Just an observation as I watched the final night again earlier today, but Dad pointed out that Hughie was shaking with nerves when it came down to the last two. And he seems to be relived that he came runner up and didn't have the weight of the win on his shoulders, which goes to explain why he acted like it was an immense relief and weight off his shoulders when he left the house..
PLUS, by not having the win on his young shoulders he didn't have to worry about a money hungry mill stone being attached to it i.e. Ryan.
The fact he has said things a little different later on, shows that he's been got at by the sour losers of the bed bitches.