It’s been six weeks since Big Brother returned to television screens across the country… and now we have a winner.
The ITV revival has been a huge success since AJ Odudu and Will Best took over as hosts five years after the social experiment aired on Channel 5.
We’ve seen some bizarre shopping tasks, shocking eliminations, fiery arguments between housemates, and some steamy snogging, all leading up to tonight’s grand final.
Millions of votes were cast – over six million in total – as viewers chose between Jordan, Yinrun, Henry, Olivia, and Noky for the £100,000 prize.
But there could only be one winner, and Jordan Sangha was the lucky recipient.
Of course, the dry, witty king had an iconic reaction to the whole thing, as he said immediately after hearing his name called: ‘Now I can pay my council tax.’
Never, Jordan, never, ever change.
In his exit interview, the 26-year-old qualified lawyer from Scunthorpe said he was ‘honoured’ to win the ITV show. He never expected to walk away with the prize money, though.
He said: ‘The money will be nice, won’t it… did I think I could win it? No.’
Jordan also discussed his relationship with 25-year-old food writer Henry, which he previously described as ‘platonic with kisses’.
He explained: ‘I need to read up on platonic love… I need to research more into that.’
Asked where their relationship might go next, Jordan replied: ‘Henry and I made a promise that whoever wins, we would go to a five-star hotel or somewhere decent… with a twin room. We won’t be sleeping in the beds!’
Looks like the hot tub was only the beginning for them!
Prior to entering the house, Jordan admitted that he actually applied for the show ‘on a whim’.
He previously shared: ‘I was quite disillusioned with life so I suppose boredom made me apply to some extent.
‘I honestly applied on a whim. I’m interested in the social experiments side of Big Brother.
‘I don’t really like the idea of living with people but I thought I might as well give it a try. And I wanted to challenge myself.’
Olivia was our runner-up, finishing second among the other housemates.
The success of the 23-year-old Glasgow dancer astounded her.
After the results were revealed, Olivia, who was put up for eviction by Jenkin on the first night, explained: ‘On that first night, I thought, “I’m a gonner.” What a waste of a trip.”
Food writer Henry finished third, Yinrun fourth, and Noky fifth.
All walked out of the new ITV house to wild applause and cheers from the audience, with their ex-housemates – with the exception of Trish Balusa – also present to greet them.
The finalists were shown enjoying one last meal together on their final night before the big winner announcement tonight.
Dressed to the nines, each of the five took turns giving a speech about their BB experience.
‘Thank you for the good, the bad, and everything in between,’ said former Miss GB Noky.
Olivia added: ‘This is special and for the rest of my life I will remember tonight.’
Henry said sweetly: ‘This process has unlocked some kind of, my emotional orifices, and I’ve been able to be a much better person for it.’
Jordan smiled as he reflected on his time with Henry, sharing his excitement to get to know each other away from prying eyes.
‘You’re wonderful and I can’t wait to spend time with you on the outside, without the cameras,’ he said.
Lastly, Yinrun praised her fellow finalists for ‘helping me to know myself.’
Fans wept as the lights went out in the Big Brother house for the final time this year, as Jordan and Henry brought things to a fitting close, sharing one final embrace in bed before saying goodnight.
‘This is Big Brother… goodnight, housemates,’ Big Brother concluded.
Catch up on Big Brother 2023 on ITVX.