The grand finale of Love Island’s summer 2024 season has come to a thrilling conclusion, with Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan emerging as the winners. Over the course of eight intense weeks, contestants missed out on a Euros tournament, an Olympics opening ceremony, and a general election, but their experiences inside the villa were no less dramatic.
From shocking eliminations to surprise recouplings and secret kisses on the terrace, this season has kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, only one couple could claim the £50,000 prize, and Mimii and Josh were the public’s favorite. Nicole Samuel and Ciaran Davies secured second place, Matilda Draper and Sean Stone came in third, and Jessica Spencer and Ayo Odukoya rounded out the top four.
The final episode was filled with emotional moments, as the couples shared heartfelt declarations of love. Mimii praised Josh for his attentiveness, kindness, and gentle nature, while Josh delivered on a promise to write Mimii a poem, touching everyone with his sincerity.
Notably, the contestant who garnered the most headlines this season did not make it to the final. Joey Essex, a fan favorite from the moment he entered the villa, saw his journey cut short just before the finale. Previously dumped contestants returned to vote for the “least compatible couple,” and Joey, alongside his partner Jessy Potts, was eliminated after a tense confrontation with Samantha Kenny, whom Joey had earlier discarded.
Joey’s participation in the 11th series of the ITV2 show was met with mixed reactions. Some fans were displeased with the inclusion of a celebrity, while others appreciated the added excitement he brought. Despite the controversy, Joey, at 33, became central to some of the season’s most dramatic events, maintaining a high level of viewer engagement.
Love Island’s popularity has seen fluctuations over the years. While the 2019 final attracted six million viewers, the recent All Stars edition saw just one million. However, the current season has shown signs of resurgence, with the premiere attracting around two million viewers—up from 1.3 million in 2023—making it the best-rated opener in two years.
In light of past tragedies involving former islanders, the show’s producers have strengthened their commitment to contestant wellbeing. One significant measure is a social media ban preventing friends and family from managing contestants’ accounts during the show. This policy, first implemented in 2023, was temporarily lifted for the All Stars season but reinstated for the latest series. ITV stated that this move is part of their “continued commitment to duty of care,” aiming to shield contestants from online abuse and pressure.
As Mimii and Josh step out of the villa and into the real world, they carry with them the memories and experiences of a truly memorable season. Their victory not only highlights the unpredictable nature of Love Island but also celebrates the authentic connections that can form in such a unique environment.
For viewers, the end of this season is a moment to reflect on the highs and lows experienced over the past weeks. Although the villa’s doors close for now, the anticipation for the next season is already building. Love Island remains a cultural touchstone, continually evolving and capturing the imagination of its audience season after season.
