Note, spoiler! The article contains details from Thursday’s episode of “71 Degrees North – Norway’s Toughest Celebrity” on TVNorge.
Henrik Borg (30) made headlines last week when he attempted to sabotage and send home his own teammate Espen Nakstad (49) from “71 Degrees North”.
As a consequence of Borg’s actions, Nakstad was given the opportunity to split him from the team, and Borg was set to compete alongside host Tom Stiansen (54).
The task was clear: They had to win the next stage to secure Borg’s continued participation. But when the other contestants arrived at the finish line first, Borg’s chances were over.
Wanted to go further
In an interview with Nettavisen, Borg shares that it was a disappointing experience to see his competitors standing at the finish line when he arrived with Stiansen.
– It was frustrating. I had hoped for a better placement than fifth, but that’s how it is, he says, emphasizing that he is moving on with a smile on his face.
DISAPPOINTED: Henrik Borg admits that it was boring to be eliminated from “71 Degrees North”.
Photo: TVNorge
With a good dose of irony, he added:
– It was incredible that it could unfold like that on TV. It’s always the ”nice” ones who win, he says, referring to the sabotage attempt.
Received criticism for gameplay focus
Borg has established himself as a tactician during the season, focusing on victory rather than unity. He has, among other things, tried to persuade the other team to send home Gaute Grøtta Grav (43) earlier in the season.
This tactic has not gone unnoticed, either among the contestants or the viewers.
– After the first round, when I said they shouldn’t save Gaute, the feedback was just great, says Borg.
But when he went after Nakstad, who according to Borg is “loved by all of Norway,” there have been some more critical comments among the viewers.
– Many call me an egotist and say that I only think of myself and create a bad atmosphere, but it’s much the same as it always has been, he says with a smile and continues:
– There are a lot of women and men in their 60s who are irritated, and then there are those who are 40 years old and younger who believe that I’ve done a really good job, says Borg.
– I know that the whole of Norway loves Espen Nakstad, says Henrik Borg.
Photo: TVNorge
Well accustomed to criticism
As a former contestant on “Ex on the Beach,” Borg is used to criticism and feedback on the choices he makes in front of a TV camera.
He takes it all in stride and points out that “71 Degrees North” has shown him from a slightly different side.
– I’ve lived with this role for six years, and this show has made me look better than before, says Borg.
He adds that it’s part of what makes the TV industry exciting and that it’s something one must reckon with.
– Not everyone can be ”mom’s favorite child.” Espen is, which is really nice, but if everyone is, it wouldn’t make for good TV.
– But you also can’t get upset about what everyone else says. If you play dirty, you have to endure the criticism.
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone, to another episode of our expert interview series. Today, we have the fascinating Henrik Borg, a contestant from the popular reality show “71 Degrees North – Norway’s Toughest Celebrity.” Welcome, Henrik!
Henrik Borg: Thank you! It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right into it. Last week, you made quite a splash by attempting to sabotage your own teammate, Espen Nakstad. What prompted that decision, and how did it play out?
Henrik Borg: Well, it was a tough moment for me. I felt that sometimes in these high-pressure environments, you have to think strategically. I wanted to challenge our dynamics, and unfortunately, it backfired. I ended up having to compete with host Tom Stiansen against the other contestants, and, as luck would have it, we finished fifth.
Interviewer: That must have been incredibly frustrating! You mentioned in an interview that you were hoping for a better placement. Do you think your tactics led to your early exit from the competition?
Henrik Borg: Absolutely. Looking back, I realize that my approach might have been interpreted too aggressively. It’s a balance between playing for the win and maintaining teamwork. While I did receive some positive feedback early on for my strategies, my focus on individual gameplay drew criticism, especially when I targeted someone as beloved as Espen.
Interviewer: Speaking of criticism, you’ve been labeled as a tactician and, at times, an egotist. How do you respond to those who believe that your strategy is undermining the essence of the competition?
Henrik Borg: (laughs) I understand where they’re coming from. Reality shows often thrive on the “nice” personalities, and my gameplay contrasted with that. I think people sometimes forget that there’s a game element involved, and they form emotional attachments to certain contestants. I didn’t mean to come off as selfish; I simply wanted to win!
Interviewer: And you noted that you were hoping to see a different outcome. Do you have any regrets about your choices during the competition?
Henrik Borg: In the moment, absolutely! But looking back, I can appreciate the journey. I’ve learned that sometimes the most entertaining stories come from our struggles, even if it was a bit disappointing to see the other contestants at the finish line before me.
Interviewer: You’ve been a source of controversy, yet it seems you still move forward with a smile. How do you maintain that positivity amidst the backlash?
Henrik Borg: Life is too short to dwell too long on setbacks. It’s about learning and evolving. I take the criticisms to heart but also understand that they’re part of participating in a show where emotions run high.
Interviewer: That’s a very mature perspective! In your opinion, what does it take to win “71 Degrees North”?
Henrik Borg: I think it requires a mix of physical endurance, mental toughness, and social strategy. You need to know when to collaborate and when to assert yourself. It’s a complex dance of building alliances while also being ready to pivot when necessary.
Interviewer: with your journey on “71 Degrees North” in the rearview mirror, what’s next for you, Henrik?
Henrik Borg: I’m looking forward to new challenges! Whether it’s pursuing other projects or taking a break, I’m excited about what’s to come. Life is all about the next adventure!
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today, Henrik. It’s been a pleasure!
Henrik Borg: Thank you! I enjoyed it and appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective.