FORMER Carlisle College media student Brad Mattinson roared his way to the final of E4’s reality show Shipwrecked.

The 19-year-old from Temple Sowerby, near Penrith, joined the islanders on the programme, set half way across the world on the remote Cook Islands, last Monday.

In the final episode, which aired on Friday night, Brad, along with other newcomers, had to make a decision over which team to join, either the Tigers or the Sharks.

With a total of 10 members on each team, Brad’s long-awaited decision was the final to be made, and had all the islanders on the edge of their seats, as the group with the most amount of members, would win the show.

Brad joined the Tigers, with the group winning the show, but there was a twist in the tale.

All members of the winning team had to make a decision if they were to split, or steal the £50,000 prize money.

If they all decided to share, then everyone would walk away with a split of the money, if one person decided to steal, they would get the prize pot, or if two stole, they should share the £50k.

But, if more than three people decided to steal the money, they would win nothing.

Luckily for the group, all 11 decided to share the money, with Brad scooping his share of £4545.45.

Looking back on his experience, which was filmed in September and October last year, Brad told the News & Star: “Shipwrecked has been to me one of the most refreshing and amazing experiences of my life.

“To be stripped down of all the day-to-day life and just live with a group of people you’ve never even met before, you learn so much about yourself and others, as limits are really pushed with drama, and so much off-camera action you don’t get to see.

“I had so many ups and downs, so many laughs, and actually spent half of time doubting any of it was real, it was such a mad experience.”

The social media influencer admitted he had no idea which team to pick until the final day.

“I was a massive Shark fan, then my mind got changed as I grew closer to the Tiger boys.

“I genuinely had no clue were I was going, but when it came down to the final day, I’d decided and kept my decision pretty quiet. At that point, both teams thought I was very much a part of their tribe.

“As much as I wish both teams could be winners, I made such strong connection with everyone on both islands, the experience was enough for me, winning is just a bonus.”

When it came to the critical split or steal decision, Brad added that the decision was a no brainer.

“I was always going to share, it’s just who I am.

“If I went home with nothing, at least I kept true to myself. I’m so happy that all of the Tigers chose to share, it’s great to know the Tigers are definitely my family.”