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Why I dated on reality TV

TV dating shows and what's in them for women.

On Love Island and Date My Family - what's it like to date in front of millions? With TV dating shows the idea is for romance to blossom between contestants, but can fame and fortune also follow? Kim Chakanetsa brings together two women who know.

Montana Brown is one of the breakout stars of the British TV show Love Island. She took part in 2017 and became popular for her no-nonsense attitude and quick-witted banter. Despite coming fifth in the dating competition, since leaving the villa she has amassed an impressive social media following and started her own swimwear company.

Rey Letsooa became a household name in South Africa after appearing on the popular show Date My Family. Although she didn't ultimately get together with her chosen bachelor, her show trended on social media for three days and viewers seemed to connect with her confidence and authenticity. Rey says 'I knew I would get judged on my weight but I didn’t let it stop me. I may be a size whatever but I knew that what I am is more than that.'

(Image: Montana Brown (L) Credit: BBC. Rey Letsooa (R) Credit: Rey Letsooa)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sun 26 Jan 202012:32GMT
BBC World Service West and Central Africa

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  • Mon 20 Jan 202002:32GMT
    BBC World Service West and Central Africa
  • Mon 20 Jan 202003:32GMT
    BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
  • Mon 20 Jan 202004:32GMT
    BBC World Service Online & UK DAB/Freeview only
  • Mon 20 Jan 202005:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
  • Mon 20 Jan 202011:32GMT
    BBC World Service except West and Central Africa
  • Mon 20 Jan 202018:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia
  • Mon 20 Jan 202021:32GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Mon 20 Jan 202023:32GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 26 Jan 202005:32GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Sun 26 Jan 202012:32GMT
    BBC World Service West and Central Africa

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