Dubliner Paddy Smyth named as winner of Channel 4 reality show The Circle

Dublin man Paddy Smyth has won the latest series of The Circle on Channel 4.

Paddy, a latecomer to the reality show, was voted most popular by the other contestants in last night's final. He and the other finalists Tim, Woody, Georgina and Sammie had been competing for a £70,000 prize. In the show, players all live in the same building but are in separate apartments. They never meet face-to-face and can only communicate through a social network known as The Circle. The Circle allows players to assume whatever identity they want, or to be themselves, in a bid to become popular with the others. They met face-to-face for the first time last night after casting their final votes.

The moment Paddy was crowned the winner of #TheCircle 2019! ? #TheCircleFinal pic.twitter.com/LMrDoudKwT

— The Circle (@C4TheCircle) October 18, 2019

Paddy, who Irish telly lovers will know from RTÉ shows The Fitting Room and First Dates Ireland, was overwhelmed when host Emma Willis announced him as the winner. "I never thought I'd make it past the beginning, especially as I came in as a late player," he said. "I came in with such insecurities and that circle accepted me." 58-year-old academic Tim was voted the Viewers' Champion by those watching along and walked away with £30,000. "Well isn't that nice?" he remarked, gobsmacked at being chosen.