A Holmfirth lad who rocketed to stardom after winning reality TV show Love Island says he is delighted as it means saying goodbye to back-breaking bricklaying.
Max Morley’s win on Wednesday with glamour model Jessica Hayes catapulted them to the UK’s number one media couple.
So on Thursday instead of laying bricks and thinking about stonemasonry with his father Gary he spent the day giving interviews to the national media including Hello and OK magazines.
The couple were on tenterhooks on Wednesday as the two underdogs faced a final twist before the result was announced.
After host Caroline Flack announced them as the winners, they were asked to separately chose between ‘love’ or ‘money’ after being handed secret envelopes.
Fortunately, both of them opted for ‘love’, which meant they had the £50,000 to share.
If they had opted for money, they wouldn’t have received a penny.
They narrowly beat runners-up Jonathan Clark and Hannah Elizabeth, who had got engaged during a ‘commitment’ ceremony task earlier that day.
Back in Holmfirth before enjoying a family party, Max said tonight (Friday): “It’s just been amazing, I just can’t explain what it’s been like.
"When it was happening it was like I was watching a play. I couldn’t believe I was in it and mine was the starring role!
See more on Max on Love Island below.
"It was bizarre and I was like: ‘Wow!’ It’s going to take a few days to sink in I think.”
Asked if his relationship with Jessica, who is from Gloucestershire, would flourish he said: “Yes! I am really smitten with her though it’s not going to be easy.
“I will be seeing her on Saturday and then we are going to London together.”
Of the final twist when he had to choose between ‘love’ and ‘money’ he said: “I didn’t know that was coming. But I would always go for love.”
And of his future he said: “I can’t see myself doing bricklaying ever again.
“I want to get back into TV as quickly as possible and go round the country doing some nightclub events, some PR and a bit of modelling maybe
“I can’t believe how soft my hands are now having not done any stone work for a month or so. I’ve got ‘girls’ hands!'"
Mum Yvette added: “It’s been unbelievable. I didn’t invite anyone round to watch the final climax with us as it was too much pressure.
“So his younger brother Jake, (18), myself and his dad Gary watched it together. “I honestly thought Hannah and Jonathan would win.
“And when it came to that twist I knew he would always choose ‘Love’!
