On Monday, March 31, 2025, viewers tuned in to witness the highly anticipated finale of the eighteenth edition of Grande Fratello, which aired on Canale 5. After 41 prime-time episodes, culminating in a total of 197 days of confinement for the contestants, the show concluded with a vibrant celebration of its finalists.
The finale kicked off with a lively medley featuring both current contestants and former housemates, setting an energetic tone for the evening. Host Alfonso Signorini greeted the finalists at the iconic red door, expressing gratitude for their participation in the reality show.
Among the highlights of the night was Shaila Gatta's return to the house, where she confronted fellow contestant Lorenzo Spolverato. "I don’t know how I could let you treat me so brutally and aggressively," she stated, calling their relationship toxic. This candid moment underscored the emotional intensity that has characterized this season.
Adding to the excitement, Ilary Blasi made a surprise appearance to introduce her upcoming show, The Couple - Una vittoria per due, set to premiere on April 7, 2025. The new program will feature eight couples competing for a grand prize of one million euros, a revelation that sparked interest among the audience.
As the evening progressed, the results of the final televote were revealed. Chiara Cainelli emerged as the fifth finalist, having triumphed over Mariavittoria Minghetti in a closely contested vote. This announcement was met with cheers, as Chiara’s journey throughout the season had resonated with many viewers.
In a heartwarming moment, Helena Prestes received a double surprise during the finale. Her sister Mariana and her love interest, Javier Martinez, arrived to profess their support. Javier declared, "We may not win Grande Fratello, but we have won— you have won," emphasizing the personal connections formed throughout the competition.
However, not all news was celebratory. Zeudi Di Palma faced elimination after a tense flash vote against Helena, leading to her departure from the house. Signorini commended Zeudi for her honest gameplay, stating, "I want to sincerely compliment you for being a great contestant. You played with honesty and sincerity, bringing valuable content to the show."
Emotional moments continued as Chiara received a surprise visit from her father, Gianni. His heartfelt words brought tears to both Chiara and Signorini, who remarked, "You move me, you know? Seeing parents here is always something special... it’s beautiful to see you, and I thank you so much."
As the night unfolded, Lorenzo Spolverato was eliminated after a nail-biting flash vote against Chiara, leaving the final three contestants: Jessica Morlacchi, Helena Prestes, and Chiara Cainelli. Chiara, reflecting on her journey, stated, "I will cheer for Jessica" before leaving the house.
Ultimately, the finale culminated in the crowning of Jessica Morlacchi as the winner of Grande Fratello. She triumphed over Helena Prestes in a gripping final vote, securing 52.13% of the public's support compared to Helena's 47.87%. The announcement was met with applause and celebration, marking a significant moment in the reality show's history.
In addition to the excitement of the finale, discussions surrounding the prize money added another layer of intrigue. The winner of Grande Fratello receives 100,000 euros, but it is noteworthy that half of this amount, 50,000 euros, must be donated to a charity of the winner's choice. This charitable aspect has been a tradition since the first season of Grande Fratello Vip, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility among contestants.
Moreover, each contestant benefits from a weekly payment throughout their time in the house, with the amount varying based on their notoriety and pre-established agreements. This financial incentive has become a key aspect of the reality show, attracting a diverse range of participants.
As the dust settles on this season's finale, fans are left reflecting on the emotional journeys and dramatic moments that unfolded over the past several months. The combination of personal growth, strategic gameplay, and heartfelt connections has made this edition of Grande Fratello one for the books.
With the next season already on the horizon, audiences eagerly await what surprises and stories await in the future of Italian reality television.
