Tom Sandoval Finally Breaks Silence on His Frenzied Eating in The Traitors and More

The Vanderpump Rules alum dishes on alliances, strategy, and the surprising truth behind those intense mealtime moments. Spoilers ahead for The Traitors Season 3, Episode 10.

The Countdown to the Finale: A Fierce Battle Among the Faithfuls

As The Traitors Season 3 races toward its explosive finale (airing March 6), the castle has dwindled down to just five remaining Faithful contestants: Gabby Windey, Dolores Catania, Ivar Mountbatten, Dylan Efron, and Tom Sandoval. Their fate? It was entirely in the hands of two cunning Traitors—Danielle Reyes, a veteran from the very first episode, and her freshly recruited partner-in-deception, Britney Haynes.

From the moment they shared their first strategy session in the turret, Danielle and Britney had their sights locked on Tom. He was a threat—a Faithful who had caught on to Danielle’s game. If he stayed, he could shift the tide against them. Their solution? Send him packing before he could rally support.

And so, just before the grand finale, Sandoval found himself banished from the game. But, rather than wallowing in disappointment, he’s taking it in stride. “I just want the Faithfuls to win,” he declared. “That’s all I care about.”

Tom Sandoval Sets the Record Straight on His Unstoppable Appetite

Competing on a strategic reality show like The Traitors was a first for Sandoval. Best known for stirring drama on Bravo, stepping into a high-stakes game of deception was a whole new ballgame. The learning curve? Steep.

“The first few episodes were a complete adjustment,” Tom admitted. “What surprised me the most? How little time we actually had to talk strategy. When the cameras weren’t rolling, we weren’t allowed to discuss the game. They completely separated us.”

That strict filming schedule led to a major unintended consequence—one that had fans talking. Tom looked like he was absolutely scarfing down his meals as if he’d never see food again. Now, he’s explaining why.

“That’s one of the reasons I was eating so fast,” he laughed. “I was thinking, ‘I need to get through this meal quickly and get to work!’” With strategy time at a premium, every second at the dinner table counted.

Did Sandoval Feel Targeted as a Reality Star? The Surprising Answer

For the first time in The Traitors history, contestants with competitive reality show experience were openly targeting their fellow reality stars. But did Sandoval feel the heat?

Surprisingly, not really.

“I got the vibe early on,” Tom admitted. “When Rob Mariano sent Tony Vlachos packing and Bob the Drag Queen was calling out the Housewives, it was clear there was a gameplan. But personally? I didn’t feel like I was in the crosshairs.”

What did get to him? Making the wrong calls at the Round Table.

At times, Tom’s votes to banish players weren’t exactly… spot on. But looking back, he realizes why. “When you’re watching at home, it feels so obvious who the Traitors are. But in the moment? You’re overthinking everything. And then there’s confirmation bias.”

The psychology of the game got the better of him. “Once you start suspecting someone, you only notice the things that support your theory. Everything else gets ignored.”

The Social Side of the Game: How Tom’s Instincts Led Him Astray

One of the biggest Traitor reveals of the season was Danielle Reyes, but Tom admits she was never on his radar—for a very human reason.

“Danielle was super emotional,” he explained. “She’d get worked up and withdrawn. And socially? When someone you don’t know well is that emotional, your instinct is to give them space. That’s exactly what I did. And in hindsight, that was a mistake.”

It’s the kind of social misstep that can make or break a Faithful’s game.

Sandoval’s Closest Allies in the Game

As the game progressed, Tom found himself forming two key alliances—one with fellow Faithful Dylan Efron, and the other with Traitor-turned-banishment casualty Carolyn Wiger.

“I trusted Dylan completely,” Tom said. “He was just as stressed as I was!”

That shared anxiety actually strengthened their bond. “We tried to work together, making deals, covering each other’s backs. It was a real Faithful alliance.”

Carolyn, on the other hand? “She was a Traitor, but I respected her game. She played smart.”

What’s Next for Tom Sandoval?

While his Traitors journey has come to an end, Sandoval remains hooked on the show. And now, he’s watching from the sidelines, rooting for his fellow Faithfuls to snatch victory from the Traitors’ grasp.

“I just want someone on the Faithful side to take it home,” he said. “They deserve it.”

And as for a return to reality competition? Sandoval isn’t ruling it out. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll be back for a redemption round.”

Would you want to see Sandoval back in action on The Traitors? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

FAQs

1. Why was Tom Sandoval eliminated from The Traitors?
He was banished by the Traitors Danielle Reyes and Britney Haynes, who saw him as a threat to their strategy.

2. Why was Tom eating so fast on the show?
Because contestants had very little time to strategize, he wanted to eat quickly and focus on gameplay.

3. Who were Tom Sandoval’s biggest allies?
He was closest to fellow Faithful Dylan Efron and had a strong strategic connection with Carolyn Wiger.

4. Will Tom return to reality competition?
He’s open to it! Whether it’s The Traitors or another show, he might not be done just yet.