All eyes were on Wirral’s breakout reality star Samantha Willett last week as she made a jaw-dropping entrance at the 14th Annual National Reality Television Awards. Fresh from the Malaysian jungle and her Tempting Fortune fame, she was accompanied by an 8ft python named Custard Cream.
Dressed head to toe in a custom look from House of PyThon, Sam brought wild glamour to the red carpet, turning heads as she stepped out of a vibrant orange jungle-themed Jeep — courtesy of her friend Alby from Reel Cars. By her side: Graham from Berkshire Reptile Rescue, and his scaly superstar Custard Cream, who calmly posed for cameras and mesmerised guests.
Their arrival caused a stir, even stopping traffic as stunned onlookers and fellow celebs scrambled for a glimpse of the jungle duo. “He’s got star quality,” Sam joked about Custard Cream. “We’ve been through the wild together — now we’re here to celebrate it.”
Sam’s hit show Tempting Fortune, produced by Voltage TV, was nominated for two major categories: Best International Show — which it won — and Best Business Show. The Channel 4 series, co-hosted by Paddy McGuinness, follows contestants pushed to their limits in remote, high-stakes environments — and Samantha’s standout presence has earned her widespread recognition.
Remarkably, Sam has become the first newcomer to have two television shows airing at the same time — with her role in Tempting Fortune and her part in The Bad Dog Academy, a behavioural dog training series from Channel 4 and Five Mile Films.
Also joining Sam on the night were her Wirral Wave Radio co-host from her new feel-good talk show HospitaliTEA Richie Dean and friend local businesswoman Beth Wainwright — founder of the Boosted Beth brand and an awards sponsor. Beth took to the stage to announce the Best Reality Personality award, which went to Ampika Pickston of The Real Housewives of Cheshire. Meanwhile, broadcasting legend Vanessa Feltz took home the award for Best Talk Show.
The star-studded event marked a major moment in UK reality TV, and Sam’s bold arrival, her wins, and her ever-growing popularity solidify her as one to watch. With two series already under her belt and a commanding presence on screen and off, the jungle may have launched her — but Samantha Willett is now a firm fixture on the reality TV landscape.
Next stop: the big screen? Only time will tell. But for now, Sam and Custard Cream have definitely slithered their way into the spotlight — and the nation’s hearts! Keep your eyes peeled for more from Sam, as she has more plans for stardom in the pipeline.
