A mother of two from Wirral has become a Channel 4 sensation after starring in the latest series of Tempting Fortune. Samantha Willett, 41, endeared herself to millions of viewers as she competed against fellow contestants in the Malaysian jungle on the popular show hosted by Paddy McGuinness.
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Before braving the jungles of Malaysia on Tempting Fortune Season 2, Sam was a successful businesswoman and mother — balancing family life with leadership roles in hospitality and owning restaurants whilst landing supporting roles in soap operas such as Hollyoaks and Emmerdale. Despite facing the challenges of a divorce, she has now finally fulfilled her dream of television stardom.
Sam’s journey began with an application to The Dog Academy, as she hoped to gain assistance with her two Saint Bernards, whom she adores. Whilst she didn’t win actual dog training, her television journey was just beginning, as she didn’t realise The Dog Academy was in fact a show on Channel 4.
Sam explained: “I thought I was winning free training for my two Saint Bernards, Bodhi and Bailey. They are so strong and a little naughty, so I applied for The Dog Academy because I wanted help with my dogs. I was very surprised when Channel 4 emailed, wanting me and my dogs on the show”.
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Sam went from filming The Dog Academy, due to be aired on 17th April 2025, to being offered a place in the hit reality series, Tempting Fortune. Sam excelled in the eight part series that involved 12 complete strangers giving up all luxuries in the ultimate test of willpower, to endure a gruelling 18-day trek across the Malaysian wilderness with only basic survival gear as they attempt to reach a £300,000 prize.
Trekking for 7-8 hours a day with 12 contestants, stripped of communication and luxury, living in tents and surviving on rice and beans, the keen Muay Thai fighter showed her true grit and fiery nature whilst becoming a hit amongst viewers for her softer side.
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Sam’s determination shone through as she resisted every temptation put in front of her, whilst hardest part was being away from her children, having never been separated from them for more than a single night. Despite battling a severe ear infection that caused double vision and balance issues, from day one she pushed through the demanding treks, embodying her self-proclaimed “moody ass, strong bitch” persona.
Sam said: “If I’d have been 100% healthy, I still would have been the moody ass, strong bitch that you saw on the show. I’m a team player with old school morals so being on a show with lots of backstabbing and deceit was very challenging.”
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Since the show, Sam has maintained connections with fellow contestants Hugo and Tom, and will now be featured on The Bad Dog Academy on 17th April. Looking ahead, she hopes to be recognized as a strong, authentic woman who faces life’s challenges head-on. She is exploring exciting new opportunities, with potential projects in the pipeline that she can’t yet reveal.
Sam summarised: “I loved the jungle and to have that time away from life to reflect on things in my personal life was just what I needed. The politics and toxicity with these social dynamics on these type of shows can be very testing though and I really missed my kids. Now that I’m back I’m looking forward to kicking on and seeing what other opportunities are out there.”
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Sam’s journey from mother and restaurant owner to jungle survivor is a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination. Sam took the £4,000 out of the ATM on Day 16 but was then was faced with a video call home from her children. Did she take the call? Watch Tempting Fortune on Channel 4 playback to find out!
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