'This could be the start of more change'

Love Islanders Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan share why their landmark victory means so much to everyone as a celebration of romance and representation

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Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan made Love Island history when they steered off stiff competition and became the first Black couple to win the show for the 2024 series. It was an achievement that made headlines across the country but, personally for the duo, they’re proud of what their record-making journey has done for representation – and for other young Black people.

“How it’s been in history, people from where we’re from, they never actually become winners,” Josh tells OK!.

“I keep saying it’s so surreal because I am just so thrilled to be part of history,” Mimii adds.

Now back home from Majorca and the iconic villa, Josh, 29, a semi-pro footballer, and mental health nurse Mimii, 24, have joined us for our glitzy OK! cover shoot as we celebrate their glorious win and this monumental milestone in the show’s diversity story.

“We didn’t realise how much of the point that we’re making,” Mimii explains.

“I keep seeing Tweets about me and Josh [saying] this ‘is a win for all of us’ and that’s so real. I feel like everyone has just been uplifted and everyone feels like this could be a start of more change, especially in the TV scene, for recognition of Black history and the importance of Black culture being represented.”

Their victory had such an impact that they’ve had an outpouring of support from the Black community – including from former Islanders including Catherine Agbaje, Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope – who have congratulated them on their triumph.

“It’s nice to have the reassurance from the people that are already in the industry and just to have that heads up and encouragement that we did so well and they’re supporting us and that we made history. It’s nice, it’s refreshing and it’s like I’m being welcomed in by everyone,” says Mimii.