The time has finally arrived for actor Francois Jacobs (known for his role as Sampie de Klerk in the Afrikaans movie Vir Die Voëls) to find his own true love in the reality series Op My Eish Season 2, which kicks off on Thursday, 14 April on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
15 beautiful women took the brave step to sign up for this series and, hopefully, find love with Francois just like actor Neels Van Jaarsveld (Ben Kruger in the drama series Fynskrif) did Op My Eish Season 1 (now on Showmax).
Now it’s time for everyone to say hello!
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15 tickets to adventure
With the help of Francois’ wingman, the comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout, Francois, Schalk and 12 of the 15 participants (he’ll say goodbye to 3 ladies at the beginning when he doesn’t form a connection with them) travel to Mbombela (Nelspruit, Francois’ hometown) in Mpumalanga, where the love-seeking adventure begins.
“The ladies are all unique and brought their own flair to the series,” says Francois. “Viewers will see that the ladies are initially uncomfortable with the camera crew around them who capture everything on film, but over time they become accustomed to it. The excitement of taking part in the process and the possibility of finding love also plays a big role in staying in the series, despite the cameras peeking at everything,” says Francois.
The best wingman!
Schalk plays an important role in the programme. “He is the best wingman a guy can ask for. Our friendship has grown since we worked together on the movies Kanarie (2018) and Kaalgat Karel (2021). He helps me through the whole process, even behind the scenes when my head spins over who to choose and who to send home. He helps to calm my heart, reveals Francois.
Schalk claims that he immediately said yes when the producers of the show contacted him about the gig as wingman to Francois. “Francois always brings a good spirit to any project he undertakes, so I knew the season was going to be anything but boring. On top of that, the ladies who entered this season are terribly cute and I told Francois I can’t believe how lucky he is, and I hope he feels flattered.”
The dates on which Francois will take the ladies are romantic but also adventurous. “I have a romantic side to me, but in the same breath: Why not jump off a mountain with a parachute and land at a picnic site where you can quietly enjoy strawberries, chocolate and champagne next to a waterfall? Viewers will see a good balance between my adventurous and romantic sides,” says Francois.
The series promises surprises galore. “It has to do with the choices I make, the decisions that the ladies make among themselves – and there is a nice twist at the end that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats,” Francois hints.
Meet the ladies
Elaine
Elaine Adlem (29) is a paralegal from Cape Town
Why did you enter this show? I decided this is the year I take risks and I am ready to find love.
What are you looking for in a man? Lots of patience, he needs to be his own person and he needs to be able to enjoy extracurricular activities with me. He must also share the love I have for God.
Rochelle
Rochelle Pretorius (28) is a teacher from Middelburg
Why did you enter this show? I wanted to experience a new adventure and find love.
What are you looking for in a man? A down to earth man who can give back what he receives, and then of course a sense of humour – because what is life without a little laughter and merriment?
Elvira
Elvira Brits (24) is hair stylist from Mogale City
Why did you enter this show? I hope to find love and a partner.
What are you looking for in a man? Someone who can stand up for his wife and take control in a relationship. Someone who is loyal and honest and has a zest for life.
Abigail
Abigail Scholtz (23) is a hair stylist from Vanderbijlpark
Why did you enter this? My mom told me about it, and of course to find love! I wanted to get to know Francois better and know what type of person he is. He looks like a real sweetie pie.
What are you looking for in a man? Stability, honesty and godliness. I'm looking for a man who can be goofy with me and laugh with me, but then I'm also after a man who is serious about life and our relationship.
Jeannedré
Jeannedré de Waal (29) is a medical representative from Pretoria
Why did you enter this? Because I have nothing to lose.
What are you looking for in a man? A strong and dynamic man, with a soft heart. A man who has respect for women and who will also challenge me to be a better version of myself.
Michelle
Michelle du Toit (33) a somatologist from Cape Town
Why did you enter this show? I wanted to get to know Francois the man and not just Francois the actor and all the characters he plays. And his adventurousness caught my eye because I am someone who also loves the outdoors.
What are you looking for in a man? Someone who is sincere and has a good sense of humour. Someone who is honest, treats me with respect and has faith, because that is the foundation of any relationship.
Elizna
Elizna de Waal (25) is and admin coordinator from Cape Town
Why did you enter this show? If you do not try, you will not know! I just took a chance to try.
What are you looking for in a man? Adventure, respect, loyalty, and time. It may sound funny to people, but it’s the little things in life that matter.
Gené
Gené van Niekerk (28) is an operations manager from Mbombela
Why did you enter this show? I wanted to get to know Francois outside of a professional environment and go on all the adventures to show myself and my children that you never have to stand back for anything.
What are you looking for in a man? A man who knows and lives out his identity in Christ and who will make me laugh and encourage me to still be the strong woman I am. And, of course, a man who is cheerful and can go on adventures with me.
Lee-Anne
Lee-Ann Baker (24), a shareholder in a brewery in Mossel Bay
Why did you enter this show? I feel I am ready to meet someone who will complement me and make a positive contribution to my life.
What are you looking for in a man? Intelligence, humour, and integrity.
Claudia
Claudia Hermann (28) a nail technician from Centurion.
Why did you enter this show? I can get stuck in my habits and thought by entering this show I can break through those habits and to possibly find love in an adventurous way.
What are you looking for in a man? Loyalty, respect, a best friend, a sense of humour, and someone who can understand my clumsiness!
Michelle
Michelle van der Merwe (28) is a teacher from Fochville
Why did you enter this show? Francois seems to have the same kind of interests as me.
What are you looking for in a man? A man who shares the same lust for adventure, life, and travel.
Rochelle
Rochelle Dreyer (34) a business consultant from Mogale City
Why did you enter this show? For the adventure of taking a chance on love.
What are you looking for in a man? Loyalty and respect. Someone who can take on life with me and challenge me with new experiences and just have fun.
Maryna
Maryna Lourens (29) an entrepreneur from Lydenburg
Why did you enter this show? To make a connection with a person who can accept me for who I am as an individual and single parent.
What are you looking for in a man? An intelligent, independent man with a good attitude who still makes time for family, friends, and love. Someone who is not quick to judge other people and understands everyone has a past.
Deidre
Deidre Denoon (24) a somatologist from Hartbeespoort Dam
Why did you enter this show? Francois is to me an interesting actor who plays extravagant roles. One can only make inferences, but he looks like a “life without limits” type of guy. I was intrigued.
What are you looking for in a man? Someone who is always there for me no matter what. I like to laugh, so a good sense of humour is important, otherwise I will always have to laugh at my own jokes.
Juane
Juane Bekker (26) is a radiographer from Roodepoort
Why did you enter this show? I wanted to get out of my comfort zone this year and do something I would never have done before. I signed up for two things: an adventure and the chance of a relationship – and felt with Francois I would experience both.
What are you looking for in a man? Someone who can enjoy life with me. Someone with whom I can laugh and have fun, and someone who will support me when things get tough.
Watch Op My Eish! Season 2 from Thursday 14 April at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144)
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