Chrishell Stause Clashes with Tom Sandoval in ‘The Traitors’ Season 3 Premiere

The drama of reality TV has crossed continents as the third season of Peacock‘s hit competition show, The Traitors, kicked off in Scotland on January 9, 2025. The premiere episode saw tensions rise between Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause and Vanderpump Rules alum Tom Sandoval, with Stause accusing Sandoval of targeting her due to her friendship with his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix.

“Right when we first walked out, Tom mentioned you,” contestant Dylan Efron told Stause, 43, during the episode. Stause speculated that Sandoval’s actions were motivated by her close relationship with Madix. “Do you think it’s because I’m friends with Ariana and he knows that? That’s sabotage!” she said. Fellow contestant Nikki Garcia, 41, agreed, calling Sandoval’s behavior “not cool.”

Stause expressed her frustration in a confessional interview, stating, “Tom is already throwing my name out. First of all, who plays like that? Second of all, I know Tom has a bias against me because I am friends with his ex. If the ship’s burning, he’s coming down with me.”

The premiere episode also featured the cast’s first mission, which involved rowing boats on a Scottish loch to capture up to $40,000 for the prize pot. Contestants had to leave two players at each of five pontoons, making them vulnerable to being the first murdered. The group ultimately secured $20,000, with eight players eligible for murder by the Traitors.

In episode 2, the Traitors—Danielle, 52, and two others—chose to murder Dorinda Medley, 60, while Real Housewives star Porsha Williams became the first contestant banished. The episode also introduced new players, including Boston Rob Mariano, who joined as a Traitor after not being initially selected by the cast.

By episode 3, the alliance between Stause, Garcia, and former Bachelor contestant Wells Adams, dubbed the “Bambis,” had formed. The trio suspected Tony Vlachos, 51, of being a Traitor. Meanwhile, Sandoval continued to cast suspicion on Stause, telling new players, “Other people clocked Chrishell as well.”

Stause’s disdain for Sandoval appeared to extend beyond the show. When she shared the cast’s official photos on Instagram in November 2024, she notably blocked out Sandoval’s image, sparking fan speculation about ongoing tension between the two.

New episodes of The Traitors season 3 stream Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.