A-listers bringing their A game

Expect craziness and fun as Anele returns as the host of ‘Celebrity Game Night’, writes Debashine Thangevelo

BEFORE discussing her return as a game show host on E!’s Celebrity Game Night, Anele Mdoda reflected on her Best TV Presenter nomination for this year’s South African Film and Television Awards, which was cancelled last month due to Covid-19.

This isn’t her first Safta nomination. In 2017, she bagged the Best Talk Show honours for Real Talk with Anele on SABC3.

Mdoda said: “I was so happy to hear of the nomination but most importantly, I was happy to hear the entire show had been nominated for

Best International Format. The entire team that put that show together – from Kee-Leen (Irvine) and her team at Rapid Blue to the celebrities – really put their best foot forward, so it is only fair that when we win the trophy it goes on full display in the lounge where the Celebrity Game Night fun and games happen.”

When it comes to local game shows on the small screen, not many have won audiences over.

On the pull of the show, she said: “TV shows work when they remind you of you; it cannot be far-fetched, there must always be a (personal) element. How many times have you heard of fallouts because of the game we all play – 30 Seconds? Create 12 more games like that, an open bar and some music… No brainer!”

She is joined by team captains Jason Goliath and Ayanda Thabethe, who up the ante with a playful competitive spirit.

The vibe on set, filled with strong personalities bringing their energy, is boisterous. While at home in such an atmosphere, Mdoda has to ensure there is order to the unfolding chaos. Thankfully, she is a great team player, too.

“It takes someone who believes everyone can win, so in that way

I am fair. Because my pop culture knowledge is quite good, I can help both teams along, and that is what I do. Seldom do you find Jason or Ayanda complaining when I help the other team along, because they know that soon enough I can and will help them out.”

With the series shot, Mdoda recalls her favourite moments from this season.

“Minnie (Dlamini-Jones) getting on the floor to win a point in a dress. Lorna Maseko losing it with Majozi for not knowing RuPaul’s Drag Race, Donald trying to describe a theme park, Ayanda taunting

Jason about being the winning team, the formidable team that Jason and Mojok Lehoko make, Majozi knowing how to read backwards to win… I can go on.

As for her dream celebrity guests on the show, she listed Somizi, DA Banj, Unathi, Cassper, Mo Flava and Davido.

The second season of Celebrity Game Night airs on E! Entertainment (DStv channel 124) on Sunday.