Matthew Haywood made history on BBC One’s Survivor UK when he became the youngest-ever winner of the show. Since then, he has built a fast-growing online community that follows him for his outdoor adventures, humour and everyday moments.
Raised in Cumbria but rooted in Huddersfield through his family, he speaks about Yorkshire with real fondness. For him, it represents honesty, warmth and a sense of home. Away from screens, he is involved in projects that reflect what matters to him most, from encouraging open conversations around mental health to supporting organisations linked to the outdoors and community.
In this interview, he talks about resilience, family memories, the pull of Yorkshire landscapes and why a simple walk or a good ice cream can stay with you for life.
Matthew Haywood on Survivor, Yorkshire, and Life Beyond the Show
Survivor UK: Playing the Game and Winning Young
You became the youngest-ever winner of Survivor globally. What do you think were the key ingredients to your success on the show?
I think being the youngest contestant actually worked in my favour. I knew people might underestimate me, so I was always switched on and thinking one step ahead. I tried to build real and genuine connections, but also wasn’t afraid to make big moves when I needed to. At the end of the day, Survivor is a game, and I played it like one (don’t worry, I’m much nicer in real life!).
What was the biggest challenge you faced on the show, and what did you learn from it?
Definitely the lack of comfort. Thirty-five nights sleeping on bamboo… I don’t think I realised how much I actually value a bed and a pillow until that point! It really takes you back to basics and makes you appreciate the small stuff, like a proper brew and a warm shower.
Building a Community Online
You’ve grown a TikTok following to almost 250k in under 18 months. What’s been the secret to building such an engaged community?
Honestly, I just try to be myself. From the start, I’ve made the effort to reply to as many comments as possible. The people who follow me are the reason I get to do what I do, so I never take that for granted. I feel like I’ve built genuine friendships with a lot of my audience; they’re the reason I’m here.
How do you balance sharing personal experiences online while keeping some things private?
I always say social media is a highlight reel. People show what they want to show. I go through ups and downs like everyone else, but I like my content to feel fun and positive, something people can escape into. At the same time, I hope they know life’s not always perfect, and that’s okay too.
Yorkshire Roots and Outdoor Adventures
You’ve described yourself as “very Yorkshire.” What does that mean to you in everyday life?
Being Yorkshire to me means being honest, hard-working and wearing your heart on your sleeve. My dad, Steve, grew up in Huddersfield, so that’s been in me since I was a kid. I’ve got a season ticket for Huddersfield Town and try to make every home game I can. There’s nothing quite like the Yorkshire air; it just feels like home.
How has your upbringing shaped your passions for the outdoors and community?
I grew up in Cumbria but was always visiting family in the Yorkshire Dales, so I’ve had the best of both worlds. Both places are surrounded by amazing scenery. I love both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, so being outdoors just feels natural to me. As a kid, playtime wasn’t screens or gadgets; it was exploring fields and climbing trees!
Are there any particular adventures or moments in Yorkshire that have left a lasting impression on you?
One that’s stuck with me is New Year’s Eve in Huddersfield when I was little. Me and my family went up to Castle Hill. You can see right across the town from up there. I remember we’d watched the film Nativity at the cinema earlier that day, and then went to watch the fireworks from the hill. It’s one of those little memories that’s just stayed with me.
Speaking Up About Mental Health
You’re passionate about mental health, particularly for young men. What inspired you to get involved?
It’s something that’s really close to my heart. In my area, I’ve seen firsthand how many young people are struggling, some taking their own lives, and I just felt like I had a duty to speak up. I’ve got a platform, and it would feel wrong not to use it for good. I always say I’d be a hypocrite to tell people to talk if I didn’t do it myself.
What’s one message you wish more young men and boys understood about mental health?
That talking doesn’t make you weak; it actually makes you stronger. There’s always someone who will listen, even if you don’t think there is. You’re never alone, no matter how much it might feel like it.
Partnerships and Projects That Matter
You work with organisations like Marie Curie, Andy’s Man Club, and YHA. How do you decide which projects and partnerships to get involved with?
I love working with brands and organisations that actually mean something to me. Anything around outdoors, travel, health or wellbeing, that’s where I feel most at home. With YHA, I showed how to do a weekend getaway for £30, and with AO, I actually took an air fryer abroad for a weekend, even took it on a zipwire, which was mad but hilarious! My dream partnership would honestly be with Huddersfield Town FC. That’d be the ultimate full-circle moment for me.
Is there a current project you’re especially proud of?
I’m due to run the London Marathon next year as part of Marie Curie’s official running squad, which I’m buzzing for. That’s something I’m really proud to be part of. I also loved my partnerships with YHA and AO; they were such fun projects, and getting to be on Saturday Mash-Up! on CBBC recently was amazing. I’ve always wanted to do kids’ TV, so hopefully that’s just the start.
Hidden Gems and Inspirations
What is it about Yorkshire, whether the scenery, the culture or the people, that inspires you the most?
You always know where you stand with Yorkshire folk. Straight-talking, but warm and genuine. My grandma Bernadette was exactly that. She passed away from cancer during the pandemic, and she’s a massive part of who I am. She had the best heart and taught me what real strength and love look like. Every time I go to watch Huddersfield Town, I think of her. Football was our thing.
Do you have a favourite hidden gem in Yorkshire that you think more people should know about?
Dixons Milk Ices in Huddersfield, absolute elite. I go every time I’m back. It’s an ice cream parlour and just perfect. I’ve got a proper sweet tooth, so it’s dangerous. Villa Farm Shop in Huddersfield is another favourite; their pies are amazing. And if I need some fresh air, a walk in the Yorkshire Dales always clears my head. I also love Harrogate, one of the best towns in the world if you ask me.
If you had to describe Yorkshire in three words, what would they be?
Honest. Beautiful. Home away from home. (I know that’s a few more than three words, but hope that’s okay).
You can follow Matthew on TikTok @MatthewHaywoodX to keep up with his adventures and everyday stories. He is also running the 2026 TCS London Marathon in support of Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. If you’d like to support his fundraising, you can do so here.
