Just after Carte Blanche on Sunday and before Sunday night’s blockbuster movie Proud Mary, M-Net (DStv 101) will tell – and show – the world who has been chosen as the channel first Bachelor, with the show that is produced by Rapid Blue.
"There has been much speculation about who the lucky man will be who is looking for true love in the first season of The Bachelor South Africa. Our viewers are in for some great surprises," says Lani Lombard, head of M-Net publicity.
TVwithThinus asked M-Net whether the leading man of The Bachelor SA will be black or white.
"In line with the international format of the show, The Bachelor in our local M-Net version will be a Prince Charming – a highly attractive, adventurous, charismatic and financially independent single man who makes ladies swoon, but hasn't found true love yet," says M-Net.
"M-Net on channel 101 on DStv is a proudly South African channel aiming to create premium entertainment for a diverse audience."
M-Net was asked, in commissioning a local version of the show, how M-Net sees the conversation about race around it, if it's an issue and in what way M-Net took cognizance that irrespective of the skin colour of the Bachelor, that there would be people and a part of the viewing audience who would not be happy.
"Over the years, many of our shows solicited conversations about race and we did anticipate questions about The Bachelor," says M-Net.
"It’s important to note that more often than not, these types of conversations are a reflection of the society we live in and not an indication of M-Net’s values and beliefs."
"Remember how we challenged the status quo when we were the first channel to feature an interracial relationship in Egoli many years ago? We welcome debates, as long as they contribute to building a more open-minded, unified nation."
"At the same time, M-Net has always been cognizant of the viewing preferences of our diverse audience and we believe that the latest seasons of reality shows such as My Kitchen Rules SA and Survivor South Africa have proved that M-Net 101 can create top-notch, highly entertaining productions featuring contestants with whom viewers from different cultural backgrounds can relate."
M-Net was also asked about the racial makeup of the contestants and whether they will be a homogenous group or include women from across South Africa.
"The group of 25 ladies above 21 will be a mix of beautiful woman with different personalities, love languages and backgrounds who could be a potential perfect match for The Bachelor," says M-Net.
"Before committing to be part of the show, all shortlisted talent will be briefed extensively about the format and filming process," says the channel.
"We are looking for interesting characters who have a lust for life. And whilst the show may get heated, we will ensure that the content on The Bachelor SA is not divisive," says M-Net.
