Unrestrained joy flowed on Sunday evening May 17, as sensational Soweto sweethearts Ace and Ntombi, whose hugely entertaining personalities have captivated fans across the country, were voted the winners of reality super-series Big Brother Mzansi: Double Trouble, in a live 90 minute Finale screened exclusively on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161).
In what can only be described as a dream come true for the much-loved duo, they walked away with the life-changing R2 million prize after spending 56 days in the Big Brother house where they laughed, danced and sang their way into minds and memories of viewing audiences, winning hearts as much for their close-knit relationship as for their good humour and optimistic approach to life. And they left the show in the same way they entered it – thrilled to be on stage and as in love with each other as ever!
It was always going to be a hugely emotional and highly dramatic Finale, and it certainly was just that, starting with the winner results being placed in a secure Perspex box on stage where it would be kept until it was time for the big announcement. Three pairs remained in the game at the start of the show, and for Blue and K2 as well as Chelsea and Mbali the night was bittersweet as they came so close to scooping the title. But while that wasn’t meant to be, both pairs can be confident in the knowledge that they too are stars in their own right having succeeded in making it all the way to the big Finale.
The show boasted an all-star music line-up and the excitement in the air must have added a magic element because they delivered unforgettable performances. From superstar AKA’s sizzling rendition of All Eyes On Me, featuring Jr and Da Lez, to Busiswa’s epic Lahla, the Big Brother stage become home to a powerhouse celebration of South African talent. And not to be outdone, the last performance of the night was delivered by none other than TradeMark, featuring Durbn Nyts and Zintle, with their hit track Shumaya.
Also in studio providing their very own perspective on the events of the evening and ensuring that fan opinions were very much part of the night, were the gorgeous pair of Dineo Ranaka and Kuli Roberts, reprising their launch night roles as celebrity commentators. But despite all the star power on display, the night belonged to the six remaining Housemates and the show recapped their triumphs and challenges throughout the season.
From Ace and Ntombi who never once won the Head of House title but took top honours in the Double or Nothing Challenge Dance Off, to the girl power pact of Chelsea and Mbali who worked hard to win many challenges and stash some cash along the way; and of course including fierce competitors Blue and K2 who also won challenges galore, the Top 3 Pairs definitely earned their right to be in the Finale.
The Big Brother Mzansi: Double Trouble Finale also paid tribute to their fellow Housemates who began the journey with them and who departed the show at different times along the way. One of the highlights of the Finale was an insert featuring Soxx and Tembi, who evicted last week, just one week shy of the Finale. Looking happy and relaxed the pair was philosophical about their exit, chatting easily about their experiences on the game, their highs and lows plus their predictions about who would win the big prize.
The R 2 million prize was very definitely the focal point of the Finale, and before long, series presenter Lungile Radu was ready to cross to the house and evict the pair with the least viewer votes, as the countdown to the night’s big announcement heated up. After chatting to the Top 3 pairs about their past week, which included an elegant gala dinner on Friday night with six Mzansi Magic stars, and a party on Saturday night with some of last year’s Secrets Housemates, Lungile get got down to the main business. After a short tense pause, he revealed that Chelsea and Mbali had scored the least viewer votes and would have to leave the house immediately. As the pair, dressed to impress, made their way onto stage, the reality must have set in for Blue and K2; as well as Ace and Ntombi, that they were just moments away from possibly life-changing news.
And while the dream was not to be for Chelsea and Mbali, the gracious pair handled their exit with poise and charm. The duo must have been as anxious as everyone else though to hear just which pair had won but they had to wait a little while longer because Biggie has plans of his own.
Talking directly to Ace, Ntombi, Blue and K2, the big man thanked them for spending time in his house, congratulated them on their success so far and instructed them to complete one final task. After walking through all the areas of the house one last time to say their goodbyes to their home of eight weeks, and after enjoying a gorgeous fireworks display in the garden, the foursome exited the house. Then, in what was a truly powerful farewell, they switched off the lights to the house, one section at a time and for the first time since the show kicked off with a unique double launch on March 22 and March 23, Biggie’s Double Trouble crib closed its doors.
On stage, in front of a delighted studio audience that included members of their families and last year’s winner Mandla Hlatshwayo, the Top 2 Pairs spent time with Lungile viewing clips from their stay in the house, and revealing what they were thinking and feeling as they progressed in the game.
Then, with just minutes left in the Finale, Lungile walked over to the clear Perspex box that had held the winner names securely since the start of the show, and retrieved the all-important envelope which held the final results, verified by Deloitte. With a hush falling over the studio audience, Lungile opened the envelope and, announced that ACE and NTOMBI has scored the most audience votes and were the winners of Big Brother Mzansi: Double Trouble. And just like that, with the audience roaring their approval and confetti filling the air, the show came to a fitting and fabulous end.
Big Brother Mzansi: Double Trouble was produced for Mzansi Magic by Endemol Shine Africa. Over 27 million votes were cast over the course of the season and the show enjoyed great popularity among fans. The show attracted 1.2 million messages to TV; 340 000 Facebook likes and 159 000 Twitter followers while the show’s official website logged 20 million page impressions by 1.4 million users. Meanwhile videos from the show were viewed online more than 1.4 million times. You can still engage with the show on any of the following platforms:
Website: www.mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother
WeChat: ID: BigBrotherMzansi
Twitter: @BBMzansi and #BBMzansi
Facebook: Big Brother Mzansi
Instagram: @BigBroMzansi
