Pat Chugg and Jenny Adams may also share the money

Previous clues had told them that the area would be open at 0500.

They then made their way to a store room, through several number coded locks - which they had already cracked - and waded knee deep in water through a final tunnel to escape.

The three emerged outside the razor-wire ring-fenced compound and threw themselves on the Channel 5 Target which lit up, crowning them the winners of the show.

Solitary confinement

Hawkins screamed: "I can't believe it - we did it!" and the trio hugged each other and drenched themselves in champagne.

The remaining contestants can continue trying to find a way out although this time the prize will be �50,000 - again to be split between the escapees.

However, before the break out attempt, the five female contestants pledged to share the winnings if any one of them gained their freedom.

The other two women, Jenny Adams and Pat Chugg, were in solitary confinement as punishment for previous escape attempts when the trio got away.