The former Coronation Street actor was crowned the champion during last night's live final, with Kirstie Alley finishing in second place.
During his exit chat, he told Emma Willis he had felt like a "scared little boy" after Roxanne accused him of punching her during a play fight.
He said: "I was a scared little boy. We all know how something like that can stick on a man.
"I just wanted out. To be with my manager who could protect me. I felt like I was going to get a call from the police."
Emma reassured the 34-year-old he had received support from fans, friends and former co-stars, who had all seen what had really happened.
And taking to Twitter this evening, Ryan had clearly had chance to catch up on the kind words everyone had sent him on social media as he tweeted a heartfelt thank you.
Sharing a picture of him cuddling Emma as he exited the house last night, Ryan wrote: "Absolutely overwhelmed with the love and support i’ve received, you’ve no idea how much it means to me."
He finished off his tweet with a prayer and blue love heart emoji.
Earlier today, Ryan opened up about his time in the house, saying: "It's the hardest experience of my life.
"It's daunting to be out if I'm quite honest as being in the house for three and a half weeks with everyone, seems like a year."
Ryan was supported last night by his brothers Adam and Scott as well as girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh.
He said: "It's been a privilege to come out and see my brothers and Lucy, they are my world.
"I've just turned my phone on this morning and there has been an overload of love and support."
Ryan also shared a loved up snap with Lucy in the foyer of a London Hotel, writing simply: "Her".
Lucy, 27, shared the same picture on her Instagram and captioned it: "Finally … My winner."
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