The news came after Virgin Cos. head Richard Branson chose his protégé Tuesday night on Fox’s “The Rebel Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best.” Branson chose Nelson over contestant Sara Blakely to become the head of the company, which includes Virgin Megastores and Virgin Airlines.

“I’m completely and totally shocked,” Nelson said.

Nelson and Blakely were among 16 contestants vying for Branson’s love and money on the reality TV show. During 11 episodes that began airing in November, the contestants traveled across the world, competing in various physical, mental and sometimes-businesslike challenges, akin to NBC’s “The Apprentice” starring Donald Trump.

The “Billionaire” show, including the finale, was filmed last summer, leaving Nelson and Blakely more than four months to keep the results a secret. It hasn’t been easy, Nelson said.

Last November, Nelson’s wife, Tiffany, told The Salt Lake Tribune she “thought” she knew who won, but wouldn’t give any hints.

“I really have a good poker face,” she said Tuesday, before the final airing. “I really love secrets. And plus, the liability is huge.”

She recalls from pre-taping documents she signed that damages could start at $5 million if she or her husband said anything.

Nelson’s road to the show’s finale didn’t come easy. During the first episode, Branson nearly booted Nelson because he seemed too arrogant. However, his views of Nelson later changed.

“You’ve impressed me with each challenge,” Branson said during last week’s episode.

Now Nelson will work with Branson for three months or possibly longer. Nelson said he doesn’t know when he will start, but said he will work between London and Utah.

“There’s a lot up in the air,” he said. In the meantime, Nelson must decide what he will do with his Salt Lake City company, which makes foam-based beanbags.

LoveSac president Scott McDonough said he and Nelson have talked about the company’s future.

“There’s a reality show, and there’s reality,” he said. “Shawn is still going to be CEO.”

McDonough said the company could partner with Virgin. The company is still raising money from venture capitalists. However, even with the show’s attention, McDonough said he doesn’t see any possible buyout.

“This is Shawn’s baby,” he said.

As for the money he won, Nelson said he plans to take his nieces and nephews on a trip to Disneyland Paris and put the rest into further LoveSac.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C6.