18 housemates moved into Big Brother Mzansi 3 on Sunday (23 January), many of them brimming with so much nervous energy they almost exploded in front of host Lawrence Maleka while he posed his questions.
They started off as big stuffs in their intro videos, going on about masturbating with a teddy bear and ditching their uninspiring friends, but once they arrived on stage most of them were subdued or overly amped-up, as if the reality of their situation had suddenly dawned on them.
A collision of thoughts involving the clawing Twitter feeds, their families watching at home, the lock-up after being locked-up for two years already, the need to be "mad for it."
And they clearly didn't have a clue where they were supposed to walk as they exited the tunnel onto the stage. Some went up the ramp, others walked around it and others needed guidance from Lawrence.
Rehearsals people, rehearsals! It was obviously the first time they'd seen the stage and hadn't been told what to do.
As for who the 18 are... here's a close-up on each with their names seeings as there are no name tags on the show:
Adindu Asuzu aka Zino
Age: 21
From: Johannesburg
A self-confessed mommy’s boy, this season’s youngest housemate describes himself as both bubbly and mellow. He reckons he won’t start drama - but will be the one to end it. He says his Nigerian side won’t let people take advantage of him.
Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni aka Gash1
Age: 28
From: Pretoria
Having overcome a troubled past, Gash1 is a deep thinker with varied interests and talents. He’s deeply spiritual and enjoys giving people advice and motivation.
Gugu Refiloe Bonga aka Terry
Age: 26
From: Johannesburg
Honest almost to her own detriment, the adult content creator says she has a very big personality and stands for acceptance and non-judgment. She doesn’t like fake people and considers herself to be very open.
Keamogetswe Motlhale aka QV
Age: 23
From: Mahikeng
The easy-going QV is a sharp-shooter and straight talker; she has no interest in keeping her annoyance to herself when someone gets on her wrong side. She describes herself as a tomboy.
Libo Njomba aka Libo
Age: 32
From: Johannesburg
Born in Uitenhage, Libo is an avid lover of life who enjoys the outdoors. He says people are his weakness, and - as a result - he tends to befriend “strange characters” - but also considers himself a loner.
Luthando Mthembu aka B.U.
Age: 31
From: Johannesburg
The aspiring musician says one of the highlights of his life was quitting his high-flying corporate job to follow his artistic dreams. A vegan, he is focused on centering himself.
Michelle Dimpho Mvundla aka Mphowabadimo
Age: 27
From: Daveyton
The sangoma describes herself as outgoing and kind, but says she has “zero tolerance for nonsense”. A doting mom, she is a nurturer who loves cheering people up when they’re not feeling their best.
Mvelo Ntuli aka Mvelo
Age: 28
From: Pietermaritzburg
Describing himself as loud and lovable, Mvelo is a lover of people who is passionate about education. Bubbly and candid, he hides a more complex side behind his infectious humour.
Naledi Mogadime aka Nale
Age: 24
From: Pretoria
A self-described “fine gyal, not a sad gyal”, the model is as much a firecracker as she is calm and zen. Her strength is being able to understand and analyse people. Naledi says she might not be everyone’s cup of tea in the beginning.
Norman Nhlapo aka Norman
Age: 24
From: Johannesburg
The daycare worker has an adaptable personality and is a sporty person. Despite a tough upbringing, he says his life has been a “bundle of blessings”. He runs a non-profit organisation and daycare with his mother.
Rethabile Potsane aka Dinkybliss
Age: 29
From: Johannesburg
Fashion-loving and bubbly, Rethabile describes herself as “loud and proud” and says she can transform people’s moods and lift spirits when she is around. More of a boys’ girl than a girls’ girl, she enjoys socialising.
Thando Mcopela aka Acacia
Age: 30
From: Soweto
Family orientated, Thando describes herself as a free spirit and a risk taker. She’s a foodie who loves community and togetherness. She considers herself relatable and is as comfortable ekasi as she is in upmarket suburbs.
Thato Mokoena aka Thato
Age: 28
From: Vaal
Not one to limit herself, Thato is an accountant and TikToker who describes herself as a “world within worlds”. Bubbly and energetic, she’s bluntly honest and is comfortable with her transparent nature.
Themba Karabo Mabaso aka Themba
Age: 30
From: Johannesburg
The heavily inked tattoo artist describes himself as “simple”, “basic” and “normal”, and says despite his attention-grabbing looks, he doesn’t actively seek the spotlight.
Thobeka Mtshali aka Venus
Age: 25
From: Richards Bay
In her own words, when it comes to her “you just never know what you’re gonna get”. She embodies creativity: she writes music, makes beats and plays the piano. She considers herself to be a layered person.
Tulani Madala aka Tulz
Age: 28
From: Johannesburg
A velvet voiced straight-shooter, Tulani has a softness beneath his tough exterior. He says he’s single because he was badly behaved in the heyday of his radio DJ career.
Ukho Samela aka Sis Tamara
Age: 25
From: Johannesburg
The multifaceted and bubbly Ukho goes by the pronouns he/ him/ she/ her/ they/ them. Known as Sis Tamara, they describe themselves as “a gender non-conforming experience”. They are passionate about trans and queer representation.
Yolanda Glover aka Yoli
Age: 30
From: Durban
Outgoing and effervescent, Yolanda describes herself as “Berocca without the medicine”. She loves being around people and says they are drawn to her infectious energy. She can sometimes be too honest and upfront and says she’s an open book.