Cumbrian wins TV show Survivor

Matthew Haywood, 21, survived 34 days on a remote island - beating 17 other contestants

Matthew Haywood from Workington
Author: Kat WrightPublished 17th Dec 2023

A hospitality worker from Cumbria has won the title of sole survivor on reality-competition show, Survivor.

The 21-year old was one of 18 contestants who were marooned on a tropical location to outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals.

Matthew, from Workington, said that winning Survivor was the "best moment" of his "entire life" and said he had anticipated being "underestimated" on the show as he was the youngest player.

After 34 days, the game came to a conclusion during Saturday's episode as the remaining four players: Christopher, Matthew, Hannah and Leilani, competed to be in the final three.

Matthew emerged victorious and won a prize of £100,000 alongside the title of sole survivor.

"I felt like all my hard work had paid off, it was a dream come true"

Speaking about his win following the game, he said: "I outwitted, outplayed and outlasted 17 other players by playing the social game perfectly.

"I anticipated before the show that I would be underestimated because I was the youngest player, so me being aware of that definitely helped me in the game."

Discussing the moment host that Joel Dommett announced he was the winner, he added: "When Joel announced me as the winner, that was the best moment of my entire life.

"I was really emotional thinking about how proud my family and friends were going to be.

"I felt like all my hard work had paid off, it was a dream come true. I just wanted to give Joel a massive hug.

"I will always remember that moment it was amazing."

Speaking about the moment he got home, he said: "My mam, dad and brother picked me up from the train station, I just ran across the platform to see them it was such an emotional moment.

"When we got home we ordered a takeaway and we just talked for hours and hours about everything it was so nice to catch up.

"After the experience of Survivor it made me appreciate everything in my life so much more.

"I went away with some friends as well and I felt like I hadn't seen them in forever."

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