Paola, a 25-year-old contestant from Boulogne-Billancourt, has won season 14 of the French reality television show Secret Story on French network TMC.
She secured the 100,000 euro grand prize during the finale on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after spending nearly two months inside the secret house. Her secret throughout the competition was serving as the protector of the house's featured couple, Arthur and Océane.
Journey to Victory
Speaking to news outlet 20 Minutes on Friday, Paola explained that excitement had kept her awake following the broadcast. She noted that while her final hours on the show were intense, she felt well supported and happy with her performance.
Before entering the house, Paola said she lacked self-confidence and assumed she would be evicted during the second or third week. However, surviving four separate public eviction votes, known as the SAS, gradually built her confidence and allowed her to consider the possibility of reaching the final.
She expressed deep gratitude to the public and her fellow housemates for supporting her throughout the competition. She added that being away from her mother, father, and wider family was the most difficult aspect of the two-month isolation, though close bonds with housemates including Simon, Willy, Lou, and Arwen helped her endure the separation.
House Relationships and Rivalries
Addressing her close connection with fellow contestant Simon, Paola stated that while their bond extended beyond friendship, it was too early to describe the relationship as love. She explained that having known each other for two months and lived together for only one month, formal labels were premature. The pair plans to see whether their daily routines align while continuing to strengthen their connection outside the show.
Paola also addressed tension with housemates Greta and Maguette. She revealed that Greta had informed her they would not remain friends outside the show, noting that neither Greta nor Maguette had spoken to her during the final week of the game. Paola described the friction as a minor betrayal within the context of a competition, stating that she harbored no hard feelings and remained open to helping them in the future if needed.
In contrast, Paola confirmed her lasting friendship with Arthur and Océane. She said she was proud to have reached the finale alongside Océane and joked that she would attend their future wedding, even if she had to crash the event to sit at the children's table.
Plans for the Prize Money
Reflecting on her overall experience, Paola stated she would change nothing about her time on the show. She described her journey as intense and complete, encompassing romance, friendship, and tactical challenges without leaving her with any regrets.
Regarding her 100,000 euro winnings, Paola explained that she intends to prioritize long-term financial stability. She plans to invest a portion of the funds in real estate, purchase gifts for her family to thank them for their support, and fund a vacation to Mykonos in Greece. She added that she expects to take the trip alongside Simon, fulfilling a promise made during their time in the house.
Background of the Competition
Secret Story is a prominent French reality television franchise adapted from the Big Brother format, in which participants live isolated in a monitored house while attempting to discover each other's hidden secrets. TMC, which broadcasts the show, is a major French free-to-air television channel owned by the TF1 Group. Paola's hometown of Boulogne-Billancourt is a major suburban city located directly west of Paris.
