The finale of a Finnish TV show has been postponed following the murder of one its contestants.
Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player — Jaane Puhakka — was a participant on the nation’s version of The Traitors, titled Petolliset.
The 29-year-old was killed last week after he was allegedly shot by his partner Rolf Nordmo, 66, who has since reportedly confessed to the murder.
Camera IconJanne Puhakka (right) with Rolf Nordmo. Credit: Janne Puhakka
With the finale scheduled to run this week, a statement from TV channel Nelonen suggested this timeline wasn’t appropriate given the circumstances.
“The final episode of the season of Petolliset was scheduled to be shown on Thursday of this week,” a translated statement read.
“We have come to the conclusion that right now is not the right time to air an episode. We will return to the question of the possible presentation of the episode later. We share in the grief of Janne’s loved ones.”
Some fans agreed with the network’s decision to postpone the end of the series, with some calling for a public tribute to the athlete and reality star.
Others believed middle ground could be reached by allowing the episode to go ahead as planned.
“I understand the decision but on the other hand I would not understand that it is not shown completely,” one fan said in response.
They continued: “Maybe it would have been even better to show the same way. However, it is a fictional game that was filmed some time ago.
“It may be a bit wild for the more sensitive, but on the other hand Jaane himself played a great game and I think he enjoyed his role.”
Coming out as gay in 2019, Finland’s top ice hockey league has since described the star as “an important role model” and that his “courage and openness left an indelible mark on Finnish hockey”.
Mr Puhakka and Mr Nordmo — who started dating in 2014 — had recently broken up but remained “somewhat involved” with each other, investigators confirmed.
Camera IconJaane Puhakka was a participant on Finland’s The Traitors TV show. Credit: Jaane Puhakka
Mr Puhakka had moved out of the shared home and returned to discuss “practical matters” when it is alleged Mr Nordmo pulled out a hunting gun and shot his former lover dead.
He was taken into custody at the scene and allegedly confessed to the crime during a police interrogation.
Mr Nordmo was initially charged with manslaughter before it was upgraded to murder.
Lead police investigator Matti Hogman told Finnish newspaper YLE that police established violence was “used more than necessary”.
“The act is suspected to have been committed with premeditation and in a particularly brutal and cruel manner,” a police statement said.
Police also confirmed “the motive for the crime was the ending of the relationship between the victim and the suspect”.