OXFORD-CITY player Finley Tapp and his girlfriend Paige Turley have won the first-ever series of Winter Love Island.

They beat fellow finalists Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman, Luke Mabbott and Demi Jones, and Jess Gale and Ched Uzor to win £50,000.

After discovering they had won the public vote to be crowned the champions, the loved-up couple then had to decide whether to stick or split the cash prize.

They were asked by host Laura Whitmore whether the experience was ‘about love or money’, and were both given an envelope.

The football player opened an envelope with nothing inside and his blonde-bombshell opened one with the £50,000 prize inside.

She then had to decide whether to keep the full prize for herself or share it with him.

The Scottish singer then chose to split the cash, and they both won £25,000 each.

Following their win, Mr Tapp, 20, said: “How the f*** have I blagged that?”

Mr Tapp, who played as a defender, joined Love Island as a 'bombshell' - meaning he was late to the series. 

Only days into his experience he was dubbed one of the least popular contestants, according to digital marketing agency Mediaworks.

Oxford Mail:

Finn Tapp pictured at Oxford City's defeat at Dartford Picture: Mike Allen

He also said the money would be put towards an apartment in Manchester, where the couple are hoping to move when they leave South Africa - where the show is filmed.

Earlier in the programme the semi-professional footballer from Milton Keynes had declared his love for his girlfriend as they made their final speeches to each other at the Love Island ‘prom’.

Dressed in a dapper suit he broke down in tears in the pre-recorded segment and said: “Paigey, I want you to know I love you.”

Ms Turley, from West Lothian who previously dated chart-topping star Lewis Capaldi, told him: "You brought out a side to me that no-one has ever seen."

The final episode of the winter series of Love Island, which had taken place over six weeks and saw 32 islanders attempt to find love in the villa, also included clips of the finalists' last day together.

The girls were seen enjoying a spa day while the boys crafted their declarations of love.

They were also taught how to tango by professional dancers.

The episode came just over a week after former Love Island host Caroline Flack died at the age of 40.

Ms Whitmore paid tribute to the presenter earlier in the live final, held in Cape Town, telling viewers that it has been "extremely difficult coming to terms with the loss of our friend and colleague Caroline".

She added: "We're thinking of her family and everyone who knew her at this time.

"Caroline loved Love Island, she loved love, and that's why tonight's final is dedicated to her."

A montage of footage from her time hosting Love Island and companion show Aftersun since 2015 was played.

An ITV spokeswoman confirmed earlier on Sunday that the finalists had been told of her death off-camera before the live final.

Ms Flack was replaced by her friend Ms Whitmore on the winter series of Love Island following the late star's arrest on an assault charge.

The former Love Island host was found dead at her flat last Saturday after taking her own life as she awaited trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27.

At the end of the programme, Whitmore confirmed that the regular summer series of Love Island will take place in its usual location of Mallorca later this year.