisse Juliette
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Brand owner/influencer
Who have you got you eye on in the villa? Teddy – he’s tall, confident and smooth. I don’t like horrible, cocky guys. If they are honest, that’s what I’d prefer
Name: Dale Mehmet
Age: 24
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Barber
Will you step on toes to get who you want? It is what it is, isn’t it? I’m not a bad guy who is going to steal somebody’s girl. But if I want something then I’m going to pursue it. I would go about it all in the right way. Everybody would be well aware of what I was doing.
Name: Sam Jackson
Age: 23
From: Clitheroe
Occupation: Maintenance engineer
Will you step on toes to get who you want? That doesn’t bother me. I’m happy to step on someone’s toes to get what I want. If that’s what I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do it. I am looking forward to meeting the boys as well, I’m a proper lads’ lad. I see myself getting on with the boys as well – it’ll be good to meet some new people and get a few bromances going!
Name: Priya Gopaldas
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Med student
Who is your celebrity crush? This is a very strange answer but Boris Johnson. I have a soft spot for him. It’s the confidence but he is a total sweetheart on the inside and that’s what I like in a boy. He’s the prime minister, very driven but then on the inside he’s a cuddly bear. I also love his blonde hair, that does it for me!
