Lorenzo Alessi and Julia Mayska were crowned the winners of Love Island 2026 on Monday night, taking home the £50,000 prize after eight weeks of drama and a final twist that reduced the finale to just three couples.
Dramatic Final Twist
For the first time in the show's history, only three couples entered the Love Island final. This followed a brutal twist in which dumped Islanders Mica Harris and Samraj Toor were given the power to eliminate one more couple from the villa. They chose to dump Yasmin Hadlow and Tommy Stagg, leaving just three couples in contention for the crown.
The finalists were Jasmine Müller and Kavan Murphy, Julia Mayska and Lorenzo Alessi, and Simba Kudyiwa and Angelista Gunda. In the end, Lorenzo and Julia emerged victorious, with Jasmine and Kavan finishing as runners-up and Angelista and Simba taking third place.
The Winning Moment
When host Maya Jama announced Lorenzo and Julia as the winners, the couple were stunned. Lorenzo was left speechless and could be seen giggling in disbelief as the reality of their win sank in. The pair had been fan favorites throughout the series, weathering challenges and forming a strong bond over the eight-week season.
The victory marks a milestone for the show, which saw its thirteenth series conclude with the unique scenario of a three-couple final.
Prize and Reaction
The £50,000 prize bag was awarded to the winning couple, a significant sum that has historically been split or kept by the winner. According to ITV, the couple planned to enjoy their win and were overwhelmed by the support from viewers.
The series also featured other memorable moments, including earlier dumpings and romantic declarations. The show's producers confirmed that this year's twist added an extra layer of unpredictability, keeping audiences engaged until the very end.
Love Island 2026 will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion and the surprising victory of Lorenzo and Julia.
