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I met up with Nico Panagio, Survivor SA Santa Carolina host and his wife, Christi Panagio at the island style after party (Christi Panagio and I were on the same plane back to Cape Town the next day).
I spoke to Nico Panagio about his new role in the new Afrikaans drama Vallei van Sluiers that just started on Tuesdays on kykNET (DStv 111), his Survivor SA Santa Carolina experience, whether he will be returning to SABC3's Top Billing and how the live finale of the reality show was for him.
To see what Nico Panagio has to say, as well as some more photos, click on READ MORE below.
What did you enjoy the most about filming Vallei van Sluiers currently on kyNET (DStv 111)?
I don't think that you can get a better location for any shoot in the world than a wine estate in the Cape. My road to work was the Baden Powell Drive every day right along the sea - you feel as if you're driving into the sea every morning. And then the sun rises. Spectacular. The best about the whole thing was the location, location, location. It was an amazing experience.
Then about your character in Vallei van Sluiers, what's going to happen between your character and his fiance?
At the moment he's very naieve with big dreams. He has very idealistic ideas of the world. He's of very pure intention and heart. But after a while even the purest of hearts can be corrupted . . .
And other things for the year, will you be returning to Top Billing on SABC3?
It's still in the pipeline but at the moment I'm working on Franz Marx's new movie, Susannah with Karen Zoid.
How was the preparations for you for the Survivor SA Santa Carolina live finale?
The four letter word ''live'' anyone in the industry will tell you, means the highest stress you can possibly be under as an artist or performer. It was amazing – like bungee jumping.
How would you describe the Survivor SA Santa Carolina live finale for you?
Unbelievable! Amazing! I felt like I've been training for this all my career long. You use so many different elements – not just presenting, but acting as well – and it's almost like everything comes together. It's an incredible experience. Also watching the contestants. I've always been a fan of Survivor. It was amazing to see them go through it and the human experiment unfold right before my eyes. Their personal journeys have been amazing.