Janne Puhakka’s homicide prompts Nelonen to delay finale of reality series Petolliset

Former professional hockey player Janne Puhakka, who was a victim of a homicide, was participating in the reality murder mystery series “Petolliset,” currently airing on Nelonen. The show, based on an international format, features 18 competitors vying against each other to accumulate a cash prize for the winner.

Puhakka had successfully made it to the finals alongside Fatim Diarra, a member of the Green League. In the show’s final episode, he was set to play the role of the “betrayer,” aiming to eliminate the other contestants to secure the prize for himself. The finale was scheduled to air on October 17, but Nelonen has announced that it will not be broadcast this week.

“In light of recent events, we have decided that now is not the right time to air the episode. We will revisit the possibility of airing it later,” Nelonen stated in a press release. The production team of “Petolliset” expressed their deep shock over the news of Puhakka’s passing, which broke on Monday morning.

Producer Sonja Kari from Fremantle Finland, the company behind the show, shared her sentiments earlier that morning before the official announcement was made. “We are all deeply shocked if the news is true,” Kari stated.

Janne Puhakka was notable for being the first player in Finland’s SM-liiga to openly discuss his homosexuality in the media, making a significant impact on the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.