Team Teddy Bear bows out
We always knew rugby player THANDO MANANA was a gentle giant. The former Springbok was spotted enjoying a daddy-daughter date with his little girl, THANDOLWETHU (10), at a rugby match recently. It seems Thando is making up for the time he missed with his family while filming Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Dubbed “Team Teddy Bear” by fans of the reality competition, Thando and his dance partner, Michelle Oppenshaw, were the fourth pair to be booted from the show. He may have hung up his dancing shoes but Thando says he’s become a huge fan of DWTS – and of dance. We asked him for a recap of his time on the show. I lost . . . 14kg over eight weeks thanks to the intense dance lessons. When I was first asked to enter the competition . . . I asked a few close friends and did some research on the show before I accepted the challenge. I’m glad I did because today I have huge respect for the dance fraternity. A highlight of the show for me was . . . When [actor and fellow contestant] Eden Classens said about me, “People forget that this is not just a competition, it’s a place where friendships are formed. This big guy has become just that, a great friend and a great inspiration. I’m going to miss him – thank you for the laughs.” My advice for the other celebrity dancers is . . . Nothing is guaranteed on the dance floor – you can leave at any point. So be yourself and do your best. The judges’ scores will never define who you are. I think DWTS will be won by . . . [Actress] Zola Nombona. She has all the attributes required to win. I just hope she remains positive and can focus on all the techniques required by the judges. But people need to vote!