A 21 YEAR old hospitality worker from West Cumbria has become the first person to win the UK series of Survivor.

Matthew Haywood, 21, was announced as the winner of the BBC show Survivor UK yesterday evening, December 16.

The win saw the hospitality worker walk away as the UK's first 'Sole survivor', as well as taking home the £100,000 cash prize.

Speaking about his time on Survivor, Matthew said: "I knew people would underestimate me from day one. I always knew to expect the unexpected and I have been ready to adapt my strategy to whatever situations I get put in. In this game adaptation is huge, I knew I needed to keep all my avenues open as there are so many ways this game can be played.

"I’ve learned so much about myself, making decisions under pressure with big risks attached to them is something that takes strength and I’ve shown that. I’ve also just loved living outside being present with only the game to focus on. Being with people from all walks of life, learning so much from everyone."

Hosted by Joel Dommett, the brand new series of the ultimate physical and psychological game promises viewers a compelling test of brains, brawn and betrayal as players compete to outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals to be crowned the Sole Survivor.

Some 18 people were carefully selected from across the UK, and marooned in a tropical location where they were divided into two tribes, competing against each other in a range of physical and mental challenges for reward or immunity.

Speaking about why he deserved to win the show, Matthew said: "I deserve to be the sole survivor because I haven’t taken the easy options to get here, I’ve played the game in the best possible way for myself.

"I’ve played the game really well socially, never cutting all of my ties, and always making sure I have a backup plan. I’ve made big moves and backed myself all the way. I’ve played with so much passion, I’m giving it everything I have."

Many around West Cumbria have followed Matthew on his journey, with delight as he was crowned the winner of the show.

His former school, Workington Academy congratulated Matthew for 'emerging victorious' from the Hit BBC One show.

In a post on social media, Workington Academy said: "His outstanding performance, resilience, and strategic prowess have led him to this incredible achievement. Congratulations, Matthew! Your success shines as a testament to hard work and determination."