Love Island finalists return home! Winners Kai and Sanam beam as they touch down at Heathrow

The Love Island finalists touched down at Heathrow airport on Thursday, after concluding the series in a grand final.

Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan were crowned winners of the 2023 winter series in South Africa on Monday night, taking the £50,000 prize money.

And the physical education teacher and social worker, both 24, were still riding high after their win when they returned to the UK.

Sanam brought congratulatory balloons and a bag of gifts, while Kai walked through the terminal with a bouquet of flowers.

The pair were joined by runners-up Lana Jenkins and Ron Hall, as well as Tanya Manhenga, Shaq Muhammad, Samie Elishi and Tom Clare.

After eight long weeks in the villa, it was no wonder Tanya, 23, and Lana, 25, were thrilled to be reunited with their families.

Tanya wiped away tears when she first saw her loved ones, while Lana hugged her sister.

Kai and Sanam’s mothers met and seemed to hit it off with the couple posing for photos with family members.

The pair rocked casual figures following long-distance mode, with Kai still in vacation mode in a black T-shirt and shorts, while Sanam donned an all-grey ensemble.

Lana opted for a bandeau crop top, comfy pants, and a bright orange bomber jacket, while Tanya wore a white tracksuit.

Samie seemed delighted to have her phone back, while Tom took a call.

All the couples seemed still in the honeymoon phase as they walked through the terminal packing up on the PDA before greeting their families.

The meeting was caught on camera ahead of Sunday’s show that will follow the stars as they embark on life in the outside world.

Kai and Fagan made history as the first time a Casa Amor bombshell entered the show and took the show victory.

The couple was left speechless when presenter Maya Jama announced the results during the live finale in South Africa.

Before her win, Sanam accidentally revealed that she has a crush on Kai, while he told viewers to “watch this space” on how to make the beauty his girlfriend in the outside world.

Tom Clare, 23, and Samie Elishi, 22, took third place in the competition, while airport security officer Shaq Muhammad, 24, and Tanya Manhenga, 22, were the first out .

After her win, Sanam told 28-year-old Maya, ‘I can’t believe it,’ while Kai was speechless.

She said of their romance, “For me, it was always Kai, like I always said he was my number one.” He obviously is a very attractive guy but he made me fall in love with everything. Everything about him I loved. I really didn’t think he was going to be here. I’m going to cry.’

Like all romances on the show, Kai and Sanam have had a rocky ride, after P.E. teacher Olivia Hawkins’ former love interest stormed off when her head was turned at Casa Amor, just like the her.

But Kai’s decision to get back together with Sanam has proven valuable as they’ve stayed strong ever since.

In his interview, the PE teacher noted that his journey on the show had been a ‘roller coaster’, but he is eager to get Sanam away from the glamor of the South African villa.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” he said. ‘But literally, she blew me away. I think it’s her eyes. I always told her that it was the first conversation we had, she made her eyes. But she doesn’t anymore! After that first one, we got closer and closer.

‘She doesn’t leave my side and I absolutely love her.

“Here, it’s amazing and you have so many people working around you, putting on the most amazing dates ever, but I can’t wait to put my time and effort into it and show it how amazing it is.

‘On the outside, she’s going to be my girlfriend, but I want that control. I am going to make it so special and I have told her so many times that she will be my girlfriend abroad. So stay tuned.

Watch Love Island: The Reunion on Sunday on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm