The spy, the double agent, the traitor… Over the weeks, Nicolas has been given many nicknames in Koh-Lanta: The cursed totem. This Tuesday evening, Denis Brogniart extinguished the torch of the candidate because of a strategic advantage won by Olga. A strategist, Nicolas was one to the end. The proof, even after his elimination, he continues to claim that there is no alliance between former green candidates. « I’m not giving up to protect Ambre and François for the rest of their adventure. Until the last seconds, I am faithful to my base color », he explains to 20 minutes.
What goes through your head when Jean-Charles pulls out his immunity collar?
I was ready to go out at every tip. It’s better to be prepared so as not to be surprised even if it still hurts, than to see yourself go all the way, get knocked out and be at the bottom of the hole. I expected Jean-Charles to have a necklace. I was half surprised when he released it, that’s why I had the voices split between Géraldine and him. I had all the same planned the blow strategically.
Why did you expect it?
Nothing is certain, you have to be wide awake. I had the feeling that nothing was done. Behind his discretion and his kindness, I felt that this was the moment when he was going to release a necklace. In my head, I tell myself that we split the votes and that in the worst case, if there was a new vote in the event of a tie, I would win…
Finally, this additional voice given to Olga costs you your place…
As much as I can imagine all the scenarios, as much there, I could not expect it at all. I couldn’t imagine it. When I see four voices, I tell myself that I was betrayed by Ambre, Bastien or François. I don’t really believe it and when I see that three fingers are raised, I understand that there is a double vote. I’m going out with honors because it’s super tight on a shot that you can’t imagine. You have to leave feeling proud and happy with the adventure you’ve achieved.
You say in the episode that having been natural in creating affinities with the greens and the yellows is your definition of being a strategist. So it wasn’t thought out at all?
In the last twenty years, we have had much coarser strategists in their style in Koh Lanta. Me, I did not seek to be a strategist. At the beginning, I created big affinities with the greens. Among the yellows, I had a lot less affinity but they also liked me. I was liked by just about everyone. By being natural and funny, people confided in me. I am a natural strategist because without looking for strategy, everyone spoke to me and liked me. You have people with whom you have more affinity than others and you have to make difficult choices. This is the game, this is Koh Lanta.
How would you describe the alliance you formed with François and Ambre?
There are two styles of people: those who come out of the board pissed off, ready to reveal all the strategies, and those who don’t. When Denis asked me if there was a strategy, I said no. Why ? Because yes, there was a strategy between greens from the start, we struggled with the lack of food, the rain, Franck’s departure… We said to ourselves that we were taking each other as far as possible. We all really loved each other. I wasn’t going to tell Denis we made an alliance, I’m still trying to protect them. Even if the others don’t believe me, they will have doubts because I won’t give up to protect Ambre and François for the rest of their adventure. Until the last seconds, I am faithful to my base color. This boost may help Ambre or François to go as far as possible.
Do you also assume your double game with the former yellows, whose voting intentions you gave to the former reds?
They called me the spy… You have to assume. For me, at reunification, we were all white. At this stage of the game, you go to the people with whom you have the most affinity and I had more with the ex-greens than with the ex-yellows. My goal was to bring the people I loved the most with me. Yellows and reds, let’s stop with that. I was loved by everyone, so after a while you come across as a traitor.
When they learn the truth, the former scabs are not very happy. How does it feel to see their reaction every Tuesday on TV?
It’s a pleasure to watch Koh Lanta. I see them surprised. Strategically, they trust me when they should have told themselves that I was an ex-green. They didn’t suspect that. Me, I love them all, I make the difference between the game and the life of now, I have no problem with them. I surprised them, they may have had a lack of vigilance which cost them dearly. In Koh Lantayou have to be on the lookout, your ears have to be open all the time.
Your portrait only aired tonight, in the 14th episode. Do you regret the fact that the show insisted on your strategic side and did not show more human sides of your personality?
I have no regrets. It’s not me who decides to do the editing. My portrait dropped tonight, would it have softened people up if it had aired earlier? I do not know. My strategy is that I had none. I stayed natural, I was the teaser, I warmed people’s hearts at night. Everyone will tell you that I was the funniest. Turns out it became a strategy to be natural without me wanting it. No, I have no regrets.