Bachelor meet & greet
South Africa’s first Bachelor Lee Thompson has a Valentine’s Day dilemma: he’s juggling 24 ladies but only one of them will be handed his final rose and the key to his heart.
The Bachelor SA Season 1 Thursdays (from 14 February) M-Net (*101) 19:00
Work has slammed the brakes on Lee Thompson’s love life, which is the reason he signed up as the first Bachelor SA (2019- current). “I’ve been so committed to my work [as an entrepreneur] and setting up businesses and projects that I never made the time to commit fully to my love life,” admits the 30-year- old from Port Elizabeth. Distance has also been a problem in past relationships, with Cape Townbased Lee adding, “I’ve had partners be unfaithful and I’ve made mistakes. I’ve struggled to commit.” As cheezy as it sounds, he has learnt from his previous dating experiences: “I have taken something positive from each relationship. It’s moulded me into the person I am today: The Bachelor. Life has a plan for my future. I believe that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” Come Valentine’s Day, Lee will be standing in front of 24 ladies, searching for “the one”.
How did you become The Bachelor? It’s a funny story. M-Net and production house Rapid Blue had an idea of what they were looking for in The Bachelor, but what do the 24 contestants want? After getting a list of “requirements”, they made a list of people they knew, friends of friends, acquaintances who fit the bill. I was called for an interview and got the “job”. I fit the part because I’m looking for true love, even if it has to be on reality TV. Does it worry you that you’re exposing yourself to millions of viewers? It did a little at first because I am laying my heart on the line in front of a lot of people watching at home. I psyched myself up, telling myself: “Lee, you need to be brave and commit to the journey that you’re embarking on. It’s the only way you will be able to get what you are looking for: love and a happy life.” Was it difficult to remember the names of your 24 dates? It took me a couple of days to learn them all. Once I had a conversation with each separately, it was easier as they all had something unique that stood out for me. They know what they want in The Bachelor, but what do you want in your Mrs Bachelor? Someone who is kind, caring, physically attractive, has a great sense of humour. Someone who I can be myself with and someone I can see myself starting a family with. You’re going on a lot of dates in the show… I like to keep things simple, where you have the opportunity to chat and get to know each other. A simple picnic in a beautiful park or watching a romantic sunset would be the perfect date.
How will you win over hearts? By being the kind, caring, ambitious, adventurous, fun-loving soul that I am. There is only one way to win a girl’s heart and that is to be the best version of yourself that you can be. What has public reaction been after you were unveiled as The Bachelor last year? Mostly they ask for selfies. Quite a few women have told me that if the show doesn’t work out, I should give them a call. There was actually this lady who I met at the end of 2018, she fainted when she saw me; she was okay. And nope, no public wedding proposals yet. What’s been your most awkward date? Squeezing through the rows of a movie theatre in Pretoria when I was a teen. I tripped while trying to get to my seat and threw popcorn all over my date. I thought of a quick comeback to break the awkwardness, so I asked her, “What spice would you like with that?” Do you have a favourite pick up line? “Did it hurt?” “Did what hurt?” “When did you fell from Heaven, you angel.”