From a mysterious 'Prince Harry' to 'the most awkward kiss': Here are 9 big reveals from the first episode of M-Net’s The Bachelorette SA.

by Thinus Ferreira

Who is Qiniso’s so-called “Prince Harry”? Who is the most awkward kiss she’s had in maybe forever? Is a girlfriend or sister or mom showing up to help her as a “mysterious lady”? Are more men waiting to climb out of a long limo?

The first episode of The Bachelorette SA with Qiniso Van Damme on M-Net (DStv 101) was packed with some scintillating twists and surprises. Here are 9 of them:

1. More men?

Let's start at the end of the episode. The tease of episode 2 shows that everyone went back outside after Qiniso met and mingled a bit with the group of men, only to be surprised by a long, white limo making a noise.

The episode strongly suggests that the bunch of XY chromosomes that Qiniso met in episode 1 are not all there will be and that several more men will be jumping out in episode 2 to meet her. But one of the guys said "it's a lady". 

Someone asks if there are more men arriving. So, are there more men waiting for Qiniso and perhaps one of her girlfriends to help her suss out the lively livestock? 

2. Rose ceremony

The episode briefly included some upcoming shots of the first rose ceremony. 

If you freeze-frame, and count, it looks as if there are actually 18 men standing in three rows, waiting and hoping to receive a rose from Qiniso, so it's clear that possible a few more men might just join the party.

3. On the banks of the Vaal River

The men who got introduced to Qiniso on Thursday night still arrived by limo – or on a bicycle – but not in a city and instead at a swanky building on the banks of the Vaal River. Is this someone's house or a resort? 

It's here where the men greeted Qiniso Van Damme and where everyone will be staying for this season, at least initially. Since we see her at a place with waves and the sea – other than Cape Town – it’s also a given that she will be going to other places during the course of the season.

4. Not Build-a-Bear

"This is not Build-A-Bear. This is The Bachelorette SA," quipped Qiniso in Thursday's premiere episode. "And I'm trying to find my endgame." She later said she's looking for a man who can make her laugh and someone who she can trust.

5. Most awkward kiss

Qiniso says that one of the men kissed her – we don't know exactly who yet – and that it is "the most awkward kiss that I've had on this journey. And in life in general." Which dude is the bad kisser?

6. Prince Harry

One of the guys says "Prince Harry is going to sweep in". It clearly demonstates that the men have sized each other up and that they consider one of them to be the "prince" who's got Qiniso's eye. But which one of them is "Prince Harry"?

7. Covid-19's impact

"The global pandemic has affected everyone. TV shows are certainly no exception," said The Bachelorette SA host Jason Greer on Thursday night, without mentioning the actual word "Covid".

"In order for us to realise this season, the cast and crew had to quarantine themselves away from the world. A special Bachelorette bubble was created in which everyone was kept safe from infection." The show’s end credits also list a designated Covid officer.

8. Lessons learnt

"It's difficult because you're competing with people and it's hard to be vulnerable. But I'm confident that I'm ready to let go and let this journey happen," Qiniso explained when Jason Greer asked her what she learnt from her reason on The Bachelor SA.

9. Knysna luxury

The end credits flash the name of the Pezula Resort & Spa. 

That's located on South Africa's legendary Garden Route, so we now know that at some point during the season Qiniso and a man or men will be heading to this lush paradise resort of indigenous forests, mountains, lakes and pristine beaches.

ALSO READ: I've seen the first episode and here are 5 spoiler-free reasons why you definitely want to watch the start of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net tonight.

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Qiniso van Damme of The Bachelorette SA starts her love journey: 'I hope brown girls see another brown girl who is bubbly and loud and has a right to have her love story be seen as something important'.

ALSO READ: Meet the next 10 men who are taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net with Qiniso Van Damme.

I've seen the first episode and here are 5 spoiler-free reasons why you definitely want to watch the start of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net tonight.

by Thinus Ferreira

Under strictest secrecy, TVwithThinus got to see and preview the first episode of The Bachelorette SA that will debut this evening at 19:30 on M-Net, with Qiniso Van Damme as South Africa's first bachelorette. 

While I can't and won't reveal any spoilers so as to save surprises for the actual broadcast, I can reveal these 5 reasons, after having watched the episode, of why you'll definitely want to watch the first episode: 

1. No city mansion

We can't reveal yet where they're staying but the men meeting Qiniso Van Damme are no longer starting their stay at a traditional mansion – at least it doesn't look like a mansion at first glance and almost like a holiday resort. 

In tonight's first episode Jason Greer reveals where the show is starting from and where the men are staying. 

The change was partly necessitated by the need to find an even bigger place where the show could create a "bubble production" and isolate everyone as part of the show according to Covid-19 prevention and health regulations.

2. Not dimming her light

Qiniso Van Damme will explain exactly who she is looking for in the first episode and what she requires in a romantic life partner.

3. A surprise from her past

There is a big and interesting surprise from Qiniso's past that will get revealed in the first episode. No, it's not a family member, and no, it's not an old lover or someone she's dated in the past.

4. Masking up

Since the season was filmed during Covid, you will see some people on-screen wearing masks. Although you won't see them, the production crew, and even the limo driver sitting in front and delivering the men to the red carpet, wore masks during filming.

5. Twists

The first episode already contains a big and unexpected twist. It comes at the end of this first episode. If you think you know The Bachelorette – you know nothing Jon Snow – which actually reminds us: Keep watching for one of the men who will do some Game of Thrones cosplay.

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Qiniso van Damme of The Bachelorette SA starts her love journey: 'I hope brown girls see another brown girl who is bubbly and loud and has a right to have her love story be seen as something important'.

ALSO READ: Meet the next 10 men who are taking part in the first season of The Bachelorette SA on M-Net with Qiniso Van Damme.

ALSO READ: From a mysterious 'Prince Harry' to 'the most awkward kiss': Here are 9 big reveals from the first episode of M-Net’s The Bachelorette SA.

Season 2 of The Bachelor SA to end with unique remote video conclusion followed by a special M-Net online pyjama reunion episode.

by Thinus Ferreira

The second season "Women Tell All" episode and finale of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) will take the form of a world-first, uniquely done remote video ending, followed by a "Pyjama Afterparty" online streaming webisode but won't include all of the women.

On Thursday evening the second season finale of The Bachelor SA - where Marc Buckner may or may not choose a woman to get engaged to and produced by Rapid Blue - will come to an end but due to the Covid-19 national lockdown period the in-studio done "tell-all" episode as a reunion with all of the women, and the live-to-tape studio recording of the finale had to be reconceived.

It will now play out as a remote-filmed ending, followed by an online reunion episode that will be shown on M-Net's website.

On Thursday evening viewers will find out whether Marc Buckner has chosen the shy speech therapist Marisia, or the extrovert Bridget in the second South African end of the popular local adaptation of the Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) format.

Will Marc go down on a bended knee to propose after the first season of The Bachelor SA ended with all love lost?

"To keep our cast and crew safe and adhere to lockdown restrictions around travel and social gatherings, we had to turn to technology to bring back the ladies and ensure a fitting finale to a riveting season," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

This will result in a 60-minute lockdown episode on Thursday that will integrate - as a world-first for the format - the last day at Kapama with Zoom calls during which some of the ladies share their thoughts about life in the mansion, Marc, and the love journeys of Bridget and Marisia.

At the end of the episode, The Bachelor SA viewers will also see what happened "after the final rose".

After the end credits roll on Thursday, viewers will be invited to the a unique and quirky The Bachelor SA Pyjama Afterparty on the M-Net website.

This is where the ladies will get the opportunity to grill Marc about his decisions and their departures, and clear the air around some of the drama in the mansion.

This online webisode will include Zoom group calls, as well as individual video sessions from the women's homes. Viewers will get to see how lockdown has been treating them and if they have perhaps found another love interest after leaving the show.

Some of the clips that will feature during The Bachelor SA Pyjama Afterparty on Thursday 28 May will include Bridget, Nolo, Pasha and Andeline (talking about their relationships in the mansion), Qiniso, Daniella, Silke, and Stefanie (sharing some behind-the-scenes moments not seen on screen), and Marc (answers questions from Gillian, Rikki, Pasha, Jess C, Andeline, and Silke).

Also included are host Jason Greer and Marc getting real as they reflect on the season and find out whether Marc would change anything. Xia, Greta, Pi, Tamryn, Michaela, Mulesa and Parushka will share where they are now and reflect on their experiences from this season.

Then some of the women and Marc will respond to some spicy social media commentary they've received from viewers.

ALSO READ: From ladies living in lockdown to Zoom etiquette tutorials: The behind-the-scenes secrets of putting this week's second season finale of The Bachelor SA on M-Net together.

M-Net renews The Bachelor South Africa for a 2nd season; single women now able to enter love-seeking reality show until 20 August.

Despite a disappointing first season M-Net (DStv 101) has renewed The Bachelor South Africa for a second season that will film between October and December this year, and is set for broadcast from February 2020, with women who will once again get the chance to enter to try and find everlasting love with a handsome, eligible bachelor.

The first season of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net ended on 9 May when the bachelor Lee Thompson ended up picking Gina Myers over Jozaan Dique, although a late season finale "plot twist" revealed that the relationship fizzled out.

Viewers were shocked to see Dique, a 28-year old lawyer, get dropped first after which some viewers started to guess from the body language between Myers, a 32-year old make-up artist and Thompson that the relationship fizzled out.

Now a second season awaits. Jason Greer will be back as the host of the second season of The Bachelor SA that will once again be produced by Rapid Blue as a local version of the dating show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

No single bachelor has yet been chosen for the second season, with M-Net that is still considering options, although the identity of the man will be revealed to the public and the women before filming starts in October.

The second season of The Bachelor SA will air from February 2020 with single women who are interested who can now enter until 20 August 2019 at midnight when entries close. Entries must be done online.

"Even though our first season did not have the 'happily-ever-after' fairy-tale ending everyone wished for, we continue to believe in the power of love," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

"The show did exceptionally well for M-Net. Our viewers were swooning over all the drama and were swept off their feet as our dapper bachelor whisked off the ladies on adventurous dates and to exotic locations."

"We can't wait to meet the bevy of beauties, whom our audiences will be rooting for, to receive the final rose."

About the man for the second season, M-Net says "We have not pinned down our man of the moment yet and will still consider more options".

"The hottest-of-hot single men who are ready to bare their souls on television in order to find the love of their life and settle down are indeed part of a scarce, elusive species. Drop us a hint if you’re the one or know the man. No chancers, please!" says Lani Lombard.

Women who want to enter must be over 21 and single – either never married or divorced – and meet the show's requirements, and must be available for filming between 5 October and 5 December 2019.

Explosive finale of The Bachelor South Africa awaits tonight on M-Net as viewers find out whether Lee Thompson chose Jozaan or Gina in a special 90-minute Women Tell All and After the Rose episode.

An explosive finale awaits of The Bachelor South Africa tonight on M-Net (DStv 101) when DStv subscribers will find out whether the bachelor Lee Thompson chose Jozaan Dique or Gina Myers in a 90-minute Women Tell All and After the Final Rose special.

After 12 episodes, tonight's Women Tell All and After the Rose special that was recorded on Saturday afternoon, will see all of the 24 women back who are answering questions from host Jason Greer and each other, and with Lee Thompson making his decision known.

Will the Jack Friedman engagement ring go on the finger of Jozaan or Gina?

In The Women Tell All special, the women who started this journey are back with Lee to relive all the romance, the laughter, the drama and the rejection – in Studio 3 at Urban Brew Studios in Randburg, Johannesburg.

Viewers will finally get to see what happened after The Final Rose and the emotional rollercoaster for Lee, Gina and Jozaan.

In last week's episode, Lee's trusted family weighed in on his potential suitors. 

Their biggest concern was Lee choosing someone who would be best suited to settle down with him in everyday life, after experiencing love in an unusual and majestic environment. They saw the love in both the ladies and admitted that Lee has a very tough decision to make.

There can only be one, and the decision lies solely with Lee.

He loves Gina’s sense of humour and admits that when he’s around her, she makes him a more loveable, happy and joyful person. With Jozaan, he’s shared strong chemistry with her since day one, even though their relationship had a slow start.

"A the two most incredible days with two of the most amazing women, I have the toughest decision of my life to make. For one of these ladies, I have to stand there, look her in the eyes, and break her heart. I don’t know how I am going to do that," admitted Lee in last week’s episode that took place in Mauritius.

So, who will Lee decide to put the gorgeous Jack Friedman engagement ring on? Sweetheart make-up artist Gina Myers or quirky lawyer Jozaan? And how will the ladies react to reliving their journey at the Women Tell All?

Do more scathing words await Lee or will some cattiness between the ladies unravel?

The Women Tell All 90-minute season finale of The Bachelor SA starts on M-Net at 19:00 on Thursday.

INTERVIEW. 'The drama is real!' The host of The Bachelor SA, Jason Greer, on the tension, the emotion, and the secrets behind his role guiding M-Net's dating reality show as presenter.

"The drama is real!" says Jason Greer, the host of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101). "The tension! The emotion! Pheeew. You can cut it with a knife."

In an interview, Jason Greer as the charming-as-ever host of the fascinating local version of the dating reality show produced by Rapid Blue, told me how the women in the Bachelor mansion are exactly how they come across and are not "acting for the cameras", what he enjoys and is challenging about hosting this show, his relationship with the bachelor Lee Thompson what he as a presenter does on set, and how he sees his hosting role.


How is hosting The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) different from everything else you've done since you were the presenter of The Loot on GO?
Jason: Well, The Loot was 2007. Since The Loot I've done a number of shows - All Access, Top Travel, Tech Report, Movie Show, and I suppose they're all so different.

I think that what makes them cool is that they've all been local productions. Original productions. South African. This is the first show that I'm hosting that is internationally recognised and is an international format. So that's a massive feather in my cap.


And did it take more hours to do?
Jason: More hours than ...


Like, longer hours to do an episode than what you would do All Access or Tech Report.
Jason: With those sorts of things, I think I was the host of that segment, so you saw a lot more of me. This is about the bachelor in The Bachelor SA, so literally, I would come in, do a couple of links, and then let them do their thing. So I'm not as busy, should I say.


How would you describe your relationship with Lee Thompson? Do you feel like your an older brother, or a younger brother, or a peer? How do you relate to him in terms of the show and life?
Jason: [laughs] I mean, I've got 10 years on him. I think if anything I should be - I suppose in a way I should be kind of his big brother, but we've actually become friends.

We're friends on an equal footing. We've been going through the same experience - obviously him more than I - we've become friends, and we chat a lot about all sorts of different things.

I think it's good for both of us to be friends, not only for the future of the show but also for the future of us going forward. Lee is just so easy to be friends with, you know?

And did you give him any tips on how to be on TV?
Jason: So right at the beginning there was a link that he was trying to memorise and remember and do to the ladies. And he just wasn't getting it right. Because that was pretty much the first time he did that ever as presenting.

So I just gave him a few tips and tricks in regards to breathing, remembering lines, and how to deliver them. And it's difficult because the oke was so nervous about all sorts of different things, so for him to remember that ... there's a lot going on in his mind.


Viewers don't see everything, so when we see you it's for a few minutes but in real-life recording, I can imagine something took half an hour or an hour, or long hours. How was the standing, or was that not an issue? For how long have you had to stand at rose ceremonies for example?
Jason: I'm not that involved, so what I would do for a rose ceremony, for example, I'd go, introduce the setting, introduce the rose ceremony, and then call on Lee and Lee would be standing, and the ladies would be standing.

I would go to the control room and be sitting down; and watching the event unfold live so that if anything had to have to happen, I could just quickly jump in and do my thing.

Alternatively, I would wait until the last rose was handed out and I would then walk back to my mark and wait for the last rose to be handed out and walk into the shot and say "Well, if you didn't receive a rose, take a few moments to say goodbye". And that's pretty much how it worked.


Was there food for you?
Jason: [laughs] There was a beautiful craft table there, with all sorts of goodies. And there was breakfast, lunch and dinner supplied throughout the course of the day to the crew and us so there was always coffee and water and everything.

You've got to make sure we're hydrated and fed! [laughs]. We can't be "heeng-gry".

Since it's an international format show how much do you have to say word-for-word exactly what you're told script-wise or how much can you ad-lib or improvise?
Jason: What's interesting about that is that there are certain elements that need to be scripted, like the logistics of an event, for example, or the logistics of a cocktail evening, or some specialised events.

Those sorts of things always need to be word-for-word. The rest is kind of like a case of well, I've got to make the script my own. So I'm Jason Greer, and for as much as people would want me to be a Chris Harrison or whoever, they're not going to get that.

They're going to get me, so I've got to make the script my own as well. So what's interesting about that, is that after the first episode I saw a couple of people tweeting: "Why is the host not going, 'Lee, ladies, this is the final rose, when you're ready."

It's because Chris Harrison says that in the American version of The Bachelor.

Well, why do we have to be exactly word-for-word the same as the American version? We don't have to be. The logistics behind The Bachelor SA are there. The rose ceremonies are there, the cocktail parties are there. Individual dates. The group dates. They're all there.

So I could ad-lib to a certain degree. For me, it was making the bachelor and the ladies feel as comfortable as possible. If I was a robot just doing word-for-word out of a script that wasn't my own, it wouldn't come across as sincere.

Would you say there was some new challenge for you as a TV presenter or what was interesting?
Jason: For me the pressure of having to perform on, I know it's a local version, but on an international stage, is quite high. This is The Bachelor for goodness sake.

So you've got to make South Africa proud but you've got to make the franchise, The Bachelor, proud as well, so the pressure and the stakes are fairly high for me in order to make sure that I'm doing a good job. And I really hope I am.

The other challenge, I think, is doing links in front of the ladies, especially at rose ceremonies.

Because man, I walk out there and more often than not, I'm there to give them unfortunate news like the cocktail party is coming to end, or now it's time for the rose ceremony, or you haven't received a rose so leave.

The tension! The emotion! Pheeew. You can cut it with a knife, mate. I'm standing there and I'm just - I feel all this energy on me - and I think, Oh my gosh, I don't know can I handle this. It's hectic. [laughs] So that's quite hectic for me.


I wanted to ask actually how do you moderate your emotions when you're part of hugely emotional scenes, and it sounds as if those are coming?
Jason: So ja. Viewers will have to wait and see for those because there are quite a number of those.

But for me ... it's hard to hide your own feelings, your own feelings. But as the host, you need to be this rock-solid figure. You've got to take on the gravitas of the role and be not the emotion, but just be steadfast.

I think when there are certain moments that are difficult, you've got to just purse your lips. In one or two instances I closed my eyes and turned around and pretended that I'm doing links to in a sense avoid what's happening. But I'm looking forward to how those moments are going to play out.

You are Lee are basically almost exactly the same length, did you notice that, were you surprised by that?
Jason: You mean height?

Yes. 
Jason: [laughs]

Oh, sorry, yes.
Jason: [laughs] Lee and I haven't measured our length, I must be honest. [laughs] But I can tell you that I'm taller than him by 3 centimetres. He's just got a bigger built. So what.


And does that make it easier when you have scenes with somebody who's the same height or does it not factor into anything?
Jason: You know what, our scenes are very limited. It's literally when he walks up for a rose ceremony or when we set the scene for a group date, so it doesn't really play into it.

It is nice to be able to, if we are doing something, like the red carpet when I first greeted him on the red carpet when he came through to the mansion., that was cool because I'm either looking down at someone or I have to do what they call a "power stand" for cameras where I kind of have to spread my legs a little bit and move down so that the cameras don't look taller than the person I'm talking to.

In that regard, it's really great to talk to someone at eye level.


What would you say impressed you most about The Bachelor SA and being a part of this?
Jason: I think the production quality.

The production quality in itself is really pretty. Just the way it's shot and the music and the lighting - it's such a beautiful-looking show.

I cannot believe that this is a South African production. It looks international in my opinion and I think a lot of people would agree.

I'm very chuffed with how The Bachelor SA has turned out. And I'm so chuffed with the authenticity of the ladies.

I mean, they are so real. The whole time we filmed I don't ever remember going "oh, she's hamming it up for the camera", or "look how she's acting". They're so true to themselves. The drama is real, which I love.


Jason Greer is the host of The Bachelor SA on Thursdays on M-Net (DStv 101) at 19:00.

PHOTO SNEAK PEEK. The debut of The Bachelor SA with Lee Thompson and host Jason Greer on M-Net tonight is a candlelit, rose petal and flower TV fantasy hiding incredible drama to come.

The debut, special 90-minute long first episode of The Bachelor South Africa with single-guy-looking-for-love, Lee Thompson, and host Jason Greer starting on M-Net (DStv 101) this evening at 19:00 is a candlelit, rose petal and flower TV fantasy hiding incredible drama to come.

Here are a few photos from this evening's first episode of the South African version of the show, produced by Rapid Blue, not revealing too much but showing Lee Thompson's arrival at the Johannesburg mansion, a parked black limousine, the red carpet neatly rolled out, a fantasy of flowers and candlelights, as well as rose petals around at the pool.

Lee Thompson can be seen on the red carpet waiting to meet the 24 beautiful women in a tuxedo, and later with host Jason Greer - they're exactly the same height presumably making it a bit easier for the guys rigging the lighting - as he gets ready to hand out roses and having to make the first difficult choice of sending 3 women home.

In a first for M-Net, the pay-TV broadcaster will be making the first episode of The Bachelor South Africa available on YouTube as well.

M-Net is also holding exclusive The Bachelor SA viewing picnic parties across South Africa this evening in places like Cape Town and Johannesburg, and there is an official viewing party taking place at The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton where Lee Thompson will be watching and making an appearance to meet fans.

While usually releasing the identity of reality show contestants beforehand, M-Net made the shrewd move to keep the identity of the 24 women vying for the heart of Lee Thompson a secret this time around with their faces and names that will be revealed in the actual episode.

Among them are accountants, lawyers, scientists, engineers, marketing specialists, fitness instructors, long-legged models and a teacher.

"At this stage, everyone is waiting to find out who the ladies are and what tricks they will have up their designer outfit sleeves to make a lasting impression on the red carpet, in true Bachelor TV style," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

"All we can say is that we're not making it easy for Lee. M-Net and production company Rapid Blue have selected 24 stunningly beautiful, strong individuals with sparkling personalities from very different backgrounds. It's anyone's guess who will catch Lee's eye on the red carpet and at the show's first cocktail party."

While Lee Thompson, who is also launching his own fitness brand, Lee Thompson Fitness, is introduced to 24 ladies in the first episode, he only has 21 red roses to hand out at the end of the first episode.

Those who accept his rose will have the opportunity to get to know him a little better in the next episode, but the three who fail to make a connection to receive a rose will, unfortunately, leave the Bachelor mansion.

The Wedding Bashers weigh in before tonight's second season finale as M-Net says the broadcaster is considering more of the special 'give-back' wedding episodes.

The celebrities judging the various weddings on The Wedding Bashers weighed in on the second season before the broadcast of the second season finale on Sunday at 18:00 on M-Net (DStv 101), with the pay-TV broadcaster saying that besides a possible third season, it's definitely looking at doing more of the special "give-back" episodes.

Jason Greer, who will be the host of The Bachelor SA starting on 14 February on M-Net and produced by Rapid Blue, is also the presenter of the second season finale of The Wedding Bashers produced by [SIC] Entertainment, that was filmed as a pre-recorded, live-to-tape episode on Thursday evening with a live studio audience at Urban Brew Studios in Johannesburg.

In this evening's second season finale, the top 5 couples return who got the highest scores from the bashers, with the couple who received the most votes from viewers who will win fantastic prizes including cash, jewellery and a sponsored fantasy island honeymoon to the Seychelles.

The second season of The Wedding Bashers, a hugely popular original concept production, was changed to feature one wedding per episode, as well as an amended leaderboard to show the scores from the experts with Bernelee Daniell and Zola Nene who replaced Cindy Nell and Siba Mtongana.

"I enjoyed being part of people's love stories because I love going to weddings, and secondly to have done this with the three other bashers. They are like friends that have become family," fashionista and former Miss SA Bernelee Daniell told TVwithThinus before the recording on Thursday night of the second season finale.

"When there were long periods between weddings, we would really miss each other. We would go: 'When's our next wedding?"

"I've learnt a lot about weddings - especially from the other bashers - like Zavion who taught us what an oasis, the wet floral foam, is and how you're not supposed to see an oasis, Denise with entertainment, Zola with food - I really, really learnt a lot about how a wedding should run smoothly. Heaven forbid I ever get married again, I'd know what to do," said Bernelee Daniell.

"From us travelling to weddings to the bantering that goes on in the car, to the bantering in hair and makeup, to the mischief that we get up to at weddings, I could never single out a favourite moment with any of them. I had the best time."

Zavion Kotze, wedding planner, said "we got along so well; love the two new bashers, they're like family".

About the second season following after the special give-back episodes in which the bashers organised and put together weddings for special, deserving South Africans, Zavion Kotze said "it was weird not organising weddings anymore, and I really miss them; and as for the wedding we did go to they were just so much fun."

"It was an eclectic mix of couples this season and that's what I liked the most because it was a huge variety."

Was there something new the celebrity wedding maestro learnt about weddings and doing them? "I didn't see anything in the second season that I learnt new, I often find that people do what is currently on trend and I like to think that sometimes I think ahead of trend, but all the couples did amazingly and I'm super happy with what I saw, and I think the couples had fun. I hope none of them hates me."

"The road trips were the best," said Zavion Kotze when asked for his favourite moment between the celebrity bashers.

"The jokes that happened on the road and those hours and hours spent in car rides are the best stories that you just can't retell for obvious reasons. But just getting to know each other was the best part of everything."

Celebrity chef Zola Nene told TVwithThinus that "what I enjoyed the most about this season was being part of people's love stories and just to witness their love for each other. And working with my fellow bashers has been such a ride, I had so much fun".

"I keep saying to people the fact that I can call going to weddings and having fun a job is like a dream, really, so I've loved every minute."

"What I've learnt is that people don't seem to realise how important a part the food is at a wedding. They seem to trials and taste cakes and do all of that stuff, but they never actually taste-test the food. So they're always surprised at their wedding when the food is bad which is so bizarre to me because it's an important part - it's something that people remember."

Asked about the funniest part for her this season Zola Nene said "was watching Denise reacting to the bird - I cried laughing. I mean, I'm scared of a bird too but the way that she was scared of the bird was insane. We had so many fun moment and we do have many laughs."

About the season's changes, Kaye-Ann Williams, M-Net's head of local content, said that "when you do come up with these local original productions, you're constantly tweaking it from season to season and looking at what worked and what viewers' responses were".

"We also did a focus group as well throughout the country so we got a lot of feedback on the first season of The Wedding Bashers. About a possible third season what we do is we look at the ratings, we look at our schedule, we look at our budget and then we'll make a decision about a season 3."

Kaye-Ann Williams said she was in love with The Wedding Bashers special episodes "probably because I got married as a poor student with R10 000, so you understand how difficult it is and how cash-strapped you are and how important the day is. So what the focus of the specials are is really giving a wedding to people who really need it."

"I think M-Net will definitely consider doing that again; it's such a feel-good thing to do but it's not without drama and conflict and entertainment."


ALSO READ: IN IMAGES. Photos from behind-the-scenes of the second season finale of The Wedding Bashers on M-Net.
ALSO READ: Humble Port Alfred couple, Megan and Jason Sharrock, wins the second season of The Wedding Bashers on M-Net.

BREAKING. Wingman Jason Greer is the host of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net.

TVwithThinus can finally reveal the obvious but well-kept secret: Presenter Jason Greer will be the host of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) when the reality dating show kicks off on 14 February 2019.

Jason Greer was the master of ceremonies during the media event a few months ago for the second season finale of My Kitchen Rules SA where M-Net announced that Lee Thompson will be the bachelor of The Bachelor SA.

Journalists and television intelligentsia immediately buzzed at the event that Jason Greer is clearly the frontrunner to be the host of The Bachelor SA, produced by Rapid Blue.

Filming of The Bachelor SA is nearly done with 24 women from across South Africa who have been cloistered at a lux-de-lux mansion in Johannesburg from where Lee Thompson whisked them away on mystery dates.

The accomplished and well-respected Jason Greer was a presenter on M-Net's All Access and the game show Spellbound and is also the narrator of The Wedding Bashers on M-Net.

"To have been selected as the host for the local version of the most successful internationally recognised reality dating show is an incredible honour," says Jason Greer. "I'm  excited for the show and I look forward to sharing this journey with the rest of South Africa."

Jason Greer's role means that he facilitates the rose ceremonies and being on-hand at the most crucial moments of the elimination ceremonies. In addition to his hosting duties, Jason Greer also serves as the mentor figure to Lee Thompson through his bachelor journey.

"Jason is an industry professional and his warmth, kindness, charisma, and sincerity will stand him in good stead as the host," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity. "He is also a mature family man and perfect wingman for The Bachelor. We're excited to have him on board!".

Jason Greer and Vanessa Marawa to present M-Net's new local spelling test family game show, Spellbound, from 20 November.

Jason Greer and Vanessa Marawa will be the co-presenters of M-Net's new local spelling test game show, Spellbound starting Sunday 2 November at 17:00.

The effervescent twosome are familiar faces to South African TV viewers and to M-Net viewers - Jason Greer has presented shows on M-Net channels like The Loot and All Access, and Vanessa Marawa who's made multiple TV appearances was the first winner of M-Net's Survivor South Africa.

The two will challenge South African learners and adults to battle it out to see who is the greatest word whizz of them all.

Vanessa Marawa will be the quiz master in Spellbound, firing the difficult questions in the contestants' direction, while Jason Greer will introduce the contestants, the games and ensures that the show runs smoothly.

It's been exactly a decade since Vanessa Marawa survived the harsh conditions on a desolate island in Panama and she says that being a presenter on Spellbound is like coming home.

"I can't believe that it was a whole 10 years ago since I was on M-Net, but how fitting for me to come full circle again in the year that the channel is turning 30," says Vanessa Marawa.

Jason Greer who has loads of experience under his belt as he's enjoyed years of being a presenter, host, actor and MC in the entertainment industry, is equally delighted to join the M-Net family again.

"Incidentally, Homebrew Films, the production company responsible for Spellbound, also produced All Access. So in a sense, I’m coming full circle too," says Jason Greer.

Spellbound will test contestants' word skills in a fun and interactive way and will include super spellers from different age groups. 

There will be a round for primary school learners between the ages of 10 and 13, a round for high school learners between the ages of 14 and 18, and one for adults of all ages.

Jason Greer joins Tech Report on eNCA on Thursdays at 21:30 as the consumer technology magazine show's new field reporter.

The experienced TV presenter Jason Greer is joining the weekly consumer technology news magazine show Tech Report on eNCA (DStv 403) on Thursdays at 21:30 as the latest field presenter to be added to show.

Jason Greer will make his first on-screen appearance on Tech Report this Thursday, 17 October in the magazine show produced by Homebrew Films which also used Jason Greer for previous seasons of All Access and All Access Mzansi.

It is Jason Greer's first return to magazine show presenting after M-Net summarily cancelled The M-Net Movie Show on the M-Net Movies Showcase channel earlier this year. Jason Greer then got a role on e.tv's soap Rhythm City which he continues to do.

"Coming from an entertainment background, I'm looking forward to adding a fresh spin to the show," says Jason Greer. "My love for gadgets will become quite clear as I beat, bend and break them in my quest to test."

On Thursday night in Tech Report on eNCA the show looks at a start-up competition for young software developers, get tips on managing and exploiting a digital presence and waddle with penguins.

TOLDJA! and FIRST LOOK! Jason Greer and Noni Gasa officially the presenters of the new weekly show, The M-Net Movies Show, on M-Net.

 

You're reading it here first. 

On Monday morning TV with Thinus broke the news about the new local weekly movies magazine show, The M-Net Movie Show, which wills tart this Friday with Jason Greer and Noni Gasa as the two presenters on M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 103) at 20:00 - and now it's confirmed exactly as I told it, and here's the first official photo I can show first of Jason Greer and Noni Gasa on the set of the new show.

"The M-Net Movie channels are preparing for the broadcast of the first episode of the locally-created weekly magazine feature, The M-Net Movies Show. The premiere episode will broadcast Friday 5 October at 20:00, suitably scheduled on M-Net Movies Premiere, DStv channel 103," says M-Net.

"The M-Net Movies Show delivers everything movies - including local and international 'first time on TV trailers', hot news and a VIP pass to film sets, editing rooms, interview suits and studio platforms the film industry has to offer. The M-Net Movies Show promots variety and invites expert opinion, adding to the title slogan, 'We Know Movies' ".

"The M-Net Movies Show will be the central hub for all things movie-related, be it internationally, at cinemas, on DStv BoxOffice and on our 8 dedicated movie channels," says Kay Motuba, the head of marketing and publicity for M-Net Movies.

"With a fusion of local and international flavour, The M-Net Movies Show promotes viewers to share opinions, suggest viewers' choice and discuss movies on social media platforms."

"The weekly magazine feature will be presented by Jason Greer and Noni Gasa. Both being no strangers to broadcasting, they are fresh and dynamic faces who have established themselves over a wide range of entertainment platforms," says M-Net Movies.

"Jason boasts experience, charm and style unique to the business and remains an asset to the M-Net brand. Noni, the host in 2006 of M-Net Face of Africa stays prominent in South African communities and continues to be an influential figure when it comes to fashion and local trends."

BREAKING. M-Net starting a new movie show, The M-Net Movies Show, with Jason Greer and Noni Gasa for M-Net Movies Premiere.

You're reading it here first. 

I can exclusively break the news and reveal that M-Net is starting and producing a brand-new weekly movie magazine show entitled The M-Net Movies Show with Jason Greer and Noni Gasa as presenters.

I can reveal that The M-Net Movies Show is set to hopefully start on M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv 103) on Friday 5 October at 20:00

According to various insiders with knowledge of the production The M-Net Movies Show is being produced in-house by M-Net's Magic Factory production arm and will be South African television's first new TV show solely to covering movies.

The aim of The M-Net Movies Show will be to bring viewers news, reviews and interviews about movies, hopefully sit-downs with movie stars from press junkets and information on a weekly basis about M-Net Movies' line-ups on various of the new movie channels as applicable. "It will hopefully serve as a kind of nexus and focal point to help inform viewers about all of the new M-Net movie channels on DStv but to also go even wider than that in scope about everything regarding films," said one insider.

M-Net hasn't yet responded to a media enquiry made, but it's my understanding that The M-Net Movies Show will be a half hour weekly edition on Fridays, "a magazine show that's very red carpet glitz and glam" and "the first true return to South African television of a proper movie magazine show sortof like what Barry Ronge did for SABC3 with Screenplay and M-Net with Cinemagic in the past but even more broader" said sources.

Jason Greer, already known as "South Africa's Ryan Seacrest" and already doing double duty weekly as a presenter for Mzansi Magic's weekly entertainment magazine show All Access Mzansi as well as the telenovela Inkaba was the first addition to the show as a definite presenter. He has a track record of solid interviews - especially of international stars and interviewing movie stars and red carpet premiere coverage.

Nonhlanha Gasa, better known as just Noni Gasa, the fashionista who was more famous and popular on the local party circuit a few years ago as a socialite became the second addition to The M-Net Movies Show. A well-known DJ, considered a movie buff and aficianado in the industry, was apparently also pursued as possible presenter but opted out.

The bespeckled Noni Gasa doesn't really have a solid record of specifically movie coverage but does have a BA degree in journalism. She is more known for her presence on the local fashion scene and always referenced in terms of fashion and style.

The M-Net Movies Show will aim to bring viewers "all thing movies", said an insider. Another source said "the show won't just be about M-Net Movies but all the news about what is happening internationally, at the local cinema and box office, also MultiChoice's DStv BoxOffice and anything interesting movie related".

I was told the first episode of The M-Net Movies Show was shot and produced this past Friday and this weekend.

BREAKING. All Access fly boy Jason Greer gets grounded.

You're reading it here first.

Jetsetter Jason Greer from All Access got ''eclipsed'' and grounded (and didn't make it to Britain this past week as I told you RIGHT HERE he's planning to do) - which also saw the All Access producers scrambling to plan, find and film replacement inserts for M-Net's weekly entertainment magazine show on Fridays at 19:30.

Jason Greer was supposed to jet to Britain this past week for several stories for All Access but got grounded because of the erupting volcano in Iceland and the subsequent flight ban due to the volcanic ash cloud. I can tell you that Jason Greer was supposed to be onboard the super luxurious cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse in Southampton, but he was unable to get there in time.

Also nixed: a planned All Access isnert on the Professional Football Association Awards in London where the footie world's premiere players got together. The producers will apparently try to get an All Access presenter onto the Celebrity Eclipse later during the year.

BREAKING. All Access' Jason Greer in New York, Pabi Moloi in London.

You're reading it here first.

How funny. Just two days ago I told you RIGHT HERE that I think Jason Greer from M-Net's All Access is one of the hardest workers in showbiz and why.

Now I can exclusively dish first that All Access' Jason Greer is New York for the New York Fashion Week and that Pabi Moloi is in London for the premiere of the movie Valentine's Day to interview the star-studded cast. These inserts should probably form a part of this coming Thursday's show at 19:30 on M-Net.

BREAKING. Jason Greer's an All Access busy body.

Who's apparently one of the hardest working guys in showbiz? (And I mean showbiz and showbiz literally.)

Well, it seems to be Jason Greer for M-Net weekly entertainment show All Access Thursdays at 19:30 (but not for long. I broke the news RIGHT HERE on Friday that All Access will move to Fridays in April).

I can be the first to reveal that in tomorrow evening's episode Jason Greer will be replacing Mark Bayly as Pabi Moloi's in-studio All Access co-host. (Mark Bayly is touring South Africa's soccer stadiums and will be back next week.)

Besides the in-studio duties tomorrow evening Jason Greer is working hard for the money. Viewers will also see Jason Greer interview the new Miss SA Nicole Flint, and Jason also went to Mozambique for a ''set visit'' of Survivor SA Santa Carolina to talk to the production crew behind the local reality show. Talk about being a busy body.

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK! All Access is working on SOMETHING BIG . . .

You're seeing and reading about it here first.

I'm not going to spill everything just yet (but check back next Thursday, 31 December on the evening it gets broadcast and I promise more beautiful pictures) but All Access on Thursdays at 19:30 on M-Net has something special in store.

Episode 28 of M-Net's weekly entertainment magazine show All Access, - going out next Thursday, 31 December at 19:30 on M-Net, is ''going to be awesome'', I'm told.  

The very special episode (with bubbly on the set to toast in the new year!) is filled with the biggest local music stars from Heinz Winckler to Watershed who all came in to make some noise on New Year's Eve. All the presenters (Bridget Masinga, Jason Greer, Tammy-Anne Fortuin, Ewan Strydom, Koula, Mark Bayly and Pabi Moloi) dressed up to the nines and are all together on the All Access set for this special TV event.

Later next Thursday night, 31 December at 22:30 on M-Net you can also catch the annual Royal Variety Performance.