Tom Sandoval Fears Being Eliminated First on “The Traitors”

When it was announced last June that Tom Sandoval would join season 3 of The Traitors, fans speculated online that the Vanderpump Rules star might be the first to be axed on the murder mystery reality series. But it’s not just fans—Sandoval himself had his doubts.

“I was actually worried about that,” he shared with PEOPLE. “I thought people might carry that negative opinion of me into the castle and kick me out right off the bat.”

The speculation stems from the tumultuous affair Sandoval had with his co-star, Rachel Leviss, which ended his long-term relationship with Ariana Madix. The public’s wrath has been harsh, and Sandoval feared it might impact his chances on the show.

Despite these concerns, Sandoval jumped at the opportunity. In the end, his fate on The Traitors wasn’t what he anticipated. But his initial worries show the vulnerability and humanity behind the well-known reality TV persona we’ve all come to recognize.