In a surprising twist during the finale of Grande Fratello 2025, Helena Prestes received the Tapiro d'Oro from Valerio Staffelli after finishing in second place behind Jessica Morlacchi. The Brazilian model had been viewed as a strong contender for the title, making her runner-up status all the more shocking for fans and bookmakers alike.
During the award presentation, which aired on April 3, 2025, Prestes expressed her disappointment at not winning, stating, "I thought if I won, I could buy a house, and instead..." Her sentiments reflect the high expectations she had set for herself throughout the competition.
Despite the setback, Prestes found solace in the love she discovered during her time on the show. She met Javier Martinez, and the couple appeared together during the Tapiro d'Oro delivery. "I felt like a winner because I found love," she shared, highlighting the positive aspects of her experience on the reality program.
However, not all experiences in the house were pleasant for Prestes. She openly criticized some of her former housemates, including Chiara Cainelli, Alfonso D'Apice, and Zeudi Di Palma. Of Zeudi, she remarked, "Until two nights before, she was only giving me compliments. Friends, friends, and then they steal your bike," alluding to the perceived betrayal she felt after Zeudi celebrated Morlacchi's victory.
Staffelli pressed Prestes on whether she believed Lorenzo Spolverato had received preferential treatment during the show. She humorously suggested, "No, in my opinion, he was protected by a force I don't know. Maybe by a 'Grande Fratellinho.'" This comment sparked laughter and underscored the light-hearted nature of the interview, despite the underlying tensions from the competition.
Helena's journey on Grande Fratello was not just about the competition; it also involved navigating complex relationships with her fellow contestants. The dynamics within the house often shifted, leading to conflicts and alliances that kept viewers engaged. Her rivalry with Morlacchi was particularly intense, as the two women exchanged barbs throughout the season.
The unexpected twist of her finishing second has left many fans debating the outcome, especially since Prestes was seen as a frontrunner. The bookmakers had her odds favorably positioned, making her defeat all the more surprising. Following the finale, discussions about the influence of fandom groups on voting have gained traction, with Staffelli conducting an investigation into how these groups might sway public opinion.
Helena Prestes' experience is a reminder of the emotional rollercoaster that reality television can bring. While she did not walk away with the title, her relationship with Martinez and the recognition from Striscia la Notizia offer her a different kind of victory. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the complexities of competition.
As the season wraps up, viewers are left with a mix of emotions, from joy for the winners to sympathy for those who fell short. The conversations sparked by this season of Grande Fratello are likely to continue, as fans analyze the relationships and outcomes that defined this year's competition.
In the end, while Helena Prestes may not have secured the title of Grande Fratello, she leaves the show with newfound love and a unique story to tell. The Tapiro d'Oro, though often seen as a consolation prize, serves as a reminder of her journey and the connections she made along the way.
