The finale of the popular Russian reality show "Звёзды в джунглях" aired on December 29, showcasing the dramatic conclusion of this season's fierce competition. Iгорь Чехов emerged victorious, winning the grand prize of 7.5 million rubles. His triumph was dedicated to his supportive wife, actress Юлия Топольницкая, who had steadfastly cheered him on throughout the grueling challenges.
Over the course of 3.5 months, participants faced intense conditions as they navigated through survival challenges set against the vibrant backdrop of Colombia's jungles. The competitors included notable personalities such as Natan, а rapper known for his romantic escapades, who would soon become the focus of public curiosity post-show due to his unexpected emotional entanglements.
Natan found himself at the center of attention for more than just his performance. His interactions with fellow contestant Валерия Чекалина stirred considerable intrigue and drama. Initially, their chemistry seemed to bloom as they supported each other through various trials, with Natan declaring his feelings and even playfully discussing marriage with her. Meanwhile, he professed his love for his wife, Анастасия, creating a whirlwind of contrasting commitments.
During the final challenge at 40 degrees Celsius, participants were required to navigate through a massive maze, find hidden treasures, and complete specific tasks. Despite starting the maze with what seemed to be an advantage, Natan's navigational skills faltered, causing him significant delays. He openly admitted to his "топографический кретинизм" (topographical confusion), which proved detrimental to his chances of winning. An emotional Chelkov, who had begun his challenge over 100 seconds earlier, secured his victory first by successfully collecting all the wooden figures hidden throughout the maze.
The gravity of the reality portion was hardly felt, as scandal quickly overshadowed the competition itself. Natan and Chekalina’s affair, though initially playful, soon turned sour as doubts and frustrations arose within their dynamic. Natan's affinity for Chekalina began to fade and by the end of the show, she remarked how their relationship had soured, expressing doubt about whether he should win: "Я уже не очень хочу, чтобы он побеждал!" (I don't really want him to win anymore!).
While Iгорь devoted his win to his wife, calling her his inspiration, Natan's romantic decisions left shadows over his marital status. Publicly, he had been vocal about wishing to repair his relationship with Анастасия, who had stayed supportive and forgiving through their challenges. He stated, "Мы разошлись очень давно, остались руины," (We parted ways long ago; only ruins remain), indicating the complexity of their relationship.
The aftermath of his participation brought more revelations. During the show, Natan promised уважаемым актерам and participants loyalty and respect, yet he struggled to maintain this facade. His actions led to significant scrutiny, both from his wife and the show’s audience. After footage surfaced of him engaging closely with Chekalina, no amount of backtracking could veil the perceived betrayal. Natan's candid acknowledgment of past indiscretions made it clear to viewers and fans alike the struggles he faced balancing personal ambitions against the specter of renewed fidelity.
Despite the emotional turmoil, both Iгорь and Natan exited the season with clarity on their trajectories. Iгорь celebrated his win by expressing gratitude to his wife, who patiently endured the uncertainties of reality television and competition, stating, "Спасибо большое жене, которая за меня болела" (Thank you very much to my wife who cheered for me). Natan, on the other hand, was left to contend with the fallout of his decisions, seeking redemption and perhaps rebuilding trust with Анастасия through his growth from the experience.
"Звёзды в джунглях" proved to be much more than just competitive showdowns; it encapsulated the multifaceted aspects of human relationships under duress, making it one of the year’s most discussed programs. The ultimate lessons drew sharply from the diverse paths taken by its contestants, highlighting themes of loyalty, love, and the repercussions of fame.