The perfect match
Love Island SA host Leandie du Randt shares her excitement before she starts filming M-Net’s new reality dating show.
Season 1 Sunday 28 February 20:00, thereafter weekdays M-Net (*101) 21:30
What happens when a group of attractive 20-somethings are flown to a luxury villa in Cape Town where they’re expected to find love while the cameras are watching them 24/7… for three whole months? Viewers will be hoping for steamy romances, fun friendships and messy love triangles! That’s the nature of the game on new dating reality show Love Island SA, starting with a special episode on Sunday 28 February, before airing weekdays at 21:30 on M-Net (*101).
The intro episode will see five stunning ladies and five hunks, collectively called “The Islanders”, move into their new home to form couples. Once they develop feelings for each other, their romances are put to the test, explains actress and show host Leandie du Randt (Ivanka in kykNET soapie Binnelanders, 2005-now, see more on p34). “I present challenges or introduce a new contestant each week to threaten the couples’ new love,” explains Leandie.
The strongest couples will advance to the finale, where viewers will vote for their favourite to win the R500 000 grand prize. “I haven’t met the Islanders yet (we chatted to Leandie shortly before the show started), but a trusted source tells me that they’re the most beautiful people you’ll see. They have entertaining personalities. I can’t wait for South Africa to fall in love with them and the show and get emotionally invested in their relationships. It’s going to be sensational,” adds the host
What drew you to hosting Love Island SA? When I received the news that I was cast as the presenter, I was ecstatic. From watching the international versions of Love Island (season 6 of Love Island UK, 2015-now, was filmed in Cape Town in late 2019), I can tell that it’s a fun show. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this amazing brand? And let’s face it, Love Island features the most captivating and charming people in the world!
Do you have any fears before filming? Of course! I won’t lie, I am a bit nervous as I haven’t hosted a show of this magnitude. But I am prepared for the task! In the meantime, I’m working with an accent and presenting coach to help sharpen my skills. Just like with anything in life, be it acting or hosting a TV show, I’m going to remain authentic to my character.
What does your hosting duty involve?
I’d like to believe that I’m the change agent on the show. Each time that I walk into the villa, I present the Islanders with activities that might lead to them being single. Or I introduce someone new, which changes the dynamic of their relationships. Apart from [stirring the pot], I facilitate between couples, and
I’ll comment on events that take place in the mansion. If something is amiss or funny, I’ll give my honest opinion as if I’m the viewer watching at home.
Do you think that it’s possible to find true love in a confined space, under continuous surveillance? Definitely. Circumstances aren’t the same as walking into a pub and flirting with someone, but if the stars are aligned and it’s meant to be, couples might find love in the villa. This is another way of playing with fate.
Are you taking any pointers from presenters of the international versions of the show? Not entirely, but here and there. I like the presenters from the other countries such as Australia and Britain, and I will be borrowing from what I think are their strongest points. I don’t want to be a replica. I just want to be the best version of myself on this show.
What are you looking forward to, prior to meeting the cast and seeing the villa?
I can’t wait to become a part of the Islanders’ love stories and witness their connections first-hand. South Africans are warm, friendly and entertaining, and I’m glad that I’ll be part of the magic in Love Island South Africa.