Rapid Blue ups Refiloe Montso to chief operating officer and Grant Flynn as chief creative officer

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African production company Rapid Blue has upped Refiloe Montso to chief operating officer and Grant Flynn as chief creative officer from December 2025.

Rapid Blue, part of BBC Studios, was founded in 1993, and delivers shows like Come Dine with Me South Africa to BBC Studios Africa for channels like BBC Lifestyle and is currently producing Die Kantoor as the Afrikaans version of The Office for MultiChoice's Showmax and kykNET (DStv 144).

Reliloe Montso joined Rapid Blue as business and legal affairs manager in 2024. Grant Flynn joined Rapid Blue in 2021.

Jacob De Boer, executive vice president for global production at BBC Studios, in a supplied quote on the appointments, says "Refiloe and Grant bring great complementary skillsets and a dynamic partnership that will strengthen Rapid Blue's position as a leader in African television".

"Their combined expertise ensures the company continues to thrive in an evolving media landscape and I'm confident in the future success of our South African production business."

Refiloe Montso says "I'm thrilled to take on this responsibility and continue building on Rapid Blue's legacy of delivering world-class content. Our focus remains on creating stories that resonate deeply with audiences across Africa and beyond".

Grant Flynn says "This is an exciting chapter for Rapid Blue. With Refiloe and the incredible team, we are committed to pushing creative boundaries and producing shows that entertain, inspire, and connect people. Our team is passionate about storytelling and we can't wait to share what’s next".

Die Kantoor as South African version of The Office coming to Showmax and kykNET in early 2026

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African version of the comedy series The Office that is entitled Die Kantoor will be released on MultiChoice's Showmax video streaming on 20 January, according to a general press release that MultiChoice sent to publications "exclusively" on Monday before later sending it to South Africa media. 

The South African version is the 14th international adaptation of The Office and comes after the Australian version was cancelled after just one season last month.

The South African version is in Afrikaans and produced by Rapid Blue.

When kykNET and Showmax announced the Afrikaans adaptation in August 2024, they were asked whether the title would be Die Kantoor. They said more information would only be made available later. Now the title is indeed Die Kantoor.

kykNET and Showmax said Die Kantoor would make its debut in 2025 but that will now be in early 2026.

In April, TVwithThinus asked about the casting, when filming will start, where filming will be, who the executive producers are and over what period principal photography would be taking place.

The response to this was "You're the first media to follow up on this" with a "put you top of the list for when we have something to announce".

In August, kykNET told the media at the 2025 Silwerskermfees film festival that Die Kantoor's casting had been done.

Die Kantoor is filmed in Cape Town. Bennie Fourie, who was a director on and appeared in the Afrikaans mockumentary series Hotel on kykNET is also a writer and director on Die Kantoor.

On Monday, American trade sites published that Mehboob Bawa, Charl Beukes, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Lida Botha, Daniah de Villiers, Gert du Plessis, Sipumziwe Lucwaba and Ilse Oppelt are the actors in Die Kantoor. 

After publication of the American articles about a South African TV production - marked "exclusive" although it originated from a general press release handout - MultiChoice then sent the same general press release to South African media. 

According to this, Albert Pretorius was cast as the office manager of the fictional Deluxe Processed Meats where the series is set.

Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, executive head of content at Showmax, says in a supplied quote in this general press release, "Our very first Showmax Original was a mockumentary, Tali’s Wedding Diary, so reimagining the most iconic mockumentary of them all has been a full circle moment for us".

Minnie Dlamini fronts Rapid Blue's reality dating adaptation Love Never Dies SA releasing 29 November on Netflix; third season of Urban Brew's Young, Famous & Africa releasing 17 January 2025.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African version of reality dating series Love Never Dies will be released on 29 November with Minnie Dlamini as the host, while the streamer announced that a third season of its conflict-and-conspicuous-consumption reality series Young, Famous & African will be released on 17 January 2025.

Love Never Dies: South Africa is based on Netflix's 2021 reality series from Spain which is now being adapted internationally for other markets, with the South African version which was produced by Rapid Blue and executives produced by  Adi de Lancey and Ziyanda Ngcaba.

In a programming press release from the video streamer sent to South African media about these two unscripted reality shows, Eclipse Communications notes that Love Never Dies: SA will be released on Netflix on 29 November, with another episode on 6 December, followed by a reunion episode on 8 December.

Love Never Dies: South Africa was filmed in Knysna, where M-Net filmed Temptation Island: South Africa for Showmax, with "six couples will put their love lives to the test by facing an eye-scanning lie detector designed to uncover the truth".

The show's description reads that the couple's "Commitment is further challenged by facing temptation from attractive singles. Lies unravel, hidden truths come to light, and emotions run high as bonds are pushed to breaking points. Beyond emotional stakes, a substantial cash prize of up to R1 million awaits the most truthful couple".

Netflix will release a third season of Young, Famous & African on 17 January 2025, produced by Urban Brew Studios and Apop Media, with Jwalane Letaba as showrunner.

Young, Famous & African was created by Peace Hyde and Martin Asare Amankwa, with Adelaide Joshua-Hill, Martin Asare-Amankwa and Peace Hyde as co-executive producers and Wesley Makgamatha as director.

The third season cast includes Khanyi Mbau, Luis Munana, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Diamond Platnumz, Swanky Jerry, Kefilwe Mabote, Shakib Lutaaya, Kayleigh Schwark, Zari Hassan, Ini Edo and Nadia Nakai.

The third season of Young, Famous & African will have 8 episodes with Netflix SA that says it will "deliver more jaw-dropping drama, grander parties and explosive exchanges".

"Old friends reconnect, and new faces join the Young, Famous & African family, bringing more epic ups and downs than ever before. From make-ups to dramatic breakups, all set in the lap of luxury, the season delivers baddies, babies, and everything in between."

MultiChoice developing Afrikaans version of The Office as a Showmax Original for 2025 with Rapid Blue.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice is developing an Afrikaans version of the satirical comedy series The Office in South Africa, licensed from BBC Studios and produced by Rapid Blue, which will start filming and debut in 2025 as a Showmax Original and simultaneously broadcast on kykNET (DStv 144).

The Afrikaans version of The Office will be the 14th version of the mockumentary sitcom. MultiChoice has experience with the format with kykNET's long-running Hotel and the recent Pronk Primêr which is similar to Abbott Elementary. 

On Friday morning Showmax was asked but declined to say whether the title would be something like Die Kantoor, or what the initial episode order is, saying that more information about the production will only be made available later.

Nicola van Niekerk, M-Net's head of premium content and co-productions and now also Showmax's acting head of content, on Friday morning told media at kykNET's 2024 12th Silwerskerm film festival in a press briefing that South Africa will get the 14th adaptation of The Office on partnership with Ricky Gervais.

"We recently signed and we're developing in conjunction with Rapid Blue. We're extremely excited. We've started the process and will look at how is going to play the weird office boss," van Niekerk said.

"In Australia it's a woman. Will South Africa get a man or a woman? Will they be old or young? How will the office make-up look? This is one of the most exciting projects we've worked on in years," van Niekerk said.

"The reason you take a project like this is because of the expertise like the BBC comedy team and Ricky Gervais. But they don't have the writers internally for a South African adaptation. We're crewing up completely locally and we're going to get some of the best Afrikaans writers in the writers' room and make it as strong as possible."

"The thing that makes different versions of The Office so good is the adapted nuance of the writing. The cultural nuance and authenticity is critically important. You can't just take a script, translate it and think it will land. It won't land. So it will be a long development period."

Ziyanda Ngcaba, Rapid Blue managing director, says "We are proud to be producing the first African version of The Office for Showmax and kykNET".

The Office created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant made its debut over two decades ago as a British series and was successfully adapted in other territories like the United States and recently Australia.

Amazon Studios commissions Nigerian travelogue reality series Ebuka Turns Up Africa with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu produced by Rapid Blue.

by Thinus Ferreira

Amazon Studios has commissioned another original African series, Ebuka Turns Up Africa, from Nigeria, as a travelogue reality show which will debut on the video streaming service in 2024.

In Ebuka Turns Up Africa, an Amazon Prime Video Original, the Nigerian Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, together with Timini Egbuson, Zubby Michael, Jimmie Akinsola, Onoja Adole, and Alistair Englebert Preston travel through Africa "uncovering hidden treasures and testing loyalties and friendships".

Ebuka Turns Up Africa is part of Amazon Studios growing slate of content put in production and acquired from the African continent and is produced by South Africa's Rapid Blue Productions Nigeria, an offshoot of Rapid Blue in South Africa, with Ziyanda Ngcaba and Erika Klopper as the co-executive producers.

The new Nigerian series follows after the disappointing and little-publicised Gangs of Lagos which finally made its debut earlier this year with very little fanfare or media traction as the first Amazon Original film from Africa.

Amazon Studios is also doing a format version of LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, along with a South African version of LOL with Trevor Noah as host.

In a press release, Amazon Studios says "Ebuka Turns Up Africa is a captivating showcase of camaraderie and adventure, as Ebuka undertakes the journey of a lifetime with his guys", describing the upcoming show as "a compelling series that not only transcends borders but reveals the men behind their celebrity personas".

"As our all-star cast ignites their spirit of exploration, personalities clash and tempers flare in a journey across the continent that isn't always smooth sailing."

"The adventure will take the team of intrepid travellers through a variety of experiences, from exploring Africa's most desirable destinations to delving into daring, high-adrenaline activities. Friendships will be tested, as the guys discover the magic of unity."

The press release about Ebuka Turns Up Africa was shared with Africa's media after it was specifically asked for, and only after the show's existence was announced at a panel at 2023's MIPCOM in Cannes yesterday by Ned Mitchell, the head of originals for Amazon Prime Video for the Africa and Middle East region.

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian originals at Amazon Studios, was part of the MIPCOM panel with Ned Mitchell where the Ebuka Turns Up Africa announcement was made.

"This is Ebuka and Africa like you've never seen before!"exclaims Ned Mitchell in the press release.

"It's an invitation for audiences to immerse themselves in the heart and soul of Africa. Ebuka Turns Up Africa is a unique celebration of Africa, brought to life by Ebuka and his top squad."

In a prepared quote, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu states "This journey was not only an exciting exploration of Africa, it was an opportunity for audiences to see a different side of me and the guys. Whilst we had a huge amount of fun and plenty of laughs, there were also some pretty intense conflicts - it was one wild adventure!"

Idols, The Voice SA, SA's Got Talent and Strictly revived for SA's free-to-air viewers, Masked Singer SA renewed for 2 more seasons.

by Thinus Ferreira

Strictly Come Dancing SA and SA's Got Talent are being revived for new free-to-air audiences, with The Masked Singer SA renewed for a further two seasons, Deal or No Deal SA getting a second season, while both The Voice SA and the long-running Idols that ran out of steam on pay-TV is getting free-to-air oxygen.

Like it did last September for the first time, Primedia on Monday held another of its so-called "PrimeX" events where it touted some format reality shows that its expanding Primedia Studios is planning to bring to South African television.

As part of its growing entertainment content slate of reality competition and shiny floor shows, Primedia Studios has renewed The Masked Singer SA on SABC3 for another two seasons, renewed Deal or No Deal SA for a second season, is reviving SA's Got Talent that was on e.tv, is reviving The Voice SA that was on M-Net for a free-to-air audience, and is also taking over Idols that was cancelled as a pay-TV show and bringing it to free-to-air viewers.

Similar to The Masked Singer SA and the revived Deal or No Deal SA that Primedia brought to SABC1 and SABC3 over the past year and announced in September last year, Primedia now plans to bring back and revilatise Strictly Come Dancing SA, SA's Got Talent, The Voice SA and also Idols that stalled on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and is in its final season on pay-TV.

Primedia only told some media about its PrimeX event held at Montecasino in Johannesburg with Primedia CEO Jonathan Procter and issued no press release on Monday after the event. 

According to insiders, while several shows were touted on stage, some of the contracts are not yet in place.

As part of the second PrimeX presentation, Anele Mdoda who produced The Masked Singer SA under her Rose and Oaks Media production banner, also did an interview on-stage with comedian Trevor Noah, while Deal or No Deal SA host Katlego Maboe also made an on-stage appearance.

Production company Rapid Blue did eight seasons of Strictly Come Dancing that aired on SABC2 and later SABC3 until 2015. In 2018 the format was revived and taken over by M-Net with Rapid Blue producing a single season for M-Net but rebranding it under the show's American moniker of Dancing with the Stars SA.

Now the show will return to free-to-air - very likely SABC3 - and again as Strictly Come Dancing as the British version is also known as.

After 18 seasons on M-Net, then on M-Net and Mzansi Magic jointly and then on Mzansi Magic, Idols will also move from pay-TV where the show got cancelled, to free-to-air - very likely SABC1 in order to give it the biggest potential new talent pool and TV audience. 

With massively declining audience ratings, on pay-TV, Idols that has run out of viewership steam, has barely reached 403 818 DStv subscribers who tuned in during August. 

In earlier seasons before a dramatic viewership decline set in that co-incided with judge Somizi Mhlongo who was engulfed in scandals, Idols brought close to and over a million viewers on Sunday evenings to DStv.

SA's Got Talent, also produced by Rapid Blue, saw eight very successful seasons  between 2009 and 2017 - the first two of which were on SABC2 after moving to e.tv from the third season onwards. It's likely that SA's Got Talent could now re-emerge on SABC2.

The Voice SA will also jump to cater to a new free-to-air audience after M-Net had the reality talent competition for three seasons between 2016 and 2019 and where Anele Mdoda served as host for the third and last season.

Amazon Studios teaming up with Trevor Noah for LOL: Last One Laughing SA produced by Rapid Blue as the first Amazon South African Original series.

by Thinus Ferreira

Amazon Studios has roped in Trevor Noah for Amazon Prime Video's first South African Amazon Original series, with the comedian who will pit 10 comedians and entertainers against one another to see who wins R1 million for charity in LOL: Last One Laughing South Africa.

The first season of LOL: Last One Laughing SA will premiere on Amazon Prime Video in early 2024 with the video streaming service adapting its own LOL franchise for a South African version. 

Different versions already exist in more than 20 countries, including Nigeria which started production on the first season of LOL: Last One Laughing Nigeria last year with comedian Basketmouth as host.

LOL: Last One Laughing South Africa will be Amazon Studios' first South African Amazon Original series, greenlit as the streaming service continues to staff up its TV maker ranks in Cape Town with experienced executives who will eventually be responsible for commissioning an expanding slate of South African series and movies for a global audience.

Trevor Noah will record the six LOL: Last One Laughing episodes of 30 minutes each in South Africa, produced by South Africa's Rapid Blue which is well-versed in South African adaptations of format shows, in conjunction with his own Day Zero Productions.

The former host of The Daily Show on Paramount Global's Comedy Central has previously done stand-up specials for MultiChoice's Showmax streamer, as well as his Trevor Noah presents NationWild in 2018 for M-Net and Showmax in which he served as the host and showcased new upcoming South African comedians.

Trevor Noah has also done three comedy stand-up specials for Netflix so far: Son of Patricia, Afraid of the Dark and last year's I Wish I Would.

In LOL: Last One Laughing, Trevor Noah will pit 10 well-known South African comedians and entertainers against one another to see who can keep a straight face while simultaneously trying to make their opponents laugh. Anyone who laughs, loses. The grand prize is R1 million which will go to the first season winner's South African charity of choice.

"I'm excited to be back home to host Amazon Prime Video's first South African Original, LOL: Last One Laughing, and to have a chance to connect with my home audience," says Trevor Noah in a statement.

"I am equally delighted for the opportunity to be working alongside my fellow home-grown comedy stars on a show that not only entertains but gives back to the South African production and charity communities."

Ned Mitchell, Amazon Prime Video head of Africa and Middle East Originals, says "We are delighted to be announcing Trevor's momentous return home to South Africa as the host of Amazon Prime Video's first South African Original, LOL: Last One Laughing".

"Comedy, in all its forms, shines among South Africa's most valuable treasures. Together with an A-list roster of this country's incredible home-grown comedic talent competing for a great charitable cause, Trevor and Amazon Prime Video are demonstrating the depth of our shared ambition to invest and elevate the very best of South Africa for audiences locally and around the world."

BBC Studios Africa commissions second season of Rapid Blue's Homegrown Tastes SA with Lorna Maseko for BBC Lifestyle in 2023.

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios Africa has commissioned Rapid Blue to film a second season of Homegrown Tastes South Africa with presenter Lorna Maseko, with the next season which will start on BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) in 2023.

Filming on the second season of Homegrown Tastes SA will take place in December 2022 for 7 weeks.

Pierre Cloete, BBC Studios Africa commercial director, says in a statement that "We are thrilled to bring another season of Homegrown Tastes South Africa to BBC Lifestyle audiences and to have the wonderful Lorna Maseko returning to our screens".

"We've seen a  real appetite for local content and this announcement reflects our commitment to bring even more local commissions to the channel. It's very exciting to have season 2 ready for production and to see the show going from strength to strength."

Ziyanda Ngcaba, Rapid Blue managing director, in the statement says "We're thrilled that the first season of Homegrown Tastes South Africa received such a positive response from BBC Lifestyle viewers. Having been awarded a second season, we can't wait to cook up more deliciousness and showcase the wonders of South Africa".

"It's amazing to work with the talented Lorna Maseko again - she really is the heart that brings the series to life."

Lorna Maseko, in the statement says "I am so excited that Homegrown Tastes South Africa is returning to  BBC Lifestyle for a second season. To celebrate South Africa's incredible produce and the people behind the magic, is what makes this show so special".

"The response to season one was incredible and I can't wait for audiences to discover even more local stories, delicious recipes and inspirational chefs. I'm so ready for this journey and I can't wait for BBC Lifestyle's audiences to join me next year."

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'.

NBCUniversal renews South Africa's Celebrity Game Night for season 4 on E! Africa with Anele Mdoda, Ayanda Thabethe and Jason Goliath returning.

by Thinus Ferreira

NBCUniversal International Networks has renewed its South African version of celebrity game show Celebrity Game Night produced by Rapid Blue and shown on E! (DStv 124) for a 10-episode fourth season that will premiere in 2023 and with production set to start in September.

Multi-hyphenate producer-presenter Anele Mdoda returns, together with team captains Ayanda Thabethe and Jason Goliath.

In the fourth season which will once again be filmed in Johannesburg, an array of South African celebrities will once compete in a string of party games that will test their pop culture knowledge, physical skills and acting mettle.

Lee Raftery, managing director for the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region for NBCUniversal International Networks & direct-to-consumer, says "We're delighted to bring a brand-new season of our award-winning original production Celebrity Game Night, which has just been nominated for its second SAFTA, to E! Africa".

"Expect big celebrities, bigger games and most importantly the biggest laughs yet!"

The Hollywood Game Night format is distributed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The original NBC version of the series was created by actor-producer Sean Hayes and producer Todd Milliner and has since been adapted locally in Greece, French Canada, Spain, Iceland, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Ziyanda Ngcaba promoted to CEO of Rapid Blue from April as co-founder and CEO Duncan Irvine steps down after 3 decades.

by Thinus Ferreira

Ziyanda Ngcaba has been promoted as Rapid Blue CEO from 1 April with veteran producer and co-founder of the production company, Duncan Irvine, stepping down as CEO after three decades.

Duncan Irvine will be using his experience and skills in a new venture, "providing services to brands, broadcasters and production companies alike, in the areas of content development, packaging and funding solutions" according to a statement.

Rapid Blue has produced shows for all of South Africa's major broadcasters from the SABC and e.tv to various local M-Net channels and international third-party pay-TV channels on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service.

Ziyanda Ngcaba joined Rapid Blue in 2020 as an executive producer and business director and was promoted to managing director at Rapid Blue in April 2021. She joined Rapid Blue after having worked at eMedia Investments and the SABC

During her time with Rapid Blue the production company has produced the 7th season of Come Dine with Me SA for BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174), the upcoming 10-episode original series Homegrown Tastes South Africa also for BBC Lifestyle fronted by Lorna Maseko, and the third season of the South African version of Celebrity Game Night for NBCUniversal's E! (DStv 124).

There's also been a second season of Family Feud South Africa with Steve Harvey as presenter for e.tv, with Rapid Blue that facilitated the Nigerian shoots for Warner Brothers Television's American series Bob Hearts Abishola seen on M-Net's 1Magic (DStv 103) channel.

Duncan Irvine in the statement says "I am thrilled that Ziyanda will be heading up Rapid Blue".

"With her wealth of expertise in the business of television, drive and creativity, I know we will see the company thrive. After almost 30 years leading Rapid Blue, I'm immensely proud of the team that we have built and I have no doubt that the future will be bright".

"I am grateful to be able to continue to offer my support in new ways by developing fresh content solutions through alternative funding models. Ziyanda has stepped into the managing director role seamlessly over the last year, I am confident that our vision will be carried forward under her leadership with the support of the best team in the industry."

Ziyanda Ngcaba says "I am hugely honoured to take the helm and steer this ship".

"I look forward to carrying ahead Duncan and Kee-Leen's values, creative ambition and passion for quality entertainment."

"With the company producing a series of brilliant shows, we are eager to continue to grow Rapid Blue productions and I am confident in the future. We have a strong creative team, with a combined experience of over 100 years in the industry,  who are vital in the future success of the company."

"We will continue to create brilliant projects which I can't wait for audiences in South Africa and around the world to see."

ALSO READ: Rapid Blue appoints Mmabatho Kau in newly-created role to head up its scripted division as production company plans to expand its scripted content slate.

Chef-presenter Lorna Maseko to front new 10-episode Homegrown Tastes South Africa series from Rapid Blue for BBC Lifestyle in 2022.

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios' BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) will broadcast a new lifestyle series, Homegrown Tastes South Africa, in 2022, produced by Rapid Blue with chef Lorna Maseko as the presenter.

In Homegrown Tastes South Africa, Lorna Maseko journeys across South Africa - from Johannesburg to the highest town in South Africa, Dullstroom, the Karoo, the Cape's winelands and its fishing fleets - to meet South African celebrities, South African chefs, producers and restaurant owners.

In Homegrown Tastes South Africa Lorna Maseko explores South Africa's unique homegrown cuisine from urban street food to signature South African dishes, eafood and wines.

In each episode Lorna Maseko prepares her own interpretation for local chefs and celebrities.

Filming has started on Homegrown Tastes South Africa that will continue for 7 weeks and will consist out of 10 episodes.

Ziyanda Ngcaba, Rapid Blue managing director, says "Homegrown Tastes South Africa will provide an inspirational look into South Africa's cuisine in a way that has never been done before".

"From the moment Lorna approached us, and told us about her love for good food and her global experiences with tastes, we were thrilled to turn that into a TV show."

"Together we will celebrate all that is grown in our local soil and the people and communities that so proudly invest their lives creating the world's very best produce."

"With mouthwatering recipes, local celebrities, inspirational stories, beautiful landscapes and the very best host, it's the perfect fit for BBC Lifestyle and we're excited for audiences of all ages to tune in next year."

Lorna Maseko says "Homegrown Tastes South Africa goes beyond the incredible food, it also celebrates the farmers, the soil and where our favourite dishes came from".

"I want South Africans to be proud of who we are and enjoy the stories behind our food. We have some of the most inspiring chefs that are respected globally, and I know this is content South Africans are hungry for. We have started creating magic and I can't wait for BBC Lifestyle's audiences to see the results."

Rapid Blue appoints Mmabatho Kau in newly-created role to head up its scripted division as production company plans to expand its scripted content slate.

by Thinus Ferreira

Rapid Blue has appointed Mmabatho Kau as the head of its new scripted division as the South African production company that has mostly focused on format reality series has ambitions to expand its TV genre offering especially as video streaming companies like Netflix and MultiChoice's Showmax are increasing production budget spend across the African continent.

Mmabatho Kau will now lead Rapid Blue's development in scripted content creation in this newly created role.

Rapid Blue in a statement says that Mmabato Kau will "develop and drive Rapid Blue's ambitions in scripted content, from sourcing new business opportunities in response to the growing demand for high-quality local intellectual property to the delivery of compelling content for local and international platforms and clients".

Rapid Blue is known for working with BBC Studios to produce reality competition format shows in South Africa and lately also Kenya for the BBC's pay-TV channels like Come Dine With Me SA, as well as shows like The Bachelor SA, The Bachelorette SA, Strictly Come Dancing SA and Love Island SA for M-Net (DStv 101), Celebrity Game Night for NBCUniversal's E! (DStv 124) and Family Feud SA for e.tv.

Mmabatho Kau has over 20 years experience as a producer and development executive and produced the 12th season of Soul City for SABC1 and was a script consultant on Netflix South Africa's Happiness is a Four Letter Word sequel film Happiness Ever After.

According to Rapid Blue Mmabatho Kau managed an unnamed entertainment TV channel and also worked at the shutter pay-TV operator Kwese, and mentored in writing labs in Australia, Poland, Uganda and Ethiopia.

"I'm thrilled to join the talented team at Rapid Blue to develop the scripted slate and unlock opportunities to bring compelling stories and unforgettable characters to audiences in South Africa and around the world," says Mmabatho Kau. 

Ziyanda Ngcaba, Rapid Blue managing director, says "Following more than 30 years of producing award-winning unscripted content for African audiences, Mmabatho Kau is an important hire to fulfil our ambition for growth in scripted".

"Rapid Blue has already seen success in scripted production, having produced two seasons of Is’thunzi for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), with Thuso Mbedu, who received two iEmmy nominations for best actress".

"I am confident that with Mmabatho Kau's varied experiences and ability to craft and produce African stories that resonate globally, she will carve a new path for Rapid Blue."

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'.

Phone a friend. SA is getting a 5th Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? season.

by Thinus Ferreira

You'll want to phone a friend: South Africa is getting a 5th season of the game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? that is being revived for at least one Afrikaans season on kykNET (DStv 144) although anyone can enter since contestants can simply point to the right one out of four possible answers in the multiple-choice quiz to try and win R1 million.

After 17 years, M-Net is warming up the once-hot international game show format now licensed by Sony Pictures Television, with Red Pepper Pictures that is taking over from Rapid Blue to produced an Afrikaans version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, entitled Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? for kykNET.

The South African version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? ran for four seasons between 1999 and 2005, first on M-Net and later jumping to SABC3, with Jeremy Maggs as the quiz host in the spotlight-and-dramatic-music filled studio. 

A possible Afrikaans version that was eventually planned and then scuppered is now finally going into production, similar to the single Afrikaans season of Idols that kykNET did in 2006. 

With brick-heavy cellphones and the Netscape-browser internet still in their infancy, potential Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? contestants had to use a Telkom landline (know what That is 2021-contestant?) to dial a number and answer enough questions correctly using tone-dialing push buttons to enter. 

Cue 2021 and people who want to enter Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? can do so on kykNET's website, with a second round of multiple choice test auditions that will be done over Zoom. 

Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? contestants will have to be in or willing to travel to Cape Town where Red Pepper Pictures will film the season. Potential contestants who must have a good general knowledge, must be a South African citizen, older than 18, and must be available for the recording of episodes during September and October.

It's not yet known who will be the Afrikaans Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? game show host but the Covid-19 pandemic and the country's adapted coronavirus safety protocols during filming of TV shows is bringing a potential new twist to the new South African season: The likely lack of an in-studio audience.

While Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? used to offer a contestant 4 different so-called "lifelines" during the course of their attempt to win R1 million by answering 15 questions correctly. Red Pepper Pictures and kykNET are definitely reducing the lifelines to just three - a strong indication that the "Ask the Audience" option is very likely falling away.

While "50/50" (removing two incorrect answers), and "Phone a Friend" (making a call to a pre-selected friend to ask if they know the right answer) will definitely remain, "Ask the Audience" (an audience poll) might very likely get swopped out in Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? - as has happened with several other versions of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? worldwide that went audience-less because of Covid-19.

"Ask the Audience" in Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? could be replaced by "Ask the Host", Switch the Question (a replacement question), or "Three Wise Men" (asking in-studio experts for their answer).

Entries for Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? are open until 6 August.

M-Net’s first season of Love Island South Africa was filmed in Franschhoek at the private vineyards of the Maison Wine Estate – this is why and what it took to rig the reality TV production there.

by Thinus Ferreira

I can reveal that South Africa's first season of Love Island South Africa was filmed on the edge of Franschhoek in the Western Cape with the villa for the South African Islanders that was located on the private Maison Wine Estate and its vineyards close to the world-class Chefs Warehouse.

While many guessed at the possible location, the non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that the Islanders taking part in the reality series had so sign before joining the series, have been so airtight that even after their exit none have been able to, or been willing to, divulge where they've really been staying.

M-Net and Rapid Blue kept the exact location secret ahead of and during production and broadcast in order to try and minimise the possibility of onlookers or curious visitors who might disrupt or negatively impact the show with their physical presence if they went to the Maison wine estate to see if they can see anything of the making of Love Island SA.

It was a big departure of the producers to make use of the picturesque Franschhoek, 80km outside of Cape Town, for the localised South African adaptation of the ITV Studios format.

The production company Rapid Blue previously used The Midden Cottage, a 3-storey gated house in Eagles Nest Cape Town for ITV's 2020 Winter Love Island UK season and that has sweeping views over the vineyards of the Constantia valley.

Love Island France that was broadcast in early-2020 Rapid Blue used the spectacular Lothian House mansion on the Lothian Vineyards wine estate in the Western Cape's Elgin Valley in Grabouw.

Located on the banks of the Palmiet River, this sumptuous mansion comes complete with its own private lake.

For South Africa's version on M-Net (DStv 101), the production reviewed over 70 options and decided that the Maison farmhouse - originally a barn built in 1796 that had been converted over the years and that is now rented out as holiday accommodation and comes complete with a pool deck - would be the ideal fit for Love Island South Africa.

According to the production, the Franschhoek setting and farmhouse just off of the R45 road, "ticked all of the boxes" required to produce Love Island South Africa.

Love Island SA needed a bedroom space big enough space to fit 7 double beds; a pool; a garden area to accommodate the firepit, as well as a gym area. 

The patio needed to be big enough to accommodate an outside kitchen for the Islanders, a stove, a sink and a fridge, an area for 2 beach huts; an area for the Hideaway where Islander couples could spend time alone, as well as space close enough to the villa for the Challenge deck.

The show also wanted a stunning pool with a powerful visual backdrop, and in addition the production required space to set up a technical base camp close by so that the gallery and post-production departments could be linked through fiber-optics cabling.

Rapid Blue found the accommodation and contracted the villa through a location agency. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 1 guest toilet; 2 living spaces, wrap-around verandas, 3 kitchens, a private splash pool and a large entrance with koi ponds.

So why did M-Net and Rapid Blue not use The Midden Cottage again? 

Well, this time the show was looking for a villa in an area that would allow most of the production team to be accommodated within a 10-minutes drive because of the show's shorter rig and build time - and also had to be on a property that would not have urban noise restrictions.

The construction team that was brought in to transform the farmhouse into a Love Island SA villa had to work fast and installed technical lighting, microphones and various cameras that were rigged to capture all of the Islanders' antics.

Over 20 interior walls were constructed on-location to form a Love Island South Africa layout, complete with 10 neon phrase lights placed throughout the villa. Over 250 meters of festoons with over 16 structural poles were used.

Love Island SA had 2 medics living inside the production bubble of the show to look after any medical concerns, and to monitor the Covid-19 free integrity of the entire bubble production.

ALSO READ: Sexy, young Islanders enter quarantine in preparation of M-Net's Love Island SA in Cape Town for a Covid-free show - with condoms.

Libho and Thimna in a landslide win as Love Island SA's ultimate couple on M-Net after 'Limna' grabs over 53% of the total 1.6 million votes during the final round.

by Thinus Ferreira

The first season of Love Island South Africa ended on M-Net (DStv 101) after 6 weeks on Sunday night with fan favourites and romantic couple Thimna and Libho, better known as "Limna", who won R1 million in a landslide victory in the reality show after getting over 53% of the total 1.6 million votes that were cast over the past week by viewers. 

The Eastern Cape based had more than half of the entire vote in the Rapid Blue produced show, with the other 47% that were divided by 30% going to Millie Terblanche and Asad Boomgaard, followed by Mischka Najar and Xavier Haupt with over 12%, and finally Ross Marshall and Tania Kera in 4th place with just over 2% in vote share

The student-athlete and freelance model Libho (23), who hails from King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, said that the win was "completely overwhelming".

"I feel great, to be honest, it hasn't sunk in yet. But my biggest prize is being able to call Thimna my girlfriend, so everything else feels like the icing on the cake."

The Mossel Bay-born, Thimna (26) said "I am so grateful to everyone who voted for Libho and I. My experience has been such an eye-opener. I realised so many things – good and bad – and I am so grateful for the lessons".

 

The vote count and ranking of contestants in the local adaptation of the ITV Studios format show was independently re-calculated by Deloitte & Touche based on the votes received and the voting rules and M-Net says that the re-calculated results were confirmed against the voting results determined by and provided by M-Net.

Episodes of Love Island SA will remain available on MultiChoice's DStv Catch-Up until 10 May 2021.