The extroverted entertainment reporter was overjoyed at his surprising victory which earned him $100,000 for his chosen charity Beyond Blue.
Speaking to camera as part of his camp exit interview, the outspoken journalist declared: "I've accomplished what I wanted to do - to challenge myself as I never have before...to make sure I've done everything I can to let people know who I really am."
Visibly delighted at the shock result, Reid dedicated his triumph to children who doubt themselves, people with mental health issues and anyone who has fallen victim to bullying saying: "If I can do it - [me] who's just a big scared kid inside - anyone can do it!"
Richard's win comes as news emerged that the "live final" was anything but, with Channel Ten recording a number of alternate endings for the reality show before filming wrapped in South Africa last week.
Final public votes were counted during the day on Sunday with Richard's winning version aired that night.
The Daily Telegraph reports Reid and many of his castmates were back on home turf in Sydney as early as Saturday, with sources further claiming that Ten opted for a pre-recorded finale to cut mounting production costs.
