A PROUD Cumbrian has said he is 'living in a dream' after winning BBC One show Survivor and bagging himself £100,000.

Matthew Haywood, 21, from Seaton was crowned the winner of Survivor on Saturday, December 16 and says it was his 'Cumbrian spirit' that got him through the gruelling experience.

The hospitality worker has always been interested in getting into TV, as well as playing football for Seaton FC and Seaton Rangers RLFC throughout his youth, saying he has always had a love for the outdoors.

Speaking to us about Survivor, Matthew said: "It was just a life-changing experience and for every reason as well; you push yourself physically and mentally and that was so hard.

"It's not just doing challenges. You have to be liked and you have to balance everything, so it's a real psychological game as well, I think more so than I knew going on.

Times and Star: Matthew with other members of Survivor cast and host Joel DommettMatthew with other members of Survivor cast and host Joel Dommett (Image: BBC)

"That feeling when my name was announced... I was so overwhelmed and emotional, because when you win you think about everyone at home as well, how they will react and how proud they will be.

"It was just my happy ending at the end."

Matthew said his Saturday and Sunday evenings have been 'written off' since Survivor was broadcast on TV, watching every episode with his family who are 'just so proud'.

Matthew has been on national TV, breakfast shows and a number of radio shows since the show first came out. He said: "If I could look back and tell 10 year old Matthew he would be enjoying this so much right now.

"I think coming off the back of Survivor like this it has given me a really good platform."

Matthew said he plans on possibly going into children's TV or other types of television going forward in his career, and says he hopes he has done Cumbrians proud whilst on the show.

He said: "Cumbrians are not represented as much on TV as other counties and I am happy that I got the opportunity to go on the show and be that representation.

"Look at us: there is a Cumbrian spirit, and a grit and a determination to do well and I think if we want something we will go out and get it."