Love Island Australia 2024: Mercedes Knox wins third reality TV show

Love Island Australia is a popular dating reality show where contestants, known as Islanders, live together in a villa in the hope of finding love and winning a cash prize. Its latest season concluded on December 16, 2024, with Mercedes Knox and Em Miguel-Leigh being crowned the winners, marking Mercedes' third victory in reality TV competitions.

Mercedes Knox, a 28-year-old model from Texas, is no stranger to reality television. Before participating in Love Island Australia, he appeared on FBoy Island USA seasons 2 and 3, which aired in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He won both times.

In season 2, he developed a connection with Louise Barnard, choosing to split the prize money with her. In season 3, he formed a bond with Hali Okeowo, again opting to share the cash prize.

In Love Island Australia season 6, Mercedes entered the villa as a Bombshell. He initially went on dates with Islanders Xanthe and Sophie but eventually coupled up with Em, a Sydney-based model. Their relationship resonated with audiences, leading them to secure the majority of public votes in the finale and win the $50,000 prize.

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Mercedes Knox's reality TV journey: From FBoy Island to Love Island Australia

Mercedes Knox's reality TV career began with participating in FBoy Island USA. In season 2, he entered as an "FBoy," openly expressing his initial intent to compete for the monetary prize.

During the show, he developed feelings for fellow contestant Louise Barnard. Louise chose Mercedes over another contestant, Benedict, in the finale. Mercedes then decided to split the prize money with Louise, indicating a shift from his original goal.

The two were in a relationship after the show ended but broke up after a while. In August 2022, Louise told Variety:

"He was like this Cheshire Cat. I found out that he has this temper and everything. But I didn’t see any of that. Watching it back, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I look like an idiot’. I really look like I’m just falling for all these tricks."

Following his victory, Mercedes returned for FBoy Island USA season 3. He formed a connection with Hali Okeowo, confessing his feelings towards her. Upon being chosen by Hali in the finale, Mercedes again opted to share the prize money.

Transitioning to Love Island Australia 2024, Mercedes continued his television journey. His entry as a Bombshell introduced new dynamics to the villa. His partnership with Em Miguel-Leigh was well-received by viewers, culminating in their victory and Mercedes' third reality TV win.

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Em and Mercedes: Love Island Australia's winning couple and their journey

Em Miguel-Leigh entered Love Island Australia in 2024 as an original Islander. Initially, she was in a friendship couple with Indigo, followed by a romantic pairing with Taylor. Both relationships ended due to differing interests and compatibility issues.

After exploring connections with other contestants, Em and the new arrival, Mercedes, coupled up. Their relationship dynamics and interactions contributed to their popularity.

Post-show, Em and Mercedes revealed that they are no longer in a romantic relationship but have chosen to remain friends. In an exclusive interview with 9Now on December 17, 2024, Mercedes mentioned:

"I said, 'I think we need a break'. Then the break turned into being broken up."Coming back from the Villa, we were on a high."

Meanwhile, Em said:

"His intention, he said later on, with taking space was that we would come back together. But I got that message and I was like, 'We're done'."

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Fans can watch the finale episode of Love Island Australia season 6, which is streaming on 9Now.