Brett Roux is the Men's Health cover guy who South African viewers will see a whole lot more of from tonight in the 3rd episode of Clifton Shores at 21:00 on Vuzu (DStv 123) and onwards. Yes: romantic entanglement pulls him into the reality show set in Cape Town's most exclusive enclave of sun, sea and surf.
Viewers will see Brett Roux appear virtually sans shirt in every scene (reverse sexism perhaps?) and during the cast's press conference in Cape Town, he wasn't willing to divulge who he happened to hook up with in Clifton Shores. Viewers will have to discover that for themselves.
Last week I asked Brett Roux, clearly Clifton Shores' new resident TV hunk, some questions. I wanted to hear from Brett Roux, who's already admitted he's now constantly being asked to "show abs" - about his gratuitous shirtlessness, how he stays fit, how he ended up being in the show, how American girls differ from South African girls, and what he does when he's not surfing.
Instead of the usual girl candy it seems Clifton Shores has some reverse "guy candy" thing going on. Are you the token male model?
Ha ha. That's hilarious and very flattering but all the male models I know are skinny and about 6 foot 4, so I really don't see myself like that. I think I'm more stereotypical South African male: outdoorsy, healthy and pretty easy going.
How did you happen to land in Clifton Shores and are you going to stir up trouble or will the mere presence of a six pack in itself stir up trouble under the girls?
Claire and I have known each other for ages, so when shooting started she asked me and a few of her friends to join the odd event that the girls from Quintessential were hosting. I always enjoyed being on stage when I was younger and I felt comfortable in front of the camera. I'm passionate about South Africa, so was happy to jump on board with a TV show that's showcasing our amazing country to the world.
I've worked in music for a long time now. I started in promoting and recently we have just launched a new venture on the production side of things. Essentially we acquire the best talent from around the world then match it with South African movies, ads or brands. Check out www.mcrecords.co.za - I was actually involved in the title track of Clifton Shores.
I'm also a qualified Martha Beck life coach, and am becoming more and more involved in property. I really enjoy psychology and understanding how people tick - it's a huge part of my outdoorsy lifestyle in fact. Body and mind connection is a very real thing and its really the psychological benefit that keeps me trail running, paddling, mountain biking and surfing.
I love pushing myself and moving forward. So that's my excuse. It's either that or I'm just a giant 4-year-old who can't stay still for very long.
You appear to have quite the physique. Is that a prerequisite to be in a show called Clifton Shores, and how hard is it to maintain the buff physique? Also, is the level of gratuitous shirtlessness your idea, or was it the producers' idea and how cold was it while episodes were actually filmed?
I didn't really think about that too much to be honest, the girls are all in great shape but South Africans are generally fit and healthy, so in order to represent South Africa I would need to be a "normal South African guy" and "normal" is fit in South Africa.
I certainly wouldn't stand out on a Cape Town beach. I'm a healthy person and I'm not shy to take my shirt off at the beach. It would be weird if I was on Clifton rocking a turtle neck. But ... I don't enjoy having to "show abs" at press conferences - that's extremely awkward and I really don't want to be "that guy".
During filming it was a big joke in the production team and with the cast to get my shirt off, so I was mostly "gently persuaded". Otherwise remember we shot in summer, so we were all generally in beach gear!
What was the most difficult moment or thing for you in the show that viewers will still see?
I had my first date with one of the girls on the show ... on Clifton ... during summer ... with 15 production guys all watching. I'm not ashamed to say I turned to a bottle of fine sparkling wine and grew myself a personality. I was very nervous, especially because the shot needed the ocean on the background and that meant facing the mountain ... and everyone on the beach.
Interacting with the American girls, how would you say that was different from how South African girls behave?
The biggest thing I noticed was "ability to panic". South Africans are far more relaxed. The American girls freak out easily - food, bugs, hair, rooms, driving, guys ... everything is expressed in a big way. I think South African girls process things more before they communicate it. Kathy was hilarious and brought us hours of entertainment. Kathy is honestly a really sweet girl, but zero filter.
Any emotional moment, awkward moment or surprising moment you were involved in that you didn't expect?
It was always very emotional , surprising and awkward when the sound guys strapped mics to your body.
ALSO READ: REVIEW. Clifton Shores (finally) washes ashore on South African television and what a surprise: It's bright, breezy and well-produced.
Clifton Shores, Vuzu (DStv 123), Tuesdays at 21:00
