THE eighth season of SABC3’s Strictly Come Dancing is set to air on Friday. However, the channel is being very quiet about the series returning. Countless e-mails and calls have been fruitless.
Bottom line: “They have yet to sign off on certain things” before an official press release can be released to the media.
Of course, to the media that often deal with the SABC, such frustrations have become par for the course.
Tonight is still waiting for Zandile Nkonyeni, Head of PR: SABC TV Channels, to call – as per her assurances the day before the article went to print. Again, no surprises.
Thankfully, knowing people in the entertainment industry has its merits. And some things are the worst kept secret, red tape bureaucracy notwithstanding. And sources have hinted at some of the celebs signed on for this season.
Filling the sport icon quota is Stanton “Stiga” Fredericks. Hmm, I do wonder if he can outdo John Mametsa’s legacy.
Other celebrities reportedly include comedian Jason Goliath (he could pull a HHP, who knows!), Expresso presenter Leigh-Anne Williams, Metro FM DJ Pearl Modiade and Karlien van Jaarsveld, who is well known in the Afrikaan’s music world and for being the ex-wife of former Springbok flyhalf, Derick Hougaard. Oh, and there’s talk about 5FM’s Sureshnie Rider being added to the bill.
Once again, Rapid Blue is behind the show.
While Kee-Leen Irvine, executive producer, wasn’t able to comment on the celebrities this season and deferred comment to the channel, she was able to chat about other aspects.
She noted: “Strictly waltzed into the hearts of our nation in 2006 and through the years we have kept South Africans mesmerised on a wild ride of thrills, spills, blood, sweat and tears, all adorned with sequins and crystals! I couldn’t be more thrilled at the fact that it is back for its eighth season.
“We get the party started on Friday at 7.30pm on SABC3 and dance our way to the finals over 10 intense weeks.
“This year the performance and results show run on the same night in a two-hour block, unlike last year when the performance show was on a Friday and the results pre-recorded for the Saturday night.”
She was also able to confirm that the judges and host are not changing.
She said: “Kat (Katlego Maboe) and Roxy (Burger) retain their positions as the most dynamic and dashing presenting duo, while our bouncers of the ballroom, Sam Peo, Michael Wentink and Tebogo Kgobokoe, are poised to cast their eagle eyes on every heel lead, shimmy shake and feather finish. We can, no doubt, count on Tebogo to once again beg the celebs to “leave their hearts on the dance floor” – hope there’s not too much blood spilt on that.”
Irvine continued: “In terms of celebrities, as always we looked for a mix of sexy and entertaining characters and I think we have a really interesting line-up, with someone for everyone: musos, comedians, actors, presenters, sportsmen, the whole bang shoot. I can promise you that the competitive spirit is as strong as ever with the couples rehearsing up a storm. Everyone has already exceeded their recommended minimum hours.
“We also have a whole bunch of sensational new dance teachers, including this year’s reigning Latin champions, Jeanne Swart and Johannes Radebe, who normally dance together but will now be facing off in our ballroom brawl.”
That said, looks like the dance floor will be set alight with electrifying performances and dramatic twists. Of course, we will wait for the “official comment” from SABC3 in the meantime. Not!