You're reading it here first.
I can be first to break the news that MasterChef South Africa - which people can still enter for on M-Net's website - will be predominantly filmed in the Western Cape, will start its broadcast on my birthday of 20 March next year at 19:30, will have 18 episodes with a finale of 90 minutes long, will be filled to the brim with unique South African food challenges for the contestants and that the producers are looking for a wide variety of contestants.
ALSO READ: Entries open for MasterChef South Africa on M-Net but contestants have to complete a pre-registration first and here is exactly what you need to fill in and tell about yourself.
ALSO READ: MasterChef South Africa will be a co-production between Curious Pictures and Lucky Bean Media and here's some insider secrets and a local reality TV veteran you'd want to know about.
I asked M-Net about MasterChef South Africa since I was first RIGHT HERE back in July to break the news that a local version of MasterChef is planned by the pay broadcaster, and here is what I'm told.
Why did M-Net decide to try and do a local version of MasterChef South Africa?
We love the format! It brings a whole new emotional terrain to the genre of reality TV. MasterChef South Africa is about warmth, about growth, about sharing the pleasures of food. Food is universal and touches all our lives. We believe South Africa is full of great amateur cooks seeking such an awesome platform to test themselves in attempting to become South Africa's first MasterChef.
How many episodes will there be, and will there be multiple episodes scheduled per week as well, or one per week, and what will the episode duration be?
There will be 18 episodes of the first season of MasterChef South Africa. Episodes 1 to 17 will be 1 hour slots, and episode 18's finale will be a 90 minute slot. MasterChef South Africa will premiere on M-Net on Tuesday nights at 19:30 on M-Net.
How many contestants will there be?
We're not willing to divulge exactly how many shortlisted contestants we're going to have at this stage.
How is the show envisioned to be the same, but also different from the versions already seen in South Africa that's been produced elsewhere?
It will harness the core format elements (mystery box, invention test, pressure text, offsite challenge) and marry them to M-Net's drive for quality and high production values, and give it a uniquely South African twist. Expect to see a mouth-watering array of South African ingredients, meet South Africa's food leaders and get ready to see some extra surprises.
Will the judges for MasterChef South Africa be South African or a mix or international?
We have not selected them yet, but are considering a wide range of candidates.
Where will the show be filmed?
MasterChef South Africa will be filmed predominantly in the Western Cape but will showcase the entire country throughout the season.
