Homeless The Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson is now in rehab - again - as more people come forward claiming he owes them money: 'I hope this lasts and that this is now his rock bottom'.

Photo: Huisgenoot/YOU

by Thinus Ferreira

The homeless Bachelor South Africa reality star Lee Thompson (34) who has been wandering the streets of Cape Town is back in rehab - again - while more people have come forward with very unsavoury stories making him look like South Africa's version of "The Tinder Swindler" and claiming that he owes money he never repaid.

South Africans were shocked when Huisgenoot and YOU magazines for their latest editions on sale, on Friday showed photos and reported that the troubled former Sharks player and fitness model has been living on the streets of Cape Town.

It comes after he had been evicted from the Airbnb guest house he stayed at in Buitenkantstreet which he trashed and which he tried to break into afterwards earlier in August. 

The guest house he rented for R300 a day since March was filled with filth ranging from condoms and liquor bottles, things were broken and even a fire was made in a room, which the owner described as "a nest" and a "pigsty".

Lee Thompson couldn't be reached for comment.

The magazine tracked down the homeless Lee Thompson - who rose to fame as the first heartthrob of the South African version of the reality dating show The Bachelor SA on M-Net (DStv 101) in 2019 - and found him at the Culemborg Safe Space 2 night shelter.

Following Friday's revelations, Huisgenoot now reports that Lee Thompson has been taken to a rehabilitation centre in Gauteng by family and friends - his second stint in rehab at the same centre. 

A friend said the fear is that Lee might not stay long enough: "His mom wasn't aware that things got so bad again. Lee is good with hiding and pretending that everything's okay. I hope this lasts and that this is now his rock bottom".

Lee Thompson's glamorous and fitness social media on Instagram is far removed from how he was found as a homeless man on Cape Town's streets with people noting how the content he had been posting doesn't square with his real-life behaviour and some dubbing him in responses to his Instagram postings as South Africa's version of "The Tinder Swindler" in reference to the Netflix documentary.

Many people have come forward to say they've paid for his non-existent tell-all memoir, The Truth Behind the Rose, about the way he was allegedly manipulated by M-Net and Rapid Blue producers during the production of The Bachelor SA, with the book's publication which constantly got postponed although Lee Thompson took money as part of pre-orders from people who said they want to read it.

Lee Thompson even made the bold claim that Oprah Winfrey allegedly had written him a direct message asking him for a copy of his book because she wanted to read it.

The alleged charity that Lee Thompson claimed he had started - the Live Hope Love South Africa Children's Fund - and which he claimed he would donate 10% of the sales of his The Truth Behind the Rose book to, can't be found and doesn't appear to exist.

A business person who had worked with Lee in the past on social media influencer campaigns told TVwithThinus "I knew Lee was on a downward spiral - just didn't know how bad he would hit rock bottom. He did not even own a phone a few months ago - that's how bad things got".

According to the person, Lee Thompson "took advantage of people with good natures. He used his Bachelor SA badge to stay at many hotels and trashed them too. Word got about and he was banned before he even got to ask anyone - very bad reputation".

"There are a lot of people who are going to come out of the woodwork who he owes money to - some may be too embarrassed to say."

ALSO READ: Tell-all book of The Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson delayed again, cites legal issues over shocking revelations, claims he was offered over R1 million not to publish it.

ALSO READ: M-Net on the 'sad reality' of homeless Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson: Some reality stars fall into unfavourable circumstances.

M-Net on the 'sad reality' of homeless Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson: Some reality stars fall into unfavourable circumstances.

Photo: YOU/Huisgenoot

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has responded to the "sad reality" of the homeless The Bachelor South Africa star Lee Thompson found living on the streets of Cape Town, noting that some of its reality TV stars unfortunately do fall "into unfavourable circumstances years after the end of their association with our shows".

Meanwhile people are furious and calling Lee Thompson South Africa's "The Tinder Swindler" - a reference to the Netflix documentary - for his long-promised tell-all book The Truth Behind the Rose for which they have paid but not received anything or a refund.

On Friday Huisgenoot and YOU magazines in a jaw-dropping story with shocking photos, reported that South Africa's once desirable The Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson is now apparently homeless in Cape Town.

It comes after he was evicted from a guest house in Buitenkantstreet that he rented at R300 a night since March this year, where he had allegedly caused damage and chaos, leaving filth in his wake from condoms and liquor bottles to a fire that was made in one of the rooms and which the owner described as "a nest" and a "pigsty".

Lee Thompson couldn't be reached for comment.

Lee Thompson was the first star of The Bachelor SA on M-Net (DStv 101) in 2019 but his image on social media on Instagram is far removed from how Huisgenoot and YOU magazine found him at the Safe Space shelter in Cape Town where he didn't want to talk to the magazine.

Since 2020 the former Sharks rugby player has promised to write a revealing tell-all memoir about he was allegedly manipulated by M-Net and Rapid Blue producers during the production of The Bachelor SA, with the book's publication which constantly got postponed although Lee Thompson took money as part of pre-orders from people interested to read it.

On Lee Thompson's Instagram account people are asking many questions, some related to the book. "What happened to your book that we all pre-ordered?" they want to know, with one saying "I paid for it ages ago, never came out. Such a scam."

"He has already scammed so many fans of money for his 'book'. Netflix should do a documentary on him," someone else noted.

M-Net told TVwithThinus on Saturday in a statement that "Our performers are at the heart of who we are as storytellers. We are aware that the entertainment industry can be overwhelming for some."

"The readjustment back to everyday life once a show is wrapped is taken very seriously. As such, working with our producers, we ensure that we give our stars robust support and tools to help them reintegrate back into society and this has helped many to resume their lives successfully."

"The sad reality is that not all manage to do so sustainably, with some subsequently falling into unfavourable circumstances years after the end of their association with our shows."  

ALSO READ: Tell-all book of The Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson delayed again, cites legal issues over shocking revelations, claims he was offered over R1 million not to publish it.

ALSO READ: Lee Thompson's The Bachelor SA tell-all book set to go on sale in April: 'It will be everything that happened that nobody knows but everyone wants to hear'. 

ALSO READ: Homeless The Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson is now in rehab again as more people come forward claiming he owes them money: 'I hope this lasts and that this is now his rock bottom'.

Tell-all book of The Bachelor SA star Lee Thompson delayed again, cites legal issues over shocking revelations, claims he was offered over R1 million not to publish it.

by Thinus Ferreira

The former star of the first season of The Bachelor South Africa, Lee Thompson, says his tell-all book, The Truth Behind the Rose has yet again not been published as promised after a second delay, this time due to legal issues over some of the revelations in the book, and he claims that he has been offered over R1 million not to publish it.

Lee Thompson originally said that The Truth Behind the Rose would be published in April 2021. 

This didn't happen and in a new announcement Lee Thompson said his tell-all book would be published in October 2021.

In his book Lee Thompson details his harrowing experiences and alleged manipulation by producers behind-the-scenes of the reality series, and what happened to him following the conclusion of the show.

The Bachelor SA was produced by Rapid Blue for MultiChoice's M-Net (DStv 101) channel, as a localised version of the dating show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

Lee Thompson says that in The Truth Behind the Rose he will reveal the unvarnished harsh reality of the "deception, manipulation and lies" of The Bachelor SA and the destructive emotional and psychological impact it has had on his life.

M-Net and the Rapid Blue chose Lee Thompson as South Africa's first bachelor in 2018 for the first season of The Bachelor SA in 2019 that didn't end in a successful relationship.

Earlier this year, Lee Thompson told TVwithThinus that his tell-all book "'It will be everything that happened that nobody knows but everyone wants to hear".

He said that his book will contain "stuff that's going to be calling out a lot of people and sharing the truth and showing what they can do and what's wrong and I want people to know the truth."

In a new Instagram posting, Lee Thompson now shares that "I've had a few legal matters to deal with regarding some information I've shared in the book which is the reason for the delay. The new launch date will be this November,".

He also claims that he had been offered over R1 million - a "7-figure" amount not to release The Truth Behind the Rose.

"Turning down a 7-figure offer from the guys at the top to have me not release my book to the public wasn't easy but it will be worth it."

ALSO READ: Lee Thompson's The Bachelor SA tell-all book set to go on sale in April: 'It will be everything that happened that nobody knows but everyone wants to hear'.

Lee Thompson's The Bachelor SA tell-all book set to go on sale in April: 'It will be everything that happened that nobody knows but everyone wants to hear'.

Photo: Byron Keulemans - Boss Models SA

by Thinus Ferreira 

In a South African first, the star of the country's first season of The Bachelor South Africa is set to release his tell-all book, The Truth Behind the Rose, in April, saying that he will be revealing "everything that happened that nobody knows about but everyone wants to hear" and that he was oblivious at the time as to how he was actually manipulated for television while being "played like a fiddle" by producers.

In his book, Lee Thompson is not just spilling secrets as the first South African reality TV star to actually speak out about what happened to him personally behind-the-scenes but he is also revealing the emotional and psychological toll that it had taken during and afterwards on his life and mental health.

M-Net (DStv 101) and the Rapid Blue production company chose Lee Thompson as South Africa's first bachelor in 2018 for the first season of The Bachelor SA in 2019 that didn't end in a successful relationship.

A second season of The Bachelor SA followed in 2020 with The Bachelorette SA that is currently shown on the channel.

"I got the idea to write the book about one and a half years after the show and because after the mental health issues and things that I went through I just realised that if I come out and share this with people it might help others come out and help them to know that it's okay and how they can handle it and how I did it," Lee Thompson says. "I want to help set an example that can help other people."

"An autobiography is obviously a lot more about my life and my childhood, my sporting career, my past relationships and then mainly it will focus on The Bachelor SA and the manipulation and persuasions that go on behind-the-scenes that people don't know about and how they re-edit things to make portray you in a certain way and the lies that were told."

"I feel that people need to know and I'm not going to stand back and let it happen because it caused a lot of issues and I want people to know and I feel that they need to know and they want to know," he says.

Lee says he came up with the title of his book, The Truth Behind the Rose "and that I came up with the title - it just popped into my head, it was the first title and just says so much because it's really about what goes on behind-the-scenes of the show and what's really happening and what really happened in my life."

"It's the truth behind all of this glitz and glamour cover that so many people see but they need to know the truth behind it and I want people to know the truth and more about me and how it's led up to getting to The Bachelor SA and focusing on the show and what's happened."

Asked if he had any reservations about writing his book, Lee says "I've never had any reservations about writing the book".

"There was a time where I halted to process because it did take a toll on me emotionally and mentally so I just had to put a bit of a hold on it but I managed to get through it - just going back to all of those old, bad memories".

"They're not all bad but it's tough. You dig deep into your past and it can be a tough thing to do and it does play on your emotions at times but you've got to put it aside and I managed to push through."

"It's not going to be a book about what people want to see or what they've seen before - it's stuff that's going to be calling out a lot of people and sharing the truth and showing what they can do and what's wrong and I want people to know the truth."

"There's been no book that's been written like this, even in the United States. This is really calling people out and sharing the absolute truth about the show and my life and what happened after the show".

'You only see this afterwards'

Lee says his feeling is that The Bachelor SA "put me in many corners, you know, where it's difficult to choose. They just play it very well - it's a game of psychology from their side I've realised and you only see this afterwards".

"Once I rewatched all the episodes just to get accurate information again and just to revisit those moments I can give the right information in my book. I do see it differently now after watching the show now compared to a couple of years ago - it's like I see it completely differently and I realise how oblivious I was."

About who he believes manipulated him, Lee says "Yes people from M-Net were culprits and the production company Rapid Blue and obviously certain people within those companies had a lot more to do with it and I'll be naming them - I know exactly who they are. Some of them definitely played me like a fiddle."

Asked if he is still friends with Jason Greer, the host of The Bachelor SA and The Bachelorette SA, Lee says that "Jason Greer and I are still very good friends - I think our friendship came across on camera and you know, he was always there to chat to when we had the time".

"He was left out of a lot of the details of the show and he wasn't invited to Mauritius when they told him he would be and he needed to be there. I guess they told him a couple of lies too but we're great friends."

"I see him quite regularly along with his family and we braai, we chat, we share jokes and we play Xbox together and we're really good mates and I really enjoy his company. He's a really good man."

Reality TV and selling your soul to the devil

Lee Thompsons says that the subjects and issues that his book, The Truth Behind the Rose, will be covering is "from my childhood, growing up through school, to my sporting career, my business career, past relationships, family and all of that - my journey and the timeline up until the show".

"The Truth Behind the Rose will focus mainly on that and also post-show and everything that happened that nobody knows about but everyone wants to hear".

On advice to people entering reality shows or what they should keep in mind, Lee says "They need to be aware that it's not always about what they want - it's about what's going to create viewership and numbers. Ratings."

"They play the game and they push it to the way that they want it to play out, so you don't have the power or the hold on the process as you think you do, but they let you think that you do. But they persuade you and move it to the way that they see it best suited for viewership and ratings."

"It's a reality show so it's your life and they can sometimes mess with that," says Lee. 

"People just need to be aware of that and also the mental health issues and any other issues that could come up post-show that might be difficult or that you struggle to handle. People take things differently."

"People entering reality shows won't know that you've sold your soul to the devil until you sign that paper and are in there and that's what people need to realise."

'Changed me psychologically'

Lee says that having gone through the wringer of this reality show "has changed me psychologically and how I approach and see and think things through".

"It's definitely made me more aware of certain things and I will be going into more detail about it in The Truth Behind the Rose and with my feelings about it and how it has affected things positively and negatively. It's not all bad but the most important thing in your life is your health - mental health, physical health. So I will share a lot about that in my book."

After having written his book that will become available in April, Lee says "I feel relieved a bit. It's a weight off my shoulder. I feel relieved. I feel strong."

TVwithThinus asked M-Net for comment about Lee Thompson's upcoming book. 

M-Net says "All reality shows are directed to manage the quality of production and not the manipulation of outcome".

"Professional help is offered to all contestants who take part in our reality shows. This is done during the production and on offer after the show has wrapped up. We enjoyed working with Lee Thompson, and we wish him well in all his endeavours."

From a new mansion to simplified dates M-Net and Rapid Blue are implementing some behind-the-scenes production changes to improve the second season of The Bachelor SA.

Besides a new "hot guy" in the shape of Marc Buckner, some significant changes are coming production-wise behind-the-scenes that have been ordered by M-Net to improve the second season of The Bachelor South Africa.

TVwithThinus has learnt that the Rapid Blue produced dating reality show is making some fundamental production changes to try and make Cupid's arrows hopefully find their targets better and coming after the first season on M-Net (DStv 101) ended on a disappointing note when Lee Thompson's relationship was revealed to have fizzled out during the first season finale.

The Bachelor SA, a local version of the dating show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), is implementing various production changes to try and make love blossom better the second time around.

Marc Buckner will get more actual off-camera time for "dating" on the show to get to know the various women he will meet better. The casting process has also been made even more stringent to weed out fame-seeking women more interested in being on television than finding love.

In addition, one-on-one dates will be simplified and toned down production and filming wise to allow more time spent on the actual date and less time on camera and scene set-up, and there will also be a new mansion used when filming starts in October.

"For us it is really important to make sure that we create that environment where the bachelor and the woman that he is dating are in a 'bubble' - that they get enough time to spend together without any influences; and secondly that there's enough time to really get to know each other," says Jan du Plessis, director of M-Net channels.

" So that's the first thing that we're most definitely doing. And then the other thing is that I had a list of probably 80 or so activities and dates that we were choosing from."

"The moment that Marc signed on the dotted line, we are busy adapting all of those dates and events to suit Marc's personality and interests, so that they can actually go hiking and jogging and do all sorts of outdoors activities with the ladies to see that natural sort of chemistry develop."

"The most important change was the time."

Kaye-Ann, M-Net's head of local content and independent films, says "if you remember Lee Thompson's date with Edith that started off at the top of a hill, and then the next thing was a strawberry farm and then they had a picnic after they picked the strawberries".

"Those three things that happened cost us three different movements and set-ups and location shifts and camera set-ups. It was just too much. There was too little time for them to get to know each other and too much time spent logistically."

"So what we've decided to do is to simplify - whatever it is. There needs to be one set-up, there needs to be one simple movement, unit movement, so that Marc Buckner and the date he is with can actually get to know each other and actually spend time together because all those set-ups cost a lot of time. So those are some of the lessons we've learnt from the first season."

TVwithThinus asked whether the same Sandhurst-set mansion, located in an ultra-affluent residential area in Sandton, Johannesburg, and the wealthiest suburb in the country, will be used again. "No, it won't be the same mansion," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

"We never told anybody last year where the mansion was, for very good reasons. It's going to be a new mansion this year and again, you won't know where exactly the mansion is. Because you can just imagine, that if people were to know where the mansion is, how they will hang around in the streets."

"We remember from the very first season of Big Brother SA and the Big Brother house, people were in the streets, neighbours complained, and people came to try and see what's going on and what the housemates were doing. If they're to know where the mansion is, it would be madness. So we're keeping the mansion a secret and for the second season it's a different one."

The second season of The Bachelor SA won't start on Valentines Day on 14 February again but is likely to start on M-Net sometime in February 2020 and M-Net will make the season premiere episode once again available on YouTube for a limited time as free-to-view.

M-Net reveals Marc Buckner as the bachelor for the second season of The Bachelor SA who is 'husband material' and this time looking for love and a lady.

M-Net (DStv 101) on Saturday afternoon revealed Barc Buckner (36) as the bachelor who will be looking for love and a lady in the second season of The Bachelor South Africa.

M-Net describes Marc Brent Buckner as a "mature, witty, energetic, smart, adventurous and compassionate, globe-trotting action man and multiple property owner and currency trader and investor".

Marc Buckner will be introduced on Sunday night, 8 September 2019, just after Carte Blanche on M-Net in an on-air promo, with entries for women who want to possibly meet him in the second season of the reality show that will be closing on Wednesday 11 September 2019.

The second season of The Bachelor SA follows after the first season that had Lee Thompson as the bachelor and is again being produced by Rapid Blue as a localised version of the dating show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

His full name is Marc Brent Buckner and he "is the type of guy who puts his heart and soul into everything he does," says Lani Lombard, M-Net’s head of publicity.

"Once you’ve seen that twinkle in his eye and have the chance to engage with him in conversations  on a range of topics – from environmental issues, to motorbikes, healthy living, wellness, psychology and news headlines – there’s really only one way to describe him – husband material! And that’s exactly what we want our Bachelor to be."

M-Net says that when Marc Buckner isn't exploring foreign destinations – often in the company of one of his favourite people in the world, his mom – or analysing economic trends to boost his bank account – you will find Marc in the great outdoors.

"Hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, sky-diving or enjoying a 'picnic with a view' count among his best-loved activities. It’s just as important to him to build trusting, close relationships."

"Cooking a meal alongside a loved one and having a meaningful conversation over a glass of wine near a crackling fireplace is right up his alley. Another bonus for the ladies: he loves DIY projects and even builds his own furniture," says M-Net of Marc Buckner.

"Growing his own vegetable garden is on his to-do-list for when he finds 'the one' and starts his own family."

If Marc looks familiar, here's why: a modelling agency approached him at the age of sixteen and since then he’s appeared in commercials for many prominent brands and tested his acting chops in small parts in a couple of  music videos and movies.

"It opened many doors for me and allowed me to go to exotic places and meet many interesting people," Marc says in M-Net's statement.

"But now I'm about to open the most exciting door of them all – the opportunity to meet my other half on The Bachelor South Africa. I have no preconceived ideas of who this woman should be."

"Sometimes opposites attract and I can’t wait to invest quality time in getting to know the diverse group of powerful South African ladies who are as keen as I am to put their hearts on the line for love on a television show."

Jason Greer will again be the host of the second season and be facilitating the rose ceremonies as well as serving as a mentor figure to Marc throughout his reality love journey.

The second season of The Bachelor SA will be filmed between 5 October and 5 December 2019.

INTERVIEW. Lee Thompson of M-Net's The Bachelor SA speaks after the final rose: 'I'm sure love will find its way to me'.

The first season of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) ended on Thursday night with the bachelor in the show, Lee Thompson, choosing Gina Myers over Jozaan Dique, and although the relationship didn't work out, a hopeful Lee in an interview on Thursday told TVwithThinus that "I'm sure love will find its way to me".


How was the experience of doing The Bachelor South Africa?
Lee: Like I said at the beginning I was willing to be more vulnerable and more than what I've ever been. And regardless of what happened, I was willing to do that. I think once you put your willingness to open up and commit and be open to something like love in particular, that's when you're able to fully reap the benefits of that. I've learnt a lot about myself, emotionally and mentally.


Looking back in hindsight would you do it again?
Lee: Yes, absolutely. It's been one of the greatest experiences I've had in my life and I've learned so much. I would definitely do it again. A lot of people think that it's not possible to find love in such a short span but it definitely is.


A show like The Bachelor SA has happy moments but also painful parts. Did the sad parts outweigh the rest? How do you see it?
Lee: So it has its ups and downs. I use the term "an emotional rollercoaster". The great times were the beautiful people that I've got to meet - beautiful women from all diverse parts of South Africa, that was great.

The emotionally challenging parts were the rose ceremonies and having to let people go who I've developed emotions and bonds with - that was tough. And just the mental pressure and strain in terms of the decisions that you have to make - that did keep me up a few nights. I wanted to make the right decisions.

The great things were that you grow from this and become stronger. And I made so many friends through this. So those are the pro's.

And how did you prepare and how did you feel having to sit there during the Women Tell All part?
Lee: I was calmer than what I thought I would be. I wasn't sure who would be asking what questions. I wasn't prepped. They just wanted to tie up loose ends and have answers to certain questions and my goal was to answer everything honestly. So that's what my main intention was and I hope that came through.

Sitting there I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect but the important thing is just to be real and authentic and answer everything honestly. I think I did that.


And then after everything was done and said and recorded on Mauritius and you went home, how did you feel afterwards?
Lee: I was emotionally and mentally very confused afterwards to be honest because there was a constant fight in my head about who to offer a rose, who not to offer a rose. So ja, it definitely hit me afterwards. But as I've said, I grew from that.


What is next for you in the short term and looking long term?
Lee: Short term I'm looking to start a family - or that's long term. Short term - find the right person with whom to spend my life with that will lead to that bigger picture. And also build on my career.

I want to solidify myself in my businesses to be able to generate enough money to support the family that I want and just to be able to give them what they want and what I want as well.

How did television and the show change your life? Do you sort of think like the show made you more guarded? You said at the beginning you were willing to be more vulnerable. Has the show made you more guarded or how do you feel?
Lee: This show has definitely been a positive experience for me. It's put me under the spotlight quite a bit and I view it as a positive.

People have really responded so well to the show and me which has been very, very exciting to see. Being on TV has actually made me flip over to the other side and being more open and more vulnerable as I said earlier.

It also made me not think too much about things as you can see in the show I've laid it all on the line and everyone knows a lot more about my life. So with the world and the whole of South Africa knowing a lot more about me has put me at ease in terms of the social environment. And I just go with it.

A lot of people come up to me that I don't know and they want to take a picture - and I love that! I feed off that. I feed off the energy to see how happy and excited they are. That part is really, really rewarding for me.


Would you consider a career in TV or TV work, and if so, what would you like to do or are you interested in?
Lee: Yeah, I definitely enjoyed this experience of TV and being a part of the TV world and I definitely would like to continue.

I don't know exactly what the future has planned but I can see myself presenting and acting and even hosting something. I'm just not sure what it would be yet.

How long do you think it might be before you might date again? And might you be more circumspect from the outset or is there something that you will look out for now from the beginning that you maybe didn't before?

Lee: Well, I think I'm more in tune with my emotions and feelings and what I want you know, and just, I'm not going to rush into anything and I'm not going to go particularly out to find love.

I'm just going to focus on doing my thing and building myself and my career and I'm sure love will find its way to me.

I fully believe that if you focus on what you've got to do in life, that the right things will find its way to you, including love and I'm fully open to it. I'm not sure how long it can take, it can take 3 months, it can take 3 years. But when it comes, it comes and I'll be waiting.


Any advice for a new bachelor or bachelorette, if there were to be one?
Lee: When there is a new bachelor or bachelorette, I would definitely give them this advice: Just to stay authentic and true to themselves. And just treat everyone sincerely and kindly.

People will see through you if you try to be something you're not. Always give them honest opinions and advice - people appreciate that. Those are the few things that I'd recommend to the next bachelor or bachelorette.

ALSO READ: First season of M-Net's The Bachelor South Africa ends with Lee Thompson picking Gina over Jozaan although that romantic relationship didn't work out.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. How M-Net's The Bachelor South Africa set up a TV fairytale ending - but ended up breaking our hearts. 

ALSO READ: Some interesting behind-the-scenes secrets of the finale of M-Net's The Bachelor South Africa that viewers didn't see. 

ALSO READ: IN IMAGES. 10 photos behind-the-scenes of the recording of the finale of M-Net's first season of The Bachelor South Africa.

ALSO READ: 'ERROR 500'. Subscribers furious as MultiChoice's DStv Now streaming app again crashes for the second time in a month, and once again during a much-anticipated M-Net show - this time the finale of The Bachelor SA.

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.

Debut episode of M-Net's The Bachelor South Africa on YouTube reaches an astounding quarter of a million views; will it mean a change for how the pay-TV broadcaster roll out local shows in future?

On Tuesday night the first episode of The Bachelor South Africa broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) crossed the breathtaking milestone of a quarter of a million views on YouTube, a first for a show produced for a pay-TV audience in South Africa, after MultiChoice and M-Net decided to make the entire first episode available freely online.

At 251 000 views and continuing to climb, The Bachelor SA has now been seen by more people than the average YouTube audience viewing an episode of Uzalo on YouTube at roughly 220 000 views as SABC1 and South Africa's most watched show on linear broadcast in the country, and the e.tv soap Scandal!'s roughly 210 000 views on YouTube, which is the free-to-air commercial broadcaster's most watched TV show.

The YouTube achievement of The Bachelor SA with bachelor Lee Thompson - produced by Rapid Blue according to the dating show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) - means an unheard of marketing and sampling success for MultiChoice and M-Net as the YouTube number counter continues to explode upwards as people click to view the long-form, premium-produced content.

M-Net has been asked several questions, multiple times in a media enquiry over the past two weeks for its perspective about the strategy of placing the first episode of The Bachelor SA on YouTube, what it means for the channel, how M-Net feels about the successful experiment and what it might mean for the debut of future locally-produced shows like the upcoming Survivor SA: Island of Secrets, Finding the One and others, but M-Net didn't respond with answers.

The surprising move to place The Bachelor SA's first episode on YouTube - with the huge number of people who sampled it - could very well lead to a possible permanent strategy shift inside M-Net in the roll-out of local shows going forward.

M-Net placing the debut episodes of local shows online, could help drive possible DStv Premium uptake and aid in show sampling and raising show title awareness under consumers.

 If even less than 0.5% of people who viewed The Bachelor SA on YouTube decide to subscribe to DStv Premium to see the rest of the season's episodes it would be a huge MultiChoice plus for the company struggling to retain top-tier subscribers that have declined the past three years with ongoing churn rates.

"You guys are smart for putting the first episode on YouTube," remarked Siba Jack-Pamal in the YouTube comments under the first episode of The Bachelor SA, with Z.Mute saying: "I'm even ready to subscribe".

REVISITED. Viewers have fallen in love with The Bachelor South Africa after M-Net made the entire first episode available for free on YouTube and the hilarious - and quite insightful - comments will give you life.

South African and international viewers have fallen head over heels in love with The Bachelor South Africa unable to resist after M-Net (DStv 101) made the first episode available for free online - complete with comments that are hilarious, often insightful, and over-the-top entertaining in their own right.

A stunning number of viewers have seen and sampled the first episode of The Bachelor SA as a free-watch, with the YouTube number counter continuing to explode upwards as people in droves click and view the long-form, premium-produced content after its debut this past Thursday evening on M-Net at 19:00.


ALSO READ: Viewers flock to The Bachelor South Africa ... on YouTube, saying it looks like Top Billing and begging M-Net to make all the episodes available for free.

In a remarkable departure, M-Net - in a first for the 32-year old pay-TV broadcaster - decided to give a premium chunk of one of its new pay-TV series away for free by placing the entire 1 hour and 8 minutes debut episode of its latest, locally produced show on YouTube. It worked.

Counter-intuitively, by giving the episode away for free, the successful result of the content marketing experiment with The Bachelor SA has been a massive win for MultiChoice's most premium, flagship channel on DStv.

The surprising move could very well lead to a possible permanent strategy shift inside M-Net that could see the debut episodes of all or several more of M-Net series in future be placed online for free and that foreseeably could help drive possible DStv Premium uptake and aid in show sampling and raising show title awareness under the public.

While the local version of The Bachelor SA with bachelor Lee Thompson - produced by Rapid Blue according to the dating show format of Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) - rack up YouTube views, the comments on their own, mostly from a female audience, are additional entertainment gold.

"Wow, the picture quality's out of this world and the Western Cape is something else. This show will not only entertain us but also promote travel and tourism," said Mamapho Langa.

"Gina looks like Megan Markle. Hopefully she snags this prince Harry," said Rose Greenstone.

"You guys are smart for putting the first episode on YouTube," remarked Siba Jack-Pamal with Z.Mute saying: "I'm even ready to subscribe".

"Guys, let's share DStv Now usernames and passwords. Let's do it for the nation," suggested Mmala Mokone, while Lesedi Khumalo said: "I really like this guy he seems sincere".

"Hey these ladies are off the hook, they are all beautiful stunning and intelligent, I love the diversity and different backgrounds, so proud to be a South African woman," remarked Adele Davids. Olwethu Yekela said: "I absolutely the diversity, and how laid back this guy is".

"He likes tall women, so the shorter women must prepare their hearts for rejection. He is gorgeous though!" said Patience Mabaso. "Does he not have a tattoo? Wow, I am looking for one; rare, rare," observed Nothando Dnhlovu.

"Jozaan is probably an only child. She has that vibe to her," said Sasha, while Helene Elisab20 commented: "Jozaan your bum is so flat like my TV's screen please try to fix it girl".

"Is it just me or someone else has noticed the swelling on Natasha's (scientist) neck? She needs to have it checked out," said Betty Achieng.

"Wait... The twins got the same surname as the dude? Wouldn't marry or date someone with the same surname as me," said Rofhiwa Tshikonelo.

"I'm rooting for Michelle R. She represents many of us hard working, mature, educated, independent & beautiful South African women out there - black, white, Indian, coloured. Love her," wrote Dineo Mokgosi.

"Not crazy about women competing over a man, entertaining though, since this is the business of entertainment. Top Billing style type of production, well done," said Joy.

Viewers flock to The Bachelor South Africa ... on YouTube, saying it looks like Top Billing and begging M-Net to make all the episodes available for free.

Viewers - including several international ones - have flocked to M-Net's (DStv 101) The Bachelor South Africa ... on YouTube, comparing the show's look and style to the glamorous lifestyle magazine show Top Billing on SABC3 and many begging M-Net to make the rest of the season's episodes available online for free as well.

In a first-ever move, M-Net decided to release the first episode of The Bachelor SA, produced by Rapid Blue, on YouTube in a shrewd marketing move to help build buzz and a fear-of-missing-out, drive DStv subscriptions, and to cut through the television clutter and create a must-watch TV-event moment.

By Saturday afternoon The Bachelor SA on YouTube racked up over 16 300 views.

The Bachelor South Africa quickly started to "trend" on Twitter on Thursday evening in South Africa with its debut episode, with the release of the first episode of the premium channel's show that drew a large and decidedly female-skewed audience.

Viewers tuned in to see bachelor Lee Thompson meeting the 24 women selected out of thousands of entries that surprisingly included the killed Reeva Steenkamp's former best friend Gina Myers, after which Lee sent 3 women home at the end who didn't receive a rose.

Specifically watching The Bachelor SA on YouTube, several viewers weighed in begging M-Net to please put the rest of the episodes on YouTube as well, since they don't live in South Africa and don't have access and can't get access to MultiChoice's most premium, flagship TV channel.

"Please upload every episode, some of us aren’t in South Africa but absolutely want to continue watching!" said Tunashe. "Looks like a Top Billing episode," says Jojo.

"M-Net you hit it out the park with this one," remarked Khanyisa Nyalungu.

"Share every episode please," asked Cyra Redcliffe, echoed by Indiphile Matshayana saying "please upload every episode", and Tshwanelo Fokazi saying "Post all episodes for South Africans living abroad".

"Thanks guys, I love the show. From Kenya but am hooked," said Seraya Chuchi.

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.

Lee Thompson of The Bachelor SA on M-Net, on launching his new fitness brand, Lee Thompson Fitness: 'I want to change people's lives in a positive way'.

Lee Thompson, who DStv subscribers will be seeing in The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) starting on 14 February at 19:00, is launching his new fitness brand called Lee Thompson Fitness and says he wants to help change people's lives.

The international Boss model who also played rugby for the Sharks in KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Pretoria (Tuks) already started the Clean Smart Cleaning Company and ventured into website development with Skyler Web.

Lee Thompson also founded the non-profit organisation, #LiveHopeLoveSA.

Now the entrepreneurial spirit of the bachelor - who will have to whittle down 24 women over the next couple of months until the finale on 9 May in M-Net's new dating reality show until he possibly finds a soulmate - is channelling his energy into starting Lee Thompson Fitness.

"It's been something that I've wanted to do for a long time now and I've been working on it since before I've decided to be the bachelor in The Bachelor SA and accepted the offer," he told TVwithThinus.

"We're still working on the website but I've managed my time really well and I have a team that helps me," he said.

"I want to change people's lives in a positive way. One of the ways in which I can do that is through my profession in fitness and I chose to do that through my Lee Thompson Fitness resistance brands and workout videos."

"So I'm looking forward to launching it; we also have merchandise coming along, and my own Lee Thompson supplement brand, which will be available and on sale on the website."

Viewers will be able to watch the debut episode on M-Net of The Bachelor SA with Lee Thompson in person when the show, produced by Rapid Blue, starts on Valentine's Day with a The Bachelor SA official viewing party that will take place at The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg on 14 February from 18:30.

"We are proud to have partnered with The Bachelor SA and are excited to host Lee Thompson this Valentine's Day," says Ross Kata of Legacy Hotels and Resorts.

"Couples and fans of the show should join Michelangelo Hotel to celebrate the most romantic day of the year with the bachelor at Johannesburg's most sophisticated venue, for an unforgettable experience," says Ross Kata.

INTERVIEW. Lee Thompson of The Bachelor SA on M-Net talks heartbreak and romance - and shares his big concerns and past mistakes - as he opens up about his TV search for a soulmate.

From Valentines Day on M-Net (DStv 101) there will be anguish, tears and disappointment but also hope, happiness, dazzling romance - and who knows, maybe even real love - in The Bachelor SA when Lee Thompson starts his journey seeking a possible soulmate.

TVwithThinus had a heart-to-heart with the guy who will bring roses and romance after he gets introduced to 24 single women from across the country in the local South African version of the TV dating reality series.

Lee Thompson talks about his biggest concern going into this, why he decided to be the bachelor, how he'll figure out who's there for the right reasons, the latest American bachelor's virginity, what he's really hoping to get out of the experience, and how vulnerable he's willing to be.

Find out if he's a romantic, how he's preparing himself psychologically, and what the mistakes are that he's learnt from out of previous failed relationships that have moulded him into being a better bachelor.


What is your biggest concern going into and doing The Bachelor SA?
Lee Thompson: Well my concern is going having to let some of the ladies go. It's never easy for me to hurt anyone, or disappoint someone.

And I know there can only potentially be one at the end and having to not offer everyone roses - that's something that I am fearful of and concerned about. I don't enjoy hurting people so I those are my main concerns.


Share a few your internal thought processes, why are you doing this and on TV. Obviously, as a model you have a slightly better sense than the average Joe of being comfortable in front of cameras but it's still a big thing to go on national television looking for love. What do you think TV will add or subtract or bring to the experience of trying to find love?
Lee Thompson: Yeah, I've been in front of cameras before but that's more in terms of modelling and this is a totally different level.

What happened is that M-Net and the production company, Rapid Blue, called me up and asked me if I potentially would like to be the bachelor of The Bachelor SA, if I could fly to Johannesburg and meet with them, to see if they want to work with me; and also if they're someone I wanted to work with.

I wasn't fully sure what the whole The Bachelor concept was about, so after the phone call I did research, and googled The Bachelor and I thought about it and I decided to go through with the meeting.

They flew me to Johannesburg and that went really well. And I thought, you know, it's quite a bizarre and unique way to do meet someone on TV on such a big stage and platform like The Bachelor. But it's an opportunity that I just couldn't turn down.

I've been so busy and focused on building my career and laying the platform for my businesses and my future that I have kind of pushed my love-life aside. I saw this opportunity as the perfect opportunity to fully focus and concentrate on finding the one - and that's the reason I decided to do this.

And I just think it's an opportunity that not many people will ever get to have and I just think it will be a great story to tell one day to my children and my grandchildren. I trust that M-Net and Rapid Blue will have a great selection of ladies for me to choose from.

I'm just confident and trust the process and that's my mindset going into this whole journey.

And how do you think you will figure out who's there for love and for the right reasons and who's there for fame and just to be on TV, and for whom it might just become a competition that they don't want to lose or have to leave the mansion?
Lee Thompson: I think that's going to be the tricky part.

I like to think that I'm a very good judge of character, so I did think about that before accepting the offer to be the bachelor of The Bachelor South Africa on M-Net. If I wasn't a good judge of character, I wouldn't see those things coming.

I think that I am a good judge of character and going into this journey I will be able to suss out who's there for the right reasons which is love and to find a soulmate and who's there for publicity. I know my intentions are to find real love and to start a family with that person.


Then, what are your hopes from this experience? Are you looking for marriage - that's such a loaded word and a heavy "goal", or would it be an engagement or just the beginning of a relationship that can grow? Do you have a preset idea that it must be "this" or "that" or "that"?
Lee Thompson: Well, all of the above.

I mean, going into it, I'm going in with an open mind. I'm not sure if I'm going to find the one, or if I'm going to find someone I can commit to, or find my wife - that's the whole point, that's what I'm looking for!

And whether it happens, I'll have to see what opportunities present themselves and if I do find my soulmate. But I'm confident; I'm a very optimistic person, so I do think that I will find someone that I could spend my life with and start a family with. I mean, that's my core reason for being a part of The Bachelor SA.

I've been so busy and committed to other projects in my life that my love-life has taken a backstep, so I just want to go through this journey and give it my all. My biggest goal in life is to have a happy family one day and I see this as a step to that and I'm going to do my best to find the right person to be my partner.


How open and vulnerable do you think you will be? Because it not just you looking for love, it's the South African viewing public following and watching it all on M-Net. So, I would think you want to be open but you can't be that open. To what level do you think you will allow yourself to be vulnerable and exposed and to share your private life?
Lee Thompson: Well in the past the reason - one of the reasons - why I'm still single is because I've been shut-up and closed-off quite a bit because I've been through a bit of heartbreak in the past and then you tend to build this "wall".

I promised myself from day one that I accepted this role in The Bachelor SA that I will go into the show and be the bachelor and give it my all and lay my heart on the line. That's my mindset going into it.

Only once you can fully lay your heart on the line and give your all, will you be able to get that in return. That's maybe a mistake I've made in the past and I've learnt from that and being in the public eye - it's something that I'll just manage and take it as it comes.

I think it's very important to be just yourself and through this journey I plan to be just myself from day one and just be Lee Thompson; that's who I am.

Then I want to ask you, in the latest season of The Bachelor in America that just started earlier this month, scheduled to start in May on 1Magic (DStv 103), the bachelor is Colton Underwood (26) who said that he's a virgin. And I want to ask your thoughts on what you think of that?
Lee Thompson: Well, I think that's fantastic, we all have different morals and values in life and he's chosen to be a virgin and that's his personal choice.

I can't really answer that on his behalf but I think it's a wonderful thing if you decide to save yourself for someone special. It's a wonderful thing that he's done I think.


How are you preparing yourself psychologically because the chance is that you're going to be a heartbreaker because there might only be one person left at the end if there is one left at the end - or that your heart might be broken? Do you think you will be fine if you perhaps start crying, and it's on television? Or if some of the women are crying?
Lee Thompson: I don't think you can ever prepare yourself for something like The Bachelor SA and something of this magnitude.

It's just something you have to go through and handle each situation in the moment with sincerity, honesty and kindness. It's going to be tough and challenging - there's no doubt about that. But I'm ready for it.

As I've said I don't enjoy hurting people but I think we all know, going into this process and this journey, there could only be one at the end potentially, and I think going into it, I'm going to let each of the ladies know that as much as I'm offering them a rose, they need to accept it.

So it works both ways and I want to find someone that I connect with and that I have a possible future with and that's how I'll be approaching the whole journey and experience.

What relationship lesson did you learn from previous romantic or friendship relationships that you will not repeat or will remember to bring into this process?
Lee Thompson: I've been through a couple of relationships in the past and it's never nice to go through a breakup but with each relationship, I've learnt something and taken something from it and I'd like to think that it's moulded me into the bachelor and who I am today.

I think the mistakes I've made in the past is not fully committing, maybe focusing my time and not managing my time well enough. I like to think that I've rectified that now through learning from past relationships.

I've also had distance be an issue in the past. With my career and my international modelling career there were times where I had to travel and distance became a factor but not that I'm solidified in South Africa and Cape Town, I want to make sure that distance isn't a problem anymore.

I want to make sure that the relationship I have is with someone I can see often because that's what a real relationship is about - interacting with that person, and seeing that person physically - that's important.

So those are the two things that I'll be taking into this journey and what I've learnt from the past not to do and that has made me a better person today.


How romantic would you say you are and does that matter, or is that not really a thing for you?
Lee Thompson: I'm very romantic.

I think it's very important to show the person that you're with how much they mean to you.

You can do that by being romantic through setting up awesome dates and in The Bachelor South Africa I plan to hopefully do some extreme adventure stuff and some very, very romantic dates that I plan to arrange and that will hopefully be the epitome of a romantic true love story.


The Bachelor South Africa starts on M-Net on Thursday, 14 February on M-Net (DStv 101) at 19:00.