Big Brother: Popularity doesn’t guarantee a spot in the finals

While popularity is obviously a benefit, it seems being too popular with viewers (who have the power to vote) can also be a disadvantage. After conspiring to nominate Lexi for eviction (which is against Big Brother rules) close friends Mzamo and Thando were the first of the favourites to be sent packing.

Mzamo, who was evicted on the same day as Thando, was perhaps the best-liked housemate at the beginning of the show, and having won challenges in the house numerous times also made him safe from eviction nominations.

But the fashionista felt like Big Brother was not a game suited for his personality.

“I know a lot of people were expecting me to come onto the show and be this stereotypical over the top gay guy,” says Mzamo.

“That kind of character would have been entertaining to viewers and would have probably kept me in the game longer, but I was myself on the show and I wanted people to either love me or hate me for who I truly am.”

Thando spent a lot of time gossiping in the Big Brother house.

Mzamo is grateful for the exposure he received on the show. Similarly, Thando wasn’t sad when she left. Speaking on how her gossipping could have cost her the R1 million cash prize, Thando says:

“I didn’t go onto the show for the money so I’m not that disappointed. I’ve always been a big fan of the show and I thought it would be easy and fun to live without paying for food or rent.”

Within days, Thando became known as the HOC – Head of Conspiracy – a title she laughs off.

“I didn’t even realise that I was conspiring so much,” she says.

“If I got paid for all the gossiping I did, I would be rich”.

Mandla and Lexi share a moment in the Big Brother house.

While all the favourite housemates were entertaining in their unique ways, it was the steamy romance between Mandla and Lexi that had people talking on the social networks. They seemed to have developed a deep affection for each other, which they were more than comfortable with expressing on the show.

Their close bond even earned them the name “Mandlexi” (a combination of their names) among their fans. But as soon as she left the house, Lexi said she was not in a relationship with Mandla.

While Lexi refused to admit it, Big Brother fans suspect that the relationship was all part of the game, and it’s no secret that Mandla and Thando are not fond of Lexi.

The other remaining housemates are Sol, Loko, Kat and MK.

Who is your favourite housemate?