adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
WHEN energetic Soweto sweethearts Ntombifuthi “Ntombi” Tshabalala and Nkanyiso “Ace” Khumalo first walked onto the Big Brother Mzansi stage, viewers of the reality show described them as an overzealous lot.
But on Sunday evening, the hugely entertaining personalities’ realistic approach to life paid off as they went from rags to riches, bagging the ultimate R2 million for winning the competition. The long-time couple managed to beat nine couples who were also in the running for the prize.
The two could not believe it when BBM host, Lungile Radu, announced them as this year’s BBM winners. Ace immediately ran to his mother, who just started crying. Ntombi remained mum as she was in shock.
Throughout the show they repeatedly said that they were doing everything for their son, whom they affectionately call “Skhokho”.
It was certainly a dream come true for 24-year-old Ace who had said he wanted to use BBM as a stepping stone for his career as an entertainer.
“I love Big Brother and have been watching the show for some time. I believe my career in the entertainment industry starts with Big Brother Mzansi: Double Trouble,” Ace was quoted as saying before making his appearance in the House.
The finale was affirmation of the pair’s popularity as crowds could be heard screaming each time the names Ace and Ntombi were mentioned.
Dubbed Double Trouble, the reality show, which launched on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on March 24 and lasted 56 days, saw the two Housemates captivating fans across the continent with their good sense of humour.
The couple, who have been together for five years left the show in the same way they entered it – crazy and thrilled to be on stage and in love with each other – something Big Brother commended them for.
“Ntombi, Big Brother admires the fact that you didn’t alter your way of life and the way you talk to please others. Big Brother is certain your fans will agree,” Big Brother told 22-year-old Ntombi before wishing her and Ace all the best with their future endeavours.
He also urged the two housemates to continue playing their game outside the Big Brother Mzansi house.
Questioned by Radu what had strengthened their bond during the two months in the House, Ntombi responded: “Love, music, dancing and happiness.”
It remains to be seen if Ace will fulfil his promise to marry Ntombi. While in the BBM House a few weeks ago, Ace promised Ntombi “the best wedding ever” if they won the reality competition, a promise he intends to keep.
Three pairs had made it to the finale but for the losing two—Blue and K2 as well as Chelsea and Mbali, the night was bittersweet as they came so close to scooping the title.
The show boasted an all-star music line-up, from superstar AKA’s sizzling rendition of All Eyes On Me, featuring Jr and Da Lez, to Busiswa’s epic Lahla. The last performance of the night was delivered by TradeMark, featuring Durbn Nyts & 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.
Online Reporter