Who Won Love Island Season 5
Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies won Love Island Season 5, claiming the series trophy when the villa wrapped in 2019. As the first British-Only winning pair in the original UK edition, their victory marked a shift from globally mixed couples to homegrown champions. This evergreen profile explains who won Love Island Season 5, details their on-villa journey and key moments, and tracks their relationship timeline and post-show careers to provide a durable, fact-first reference that stays useful beyond the airing cycle.
Season 5 Context and Format Changes
Season 5 aired in the summer of 2019 and was the first UK series to feature an entirely British and Irish Islander cast. The season emphasized classic villa dynamics with fewer wild twists, focusing on organic connections rather than dramatic twists introduced in later global seasons. The format remained aligned with the core Love Island formula: couples competing in challenges to avoid the weekly dump, culminating in a final vote where the public decides the winners.
Key Format Elements That Defined Season 5
- 100% British and Irish Islanders in the original UK villa
- Weekly coupling and recoupling ceremonies
- Public vote determining the final winners
- No ‘Casa Amor’ or dramatic external twists that season
The Winners: Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies
Kem Cetinay, a personal trainer from London, and Amber Davies, a hairdresser from Essex, entered the villa together via the Casa Amor twist and quickly solidified as a power couple. Kem’s steady, loyal strategy combined with Amber’s emotional intelligence helped them navigate the social complexities of the villa. They earned the public vote in the final, securing the win over strong runners-up.
How They Won the Public Vote
Throughout the season, Kem and Amber maintained screen presence without manufactured drama. Kem’s candid personality and Amber’s grounded demeanor resonated with viewers, resulting in a decisive public vote victory when the final vote opened. Their win reflected audience preference for authentic, consistent connection over chaotic gameplay.
Relationship Timeline Post-Show
Kem and Amber’s relationship continued after the series, though it faced challenges common to many reality-couples. They moved in together, navigated long-distance periods, and remained public about their journey. Ultimately, they confirmed their split in 2021, demonstrating how even a winning season does not guarantee lifelong romance.
Timeline at a Glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2019 | Season 5 airs; Kem and Amber win | First all-British winning pair in UK version |
| 2019–2020 | Public appearances and joint interviews | Capitalized on winning momentum |
| 2020 | Move-in and long-distance phase | Tested compatibility outside the villa |
| 2021 | Public split confirmation | Highlighted challenges of reality-couple longevity |
Career Trajectories After the Win
Both Kem and Amber leveraged their win into media opportunities, though with different focuses. Kem pursued TV appearances, including Love Island after shows and a stint on Celebrity Ex on the Beach, while also entering the podcast and live-talk circuit. Amber focused on modeling, continued TV roles, and explored entrepreneurial ventures, demonstrating how a winning season can open doors beyond the villa.
Notable Post-Show Ventures
- Kem Cetinay: TV guest appearances, podcasting, live tours
- Amber Davies: Modeling campaigns, reality TV returns, business projects
- Joint brand deals during peak fame in 2019–2020
Impact on the Franchise
Season 5’s all-British lineup and Kem–Amber win reinforced the UK edition’s identity and influenced casting choices in later seasons. Producers noted that showcasing a homegrown winning pair strengthened viewer connection in the UK market. The season also highlighted that reality TV success is not solely dependent on dramatic twists but also on authentic story arcs viewers can follow over eight weeks.
Key Takeaways for Future Seasons
- All-British casts can resonate strongly with UK audiences
- Consistency and authentic connection outperform chaos in long-term viewer engagement
- Winners’ post-show careers benefit from diversified media presence beyond the villa
Common Questions About Season 5
Who were the runners-up in Season 5?
The runners-up in Love Island Season 5 were Chris Hughes and Megan Barton-Hanson, who finished third and fourth in the public vote, respectively.
Did Kem and Amber stay together after filming ended?
Yes, Kem and Amber remained a couple for about two years after the 2019 season, confirming their split in 2021.
Has either won another island since?
Neither Kem nor Amber returned to win another season of Love Island after Season 5.
How did Season 5 differ from earlier UK seasons?
Season 5 was the first all-British and Irish Islander season in the UK original format, emphasizing organic connections over imported global formats.
Where can I watch Season 5 now?
Season 5 is available to stream on ITV2 and ITVX in the UK, depending on regional licensing agreements.