OUT OF STYLE. Style is done on DStv as Universal Networks International (UNI) finally kills off the struggling channel in South Africa and Africa as well.

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Style (DStv 173) is going the way of the dodo coat and corduroy bell bottoms with The Style Network becoming the first TV channel South African viewers will lose in 2015 when Style is cut and killed off for DStv subscribers in South Africa and across the rest of the African continent by the end of January.

TV with Thinus asked Universal Networks International (UNI) about the demise of Style but got no response yet. In response to a media enquiry made to MultiChoice, the satellite pay-TV platform confirms that "Style will no longer air on DStv from Sunday 1 February".

After NBCUniversal decided to dump Style in September 2013 in American and then also terminated Style two months later in December 2013 in the United Kingdom, warning lights instantly lit up for the struggling style channel limping along with a lack of actual new content with which to feed the schedule.

The culling of Style instantly gave rise to questions as to whether, and for how long, Style would continue as a TV channel in South Africa and Africa on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.

The practical difficulty revolved around how a channel like Style - with DStv getting the UK packaged version from Universal Networks International (UNI) - would continue and be sustained given that the original USA feed no longer existed and that no supplement content from Style UK were produced or sourced anymore.

In December 2013, Universal Networks International (UNI) told TV with Thinus that Style would remain as a TV channel on DStv.

UNI said then that "Style continues to be a key channel brand for Universal Networks International in South Africa, irrespective of any changes impacting Style in the United Kingdom," but after a year and with Style finally being shut down here as well, it is now clear that Style is no longer a key brand for UNI in Africa and South Africa.

Style relaunched with a new on-air look in March 2013, doing away with the pink dot logo design. MultiChoice added The Style Network in November 2007, meaning the channel survived on DStv for just over seven years.

MultiChoice says "Universal Networks International (UNI), who offers this channel outside of the US, has been evaluating options for the channel on a territory-by-territory basis in markets where Style operates".

With UNI which has finally decided to dump Style as a TV channel in South Africa and Africa with less than a month's notification to viewers, that leaves UNI's other channels on DStv like E! Entertainment, Universal Channel, Telemundo and Studio Universal.

While reality show Giuliana and Bill already crossed over to E! Entertainment, Style's Celebrity Style Story will also move to E!.


10:32 - UNI in response to a media enquiry now also confirms the demise of Style and has essentially the same sentences with which MultiChoice responded.

IN PICTURES. Universal Networks International's first ever TV channels programming upfront for TV critics in Cape Town.

Universal Networks International (UNI) on Thursday afternoon held their first programming upfront ever in Cape Town, South Africa for the five TV channels it supplies to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform in South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Universal Networks International (UNI) runs channels like Universal Channel, Studio Universal, Telemundo, E! Entertainment and Style on DStv.

Kaisa Kantalainen, the Universal Networks International head of marketing for the Benelux, Nordic and Africa region, as well as Eva Dvorakova, PR manager for UNI emerging markets for the EMEA region, hosted the press at the Shimmy Beach Lounge.

They talked TV critics through the various upcoming programming on UNI's five TV channels on DStv.

TV critics sipped on sparkling wine and snacked on various channelised Universal Networks International food at different tables.

Janez Vermeiren, Top Billing and The Man Cave presenter and now TV producer was the host.

Universal Networks International did an interesting scent testing and educational session with a "unique" smell for each of the five TV channels.

The UNI panel didn't take questions, but did share viewership figures for all of the channels, and revealed upcoming programming highlights for all five of the channels with sizzle reels.

UNI wowed with a customised video message from E! News' co-presenter Giuliana Rancic on E! Entertainment (DStv 124) who had a special message for South Africa and August's Women's Month.

Tia & Tamera reality show cancelled after 3 seasons as the prospects of the slowly dying Style channel keeps diminishing.

Tia & Tamera is cancelled - with the end of the reality show which won't see a 4th season - further adding to the dwindling prospects of Style (DStv 173) as a TV channel on MultiChoice's DStv platform in Africa.

Style ended abruptly as a TV channel in the United States in September 2013 and also shut down as a TV channel in the United Kingdom in December 2013.

Universal Networks International (UNI) however maintains that Style will continue on MultiChoice's DStv in South Africa and Africa and will remain a "key channel brand", but it's unclear what kind of content and ongoing new content the lobotomised Style will be able to show, since signature shows which made up the line-up of Style such as Tia & Tamera no longer exists.

Tamera Mowry-Housley (35) announced that Tia & Tamera won't be back for a fourth season on the terminated Style. There was initial talk that Tia & Tamera would move over to E! Entertainment (DStv 124), Style's sister channel, but that will clearly not happen.

"Tia & Tamera will not have a season 4. Thank you for always supporting us throughout the years," wrote Tamera Mowry-Housley.

Tamera Mowry-Housley is continuing with a new American daytime talk show where she is one of the panelists, The Real, while Nickelodeon (DStv 305) viewers will be able to see more of Tia in the new upcoming kids sitcom Instant Mom.

BREAKING. Style to remain on MultiChoice's DStv, 'Style continues to be a key channel brand in South Africa,' says UNI.

Style (DStv 173) will remain as a TV channel on MultiChoice's DStv, despite Style having shut down in America in September and the version of the channel running in the United Kingdom also being terminated there today by Universal Networks International (UNI).

Although the Style Network is now also a gonner from today in the United Kingdom, UNI says Style will continue to be shown in South Africa.

"Style continues to be a key channel brand for Universal Networks International in South Africa, irrespective of any changes impacting Style in the United Kingdom," says UNI in answer to a media enquiry, following the news of the channel's closure in the UK.

BREAKING. Style Network shutting down in UK, following the channel's termination in USA. How long now before Style is finally gone from DStv?

NBCUniversal has now decided to terminate the Style Network (DStv 173) in the United Kingdom as well which is where South Africa's channel feed for the channel on MultiChoice's DStv platform originates from.

It raises questions as to whether it means that Style will soon be terminated in Africa and South Africa as well, giving the practical difficulty of where content would come from to sustain the channel given that the original USA feed no longer exists and no supplement content from Style UK will be produced or sourced.

Style will end as a channel in the United Kingdom today according to World Screen. Style is seen on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform in South Africa on channel 173.

In September the shocking closure of Style's American feed was announced, and a day later Universal Networks International (UNI) told TV with Thinus that "Style on DStv will remain for the time being".

Besides Style UNI runs channels like E! Entertainment, Universal Channel, Telemundo and Studio Universal on DStv in South Africa and Africa.

UNI told World Screen in a statement regarding Style in the United Kingdom that "after thorough consideration, Universal Networks International has taken the decision to withdraw Style from the United Kingdom with effect from 9 December 2013".

UNI says it will focus its efforts on the other TV channels such as E! Entertainment and Universal Channel.

UNI embarked on a major rebrand of Style in April this year as seen on DStv in South Africa and Africa after the rebrand was done in June 2012 for Style in America.

UNI says in a statement today, following a media enquiry from TV with Thinus, that Style will continue to be shown in South Africa.

"Style continues to be a key channel brand for Universal Networks in South Africa, irrespective of any changes impacting Style in the United Kingdom."

BREAKING. Style on DStv will remain for the time being, although Style in America is terminated as a brand on 23 September.

Style (DStv 173) will remain as a TV channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform for the time being, although Style in America - the original channel feed of the version seen in the United Kingdom and South Africa - is being terminated in America as a brand on 23 September.

Style in America is called "redundant" and is being changed from the female-centric channel its been, to a male-skewed Esquire Network.

That leaves major question marks behind what will be happening with Style as seen in South Africa and the content on the channel once the bulk of the content specially commissioned and produced for Style is abruptly ending and no longer created to funnel to Style in South Africa.

Universal Networks International (UNI) which runs the adapted version of Style on MultiChoice's DStv as well as channels such as E! Entertainment and Universal Channel says in response to a media enquiry that Style as seen on DStv will remain for the time being, despite the channel's sudden and surprising termination in the United States.

"Whilst we will evaluate options for the channel, Universal Networks International will continue to maintain the international Style brand in its present format until further notice," says UNI in a single sentence response.

It's not clear where the additional programming will originate from to continue to populate a Style feed when the original Style channel in the United States disbands its programming unit of about 100 staff.

It's highly likely that some Style channel signature shows such as Giuliana & Bill will be shifted to E! Entertainment in America, which would mean that those shows will still be funneled to Style outside of America.

The bulk of Style programming however will terminate with the closure of the channel, which means that UNI will have to source additional programming from third party programmers and content providers to fill the Style schedule.

The closure of Style in America comes after the on-screen revamp of the channel in June last year; the rebranding of which was rolled out since April for Style in South Africa.

A brand-new Style: Style Network as seen in South Africa on DStv talks about its brand refresh, channel positioning, and new programming.

Style (DStv 173) is looking new since the beginning of this month, when the new Style logo and on-air look was introduced.

I asked Style about the on-air transformation, what the aim of Style is going forward, how Style has grown and evolved since it's become available on MultiChoice's DStv platform, why the change of the channel's look didn't happen here in South Africa immediately when it changed a few months ago in America, and what is happening - and going to happen - with Style programming wise.

How has Style grown and evolved the past few years that it has been available on the DStv platform?
Through the Style Network refresh we have refined our positioning, focusing on stylish living.
Increased original programming hours bring viewers more of the style-related programmes they are passionate about.
All of these enhancements make Style a must-have for reaching the affluent, young and educated woman.
We are capitalizing on the tremendous equity in our name and our distinct point of view to strengthen our positioning.


With the new look and the brand refresh, what is the aim with and for the Style Network going forward? Where does the channel see itself growing to, and positioning itself as?
Style is the destination that fuels women's insatiable appetite for looking great and living stylishly. Because we love the Style brand we have invested in its evolution and long-term success.
For Style to stay relevant and engaging we need to build on its strengths to expand, elevate and enhance the brand.
We are focused on ensuring that our clear brand positioning reflects the range of programming that our viewers are passionate about watching.

As with E! Entertainment - a sister channel of Style - the brand refresh follows a few months after America. 
Why did it take so long, in other words, why does the change for the channel feeds other than the "original" in the USA not always happen immediately or sooner?
Is it purely logistics, or what factors motivate when it changes elsewhere? 
Or is it just more motivated from a place of "lets first wait and see if it works well in America" approach?
While we worked very closely with our US colleagues in the lead-up to the Style brand refresh, we decided on a timeline that we considered optimal for South Africa, aligning the refresh to coincide with the debut of specific programmes like Kimora: House of Fab, Built and the launch of new seasons of Jerseylicious and Glam Fairy.


There is a noticeable investment in new and more programming on Style which is upping the "appointment television" factor of the channel. What are the shows on Style which have performed really well, and which ones is Style hoping might do well or continue to do well?
While we continue to offer relatable and aspirational programming and content, Style's programming reflects our new attitude.
We're on top of the latest and greatest and we're not shy about it.
Our programming will run the gamut from guilty pleasure to informed opinion to "oh-my-god" drama, all with an eye for style.

As part of the channel refresh Style is launching brand-new series including House of Fab, a new docu-series inside the business of Just Fab, an online shopping site specialising in shoes and accessories run by Kimora Lee Simmons.

There is Built, the hot, humid, dramatic show where remodels never looked so good and follows a Manhattan home service staffed by high-fashion male models who are also skilled handymen.

Big Rich Atlanta is a new spin-off from Big Rich Texas which enters the exclusive world of Buckhead Country Club where outrageously wealthy mothers and daughters do whatever it takes to stay on top of the social scene.

Meanwhile the refreshed Style will continue with fan favourites Giuliana and Bill, Jerseylicious and Glam Fairy.

BREAKING. Style on MultiChoice's DStv platform rebranding with its refreshed new look on 1 April in South Africa.

From 1 April  those two different, double-layered, watermarked Style channel logos DStv subscribers have been seeing on The Style Network will be a thing of the past: Style (DStv 173) as seen in South Africa is finally rebranding on MultiChoice's DStv pay-TV platform from 1 April, switching over to the new look which Style in America adopted in June last year.

In the world of Style and Style (DStv 173) it's better to be dead than out of style, and now Style will now refresh here as well - finally.

ALSO READ: If you Built it: Style's new reality show with hunky handymen who are Manhattan models starting on 1 April 2013.

Last month in February was the last time TV with Thinus enquired as to the long-awaited Style brand refresh and was told there is no date yet. The past while viewers would often have seen the current Style logo as a channel marker watermark super-imposed upon the actual newer Style logo used in America, making for a somewhat confusing viewing experience.

Now NBCUniversal International Television, which runs the channel feed of Style in South Africa and Africa, is announcing that the channel will be changing its look on 1 April when it does away with the pink circle (right) and adopting the new font and look and the slogan of "Work It. Love It. Style It."

"The Style Network is refreshing its brand and image by embracing a new glossy and bold look that appeals to women's desire for living stylish lifestyles," says NBCUniversal International Television in a statement as it pertains to South Africa.

"The channel will refresh its logo, on-air look and tagline in South Africa and around the world - following the North American refresh. The network rebrand will go live on-air in South Africa on 1 April."

"As part of the refresh, the Style circle logo is replaced with a classic midnight blue typeface accented by a splash of light blue. The new logo is mutable and will be filled in with different patterns and colours that reflect the ever-changing trends in fashion and stylish living while embodying how viewers see the world through a prism of Style."

"Style will be the ultimate destination for female viewers who want to stay on top of the latest trends and seek inspiration," says Colin McLeod, the managing director for emerging markets at Universal Networks International.

The new Style refresh in South Africa on 1 April is also taking place on other markets including Australia, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Central Europe and the Middle East as well as Singapore and Indonesia.

Style will be continuing with shows such as the popular Giuliana and Bill, Jerseylicious and Glam Fairy.

In addition Style is launching brand new-series such as Built on 1 April following male model handymen in Manhattan and House of Fab which is a new reality show peeking inside the business of Just Fab - an online shopping site run by Kimora Lee Simmons,.

Another new show on Style is Big Rich Atlanta, the new reality spin-off of Big Rich Texas which heads to the Buckhead Country Club where wealthy mothers and daughters do whatever it takes to stay on top of the social scene.

IF YOU BUILT IT. Style's new reality show with hunky handymen who are Manhattan male models starting on 1 April.

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I can break the news and exclusively reveal that the new reality show Built following hunky home improvers who are actually male models in Manhattan will start on Style (DStv 183) on Monday 1 April at 21:10.

Built follows Shane Duffy, Sandy Dias, Gage Cass, Donny Ware and Mike Keute - male models who also work as home design and construction men as they tackle home makeover projects for clients in New York.

"With their different personalities and skills the team sometimes struggles to find common ground in their work," says Style about Built which has a first season of 10 episodes - code for: beautiful people in conflict surrounded by a heightened sense of drama.

BREAKING. Charlize Theron doing Glam Squad reality show for Style; channel adds two other new shows, Luxe Life Miami and Lifestyles.

Charlize Theron will be executive producing a new reality show for Style (DStv 173) as the fashion and style channel picked up another two brand-new shows as well, Luxe Life Miami and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Charlize Theron whom South African viewers saw on Sunday in the glam doccie Miracle Rising: South Africa on History on MultiChoice's DStv wanting to give her view on the country although she is no longer living here herself, will now be the executive producer of Glam Squad (working title) for Style.

Style says in a statement the channel is working with Charlize Theron "to develop a new competition series, Glam Squad, revolving around the high-stakes pressure of hair stylists and make-up artists who compete to win Hollywood assignments."

Charlize Theron might appear in Glam Squad. "Glam Squad navigates the world of make-up and hair glam squads, giving a behind-the scenes look into what it takes for them to land the job of their dreams," says Style. "Each episode will follow three beauty teams of hair stylists and make-up artists as they vie for the same high-stakes job."

"Whether it's a big-budget music video, a glossy fashion magazine photo shoot or a red carpet event, these talented glam squads are looking for the big break that will catapult their careers to the next level."

Style says Glam Squad will "document the journey of aspiring hair and make-up artists and their unpredictable business. From last-minute jobs to demanding clients, the glam squads will encounter challenges that will not only test their skills and passion, but also their ability to make it in this cutthroat industry."

Style has also commissioned two other brand-new shows, Luxe Life Miami and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, inspired by the original American popular culture series.

Style also renewed two of its existing reality shows for further seasons, Giuliana & Bill for a 6th season and Tia & Tamera for a 3rd season. Style also commissioned a brand-new weekly popular culture magazine show entitled Pop Style.

"Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous is inspired by the original pop culture classic series, which pulls back the curtains on the lives of the fabulously wealthy," says Style in a press statement announcing the show. "The new series will take viewers into the lifestyles and perks of the elite crowd. This humorous, informative and fun ride will travel through the most glamorous locations and hotspots in the world."

Luxe Life Miami (a working title) is a new docu-series which will follow the life and business of Katrina Campins, a former Apprentice contestant and a successful high-end Miami real estate agent. Katrina Campins runs her business with her ex-husband, her controlling Cuban mother and her younger sister.

Style says in Luxe Life Miami, viewers will "get an inside look at the drama of helping high-end clients buy and sell luxury real estate in Miami, along with the trials and tribulations of Katrina searching for true love and happiness."

"From the beach to the bedroom the series will follow Katrina and her team of realtors as they explore Miami's most luxurious properties - beautiful beaches and the hottest bars, clubs and restaurants."


ALSO READ: No word yet on when the Style logo and Style on-air imaging and look on DStv will be changing in South Africa to look like the new Style as it is seen in America.

BREAKING. Style working on a new weekly fashion news show, currently with the working title Pop Style.

Style (DStv 173) has commissioned its first-ever topical fashion series Pop Style (currently the working title) which will start later this year on the fashion TV channel in America and which is sure to be added to the programming line-up of the channel for it's South Africa feed coming through the United Kingdom.

Pop Style will be Style's attempt to create an E! News type show  focusing on fashion and style news and will be presented by the style experts Jeannie Mai and Louise Roe.

Pop Style will look at the current style and fashion world from a popular culture perspective, bringing viewers all the style and fashion news, trends and people making fashion news.

"From the fashion front lines of New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Toledo, Pop Style is a live, weekly, no-limits journey to the centre of all things style," says Style. "This weekly topical studio-based series will advise Style viewers on how to look good and live stylishly, updating them on the latest news in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and pop culture."

"From accessible fashion cues and the hottest trends in entertainment to the coolest tech gadgets and most buzz-worthy restaurants, no topic will be left uncovered."


ALSO READ: Charlize Theron doing Glam Squad reality show for Style; channel adds two brand-new shows, Luxe Life Miami and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
ALSO READ: No word yet on when the old Style logo and old Style on-air imaging of the channel on DStv in South Africa will be updated to look like the channel looks now in America.
ALSO READ: Both reality shows Giuliana & Bill and Tia & Tamera renewed for further seasons on Style.

Style: No word on when the Style logo and on-air imaging for the channel in South Africa on DStv will change from the old to the new.

There's no word yet on when the fashion channel Style (DStv 173) as it is seen in South Africa will do away with the old and be in with the new.

There's no word yet on when the on-air rebranding will be taking place for South Africa of Style. I reported in June last year of the on-air style change of Style in America to the new logo above.

South African viewers on MultiChoice's DStv are still seeing the old Style (right), similar to how E! Entertainment on DStv and Discovery Science on TopTV took months to change over and again be similar to their American counterparts in terms of style and on-air look and feel.

Rihanna to produce and appear in a new fashion design reality show in 2013 for Style, Styled to Rock, looking for a new fashion designer.

The music star Rihanna will executive produce and appear in a new fashion design reality show, Styled to Rock, for Style (DStv 173), produced by Will Smith and James Lassiter's Overbrook Entertainment and Shed Media US.

Styled to Rock will have a first season of 10 hourlong episodes and will track 12 upcoming designers, picked by Rihanna, to create fashion items and style A-list celebrities. It's the first reality show of this kind for Style.

"Styled to Rock and Style's new partnership with Rihanna will reinvent the fashion competition genre, fuelling our viewers' insatiable appetite for all  things style," says Salaam Coleman Smith, the president for Style Media in a statement.

"Fashion has always played an integral part in my life and career. I'm so excited to partner with Style and share my creative insight with these 12 designers and give them this opportunity to showcase their work," says Rihanna in the statement.

Styled to Rock will enlist top experts from the fashion industry to serve as mentors and as usual in these competitions, the contestants will weekly have to push their creative limits as they're tasked to style stars.

Each week's celebrity guest will determine which designer best achieves their vision and who will be advancing to the next week's competition as someone gets eliminated.

Style finds studs; new reality show to follow five male models in Manhattan who are also experienced handymen.

Style (DStv 183) says it has found "studs on a new home design docu-series" - five male models who will be followed in a new reality series for the channel who work with power tools and do home improvements.

Built, which will have a first season of 10 episodes, will follow five male models in Manhattan who are part of a home design and construction service staffed exclusively with male models who are also experienced handymen.

"On each new episode of Built the five-man crew will tackle a home makeover project by helping their clients with remodeling challenges. With their different personalities and skill sets, the Built team sometimes struggle to find common ground in their work, however, their dizzying good looks bind them together and ensure a handsome ending."

The Built models who are a part of the show include Shane Duffy, Sandy Dias, Gage Cass, Donny Ware and Mike Keute. Kim Gieske is a top interior designer and home stylist who collaborates with the guys.

Endemol USA is producing Built and will start in America in January 2013, sure to be seen later in 2013 on Style in South Africa.

Jerseylicious on Style renewed for a 5th season and a further 14 episodes of animal prints, spray tans, fake nails and very real fighting.

There's no end to the animal prints, orange skin tan sprays and the fake nails: Jerseylicious on Style (DStv 173) has been renewed for a 5th season of 14 episodes.

Jerseylicious, produced by Endemol USA, will continue with a new 5th season.

South African viewers just saw the reunion show this week at the end of the 4th season, of course following after the shocker that Olivia plans to leave both Anthony and Gayle's salons to be an "independent consultant".

What will happen to Filippo as he pursues his dream career of being a male underwear model? Is Olivia really gone? What will happen with Tracy and her relationship with new fiance Corey? How will Anthony further expand his business?

Giuliana Rancic COULD have visited South Africa at the end of August, but cancelled in February because of the arrival of her baby boy.

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Giuliana Rancic and her husband Bill Rancic could both have visited South Africa at the end of August - but cancelled.

The E! News presenter and managing editor of E! Entertainment (DStv 124) had the opportunity to visit South Africa but cancelled because of the arrival of their baby boy Edward Duke who was to arrive at that time.

In their reality show Giuliana and Bill on Style (DStv 173), cameras were present when Giuliana and Bill, in the back of a car, got a call from Giuliana Rancic's friend and manager Pam who told her that a South African trip - Giuliana's first - is now a possibility, and would include a five day stay and a safari if she agreed to two speeches.

Tonight's episode, halfway through the latest 5th season on Style, was filmed in mid-February in Chicago just after the Grammy Awards, which is when Giuliana Rancic cancelled on South Africa.

By that time the Rancic's haven't told anybody about their baby and the pregnancy which was in the first trimester. Since Pam is Giuliana's manager, Giuliana Rancic couldn't decline a South Africa visit without a very good reason and explanation. She and Bill decided to tell Pam over the phone about their baby news.

"Not only do I have to cancel South Africa, I have a baby shower to throw," said Pam.

Edward Duke was born at the end of August. George Kotsiopoulos from Fashion Police on E! Entertainment ended up visiting South Africa during the last week of August.

BREAKING. Style Network unveils a brand-new blue logo and slogan of 'Work It. Love It. Style It.'.

Style (DStv 183) is doing away with its pink dotted circle and is unveiling a brand-new channel logo and image with the slogan "Work It. Love It. Style It."

It's not known when the new logo and look will into effect on South African TV screens. Asked when the change of the channel would affect Style in South Africa, Style said "there are no confirmed plans yet".

Discovery Science on TopTV and TLC on TopTV and Dstv are two recent examples of TV channels where the on-screen change happened in South Africa long after the look of the channels already changed overseas.

The Style makeover comes shortly on the heels of the makeover of E! Entertainment (DStv 124) which unveiled that sister channel's new look in May and which will come into effect in July in America and in September in South Africa.

The Style Network will change its logo and appearance in America on 25 June with the aim of differentiating the channel more from competitors and which is not well know for its genre specific programming mostly catering to women.

BREAKING. Style renews reality show Tia & Tamera for a 2nd season; will roll out 5 new series in the coming year.

Style Media which runs The Style Network (DStv 183) has renewed Tia & Tamera for second season as well as Glam Fairy and is adding 5 new TV series to its schedule which would also be seen on the channel in South Africa.

The new Style shows include Betsy + LuLu about the fashion designer Betsey Johnson; a home makeover series with Bill Rancic (the husband of Giuliana Rancic); a show from Adrienne Bailon and Lulissa Bermudez, and the Jerseylicious spinoff Chicagolicious which has already been announced.

Style is also developing some new series. It includes Cat Deeley and another show by Kimora Lee Simmons. "Our upcoming slate builds on Style's commitment to develop compelling programming that showcases fascinating personalities with an insatiable appetite for stylish living," says Style's senior vice president for original programming Sarah Weidman in a statement.

Giuliana & Bill renewed for a 5th season on Style; will follow Giuliana Rancic's battle with breast cancer.

Giuliana & Bill, the reality show of Giuliana and Bill Rancic on Style (DStv 183) has been renewed for a 5th season.

Giuliana & Bill, the 5th season of which will start in America in April and somewhat later in 2012 in South Africa, will follow Giuliana Rancic's battle with breast cancer, her double mastectomy and her return to E! Entertainment (DStv 124) where she works for the daily E! News show.

Despite the sad cancer overtones with which the 5th season of Giuliana & Bill will start, her parents Anna and Eduardo DePandi will also show up as visitors. The Rancics will also be opening their restaurant, RPM Italian, in Chicago where the couple will be househunting as well in the new season.

Giuliana Rancic is currently back at work at E! News following a double mastectomy in December.

''In 2011, we faced our scariest obstacle yet when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but as we start 2012, I am focused on living in the present,'' says Giuliana Rancic in a statement annoucing the 5th season of Giuliana & Bill. ''Bill and I look forward to this new year of opportunity and good health and can't wait to once again share our journey with the Style viewers."

INTERVIEW. Tamera of the new reality show Tia & Tamera starting on Style: 'Once the cameras start rolling, there's no turning back.'

Photos: YIP Photography

Twin Tamera Mowry, one of the twosome of Tia and Tamera - both famous in South Africa for their longrunning TV sitcom Sister, Sister on CCV and SABC1 - is visiting South Africa where their new and funny reality show Tia & Tamera starts this week for a first season on Style (DStv 183) on Wednesdays at 21:15.

Tamera, now married (she's now Tamera Mowry-Housley) has been visiting South Africa with her husband and they've been experiencing Cape Town last week before flying to Johannesburg where they will be staying this week. In Tia & Tamera - a hugely successful new reality show that started on Style in America in July, viewers will see Tamera preparing for her wedding while sister Tia who's been married for three years, is preparing for the birth of her first child.

Complicating matters are Tia who's supposed to be the bridesmaid for Tamera - but are pre-occupied with her own impending motherhood. Tia wants to be there for her sister but can't really, while Tamera is getting frustrated with all the wedding organising.

I jetted into Johannesburg on Monday morning specially for a sit-down interview with the delightful Tamera who made time to talk to me at the ultra-lux as always Michelangelo hotel in Sandton.

In her first interview I asked Tamera how the reality show came about, how it's different to when the sisters were on television and together previously, her impressions of Cape Town and South Africa and what's in store for viewers. Tamera candidly shares her thoughts on the Kim Kardashian wedding (since viewers will see Tamera planning her own wedding), how she and her sister are the same and different, and how exhausting filming a reality show can actually really be. 

Why did you decide to do your own reality show of Tia & Tamera on Style and how did the whole idea come about?

Tamera: It was actually my sister Tia's idea because she's a huge fan of reality TV. I like reality TV, but I like Heidi Klum's show Project Runway, Tia likes the Kardashians and Real Housewives, so she thought it would be a really cool idea for us to do it. At first I was a bit hesitant, because I'm the more private of the two. But ... we were approached to do a reality show about three or four years ago and people kept asking us.

We thought what an amazing time to do it now. I wanted to make sure the timing was right but not just only that. Once I heard from our fans that they really, really wanted to see us do it and thought it would be a cool idea, I was like ''Of course, I'll do it for the fans''.

And some apprehension?

Oh, yes. Because it's reality. You know. I'm very private. And with reality you put everything out there. I realized that you have to allow yourself to be vulnerable, otherwise people are going to see that it's fake. That's one of the main reasons I didn't want any of our fans to think that any of it is fake or just for the cameras. If we do it, we really want it to be as real as possible. I think that's the reason why Tia & Tamera is so successful back in America.

How is Tia & Tamera different as a TV production as opposed to the hugely popular Sister, Sister which is a sitcom and which we've seen you in for years?

Oh, it's so much harder. A lot of people think ''Oh, reality show! You're just on TV to see yourself. Go.'' The truth is you work longer hours - sometimes 14 hours a day. And not only that - it was exhausting at first because you're kind of tip-toeing, you know, around certain issues? You think "oh am I going to say this because somebody's going to think I'm like that or this?'' so at first it was very exhausting.

Then, after a while, again, you just have to be yourself and the more Tia and I allowed ourselves to just be ourselves the easier it got. It's still hard. You don't know what is going to happen; what someone is going to say; what someone is going to do. In scripted television I have to memorise my lines and I know where I stand, and I know where I sit, and then you just go.

Very early on viewers will see you get very upset with your sister.

Yes. [She laughs.]

While the cameras are rolling, are you aware of ''Oh I can't go full out and fight like we do at home'' or how do you determine the level? Because you don't want to be not genuine ...

Exactly!

and on the other hand be ...

... crazy! Exactly. However, that's the reason why we were exhausted in the beginning because we were tip-toeing. So, there is a point at the beginning where I got upset with Tia, and then I did pull back because the cameras are on the outside - I can see them from the corner of my eye - and I thought: people are going to see this! Again, after a while, you think, you know what? Forget it. Around the 4th episode you'll see we just let it out. That's when the show gets really good.

Maybe a difficult question but I have to ask about the Kasdashians ...

Yes.

... because there was also a wedding and now it's over. Do you think there's a danger in being too open with your own personal life when it comes to a reality show? Or how do you determine the level of what should you be sharing with people through television and what not?

Yes. I do think you have to protect yourself. My sister and I, because we're producers of the show, we got to choose beforehand what we're willing to be open about and what things we were not willing to share. However, once the cameras start rolling on the things we've chosen to be completely open about there's no turning back. There are certain things we've protected ourselves from. You'll see me go through the process of me getting married, but you won't actually see the ceremony. That was something that I wanted to keep private.

Can you talk a bit about Cape Town that you visited the past few weeks - South Africa. Is it your first time here?

I loved it. It's amazing. However. To be completely honest, I've never expected or before experienced a township situation vibe. I just didn't understand it at first. I was: ''Whaao. Aluminium shacks! What is this? I actually visited some kids there. They were so happy. You realize they don't have much if you look at it materialistically.

However, my husband took this beautiful picture of this guy actually picking up his son. And it was in a township. And I have to say they looked so happy; so genuinely happy. I think we could really learn from that. Kids are usually so in their toys [Tamera looks down and make with her hands the gesture of someone typing on a cellphone with both hands], always having so many gadgets and things happening; have all these clothes. So there's a lesson there for everybody.

And are you guys filming that for the second season? Do you have a handycam getting footage?

Oh yes. Viewers will definitely see that. And the mountain. So beautiful.

You chose a good time. 

Yes. 

How was the experience of having done a first season and now starting a second season of Tia & Tamera? How is the experience of being back on television and doing reality, and doing with your sister TV work again?

I love working with my sister because it's really not work. Always when I'm with her, I don't see the cameras. We have such a close relationship. It's special because we're twins. And other twins and triplets I'm sure can relate to what I'm talking about. I love it. I love being on TV with my sister and we love our fans because they're always there for us. Doing a second season; it seems to be a lot more smoother. Now I know what to expect.

You said you're the more private one of the two. How would you describe your personality as opposed to your sister? And how do you think you're also the same?

I'm a little bit ... She'll say this: She's more aggressive. She's more determined and when she has a goal she goes for it. And if she has an issue with you, she'll let you know right there. I'm a bit more passive, laid-back, diplomatic. I want to hear what everyone else has to say before I just dive in there. I'm a bit more scatter-brained. She's more focused. It doesn't mean I don't get things done. That's a misconception. I can be all over the place but I do what I know I need to when I have to.

Without spoiling, what's waiting as the season progress?

People should watch because although Tia & Tamera is about identical twins, the show is really about relationships. Whether it's about a sibling relationship, husbands and wives - it shows how two different people have two different perspectives on life but support each other. It's positive, and it's fun. You will laugh. I tell you, you will laugh like you've never laughed before at a reality show. And I say that with confidence.

Tia & Tamera I starts today, Wednesday, 16 November on Style (DStv 183) at 21:15