- The Bachelor SA's Marc Buckner and girlfriend Marisia van Wyk on Thursday answered viewers' questions about The Bachelorette SA and their experience on the reality TV dating show.
- A popular question that came up during the Instagram Q&A session was if the production team have a hand in deciding the topics discussed between the contestants and The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.
- Marc admits to a "few arguments" on the set of The Bachelor SA season 2 when he was pushed to keep certain women on the show, who he wanted to send home.
The Bachelor SA's Marc Buckner and girlfriend Marisia van Wyk took part in a live Q&A on Jack Friedman Jewellers Instagram Stories, answering followers' questions about Thursday night's episode of The Bachelorette SA and their experience on the reality TV dating show.
Having gone through the reality TV dating experience, Marc and Marisia gave some insight into what goes on behind-the-scenes and shared who they think will win Bachelorette SA's Qiniso van Damme's heart at the end of the season.
A popular question that came up during the Q&A session was if the production team have a hand in prompting the topics discussed between the contestants and The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. According to Marc, contestants aren't "forced" to discuss specific issues; however, he says: "Certain topics are encouraged."
According to Marisia, during her season, conversations would often be "redirected towards Marc or the drama happening in the house."
On Thursday night's episode of The Bachelorette SA, there were conversations in the house about the contestants' lack of interaction with the world outside the production bubble and their access to social media.
Regarding access to social media, Marisia explained that cellphone access is prohibited, although whether contestants adhere to the rule is "another situation."
According to Marc, "many of the ladies" on season 2 of The Bachelor SA "got on to social media."
The couple also discussed editing on the show, saying editing on The Bachelorette SA has played a big role in their predictions on who will be the last man standing. "There is a lot that happens, and the editing is heavy," said Marc.
When asked about who they think will win over Qiniso's heart, Marc says: "I really think that she is going to choose Gareth." However, his favourites are Swazi, Aviwe, Kganya, Justin and Dylan.
About his prediction on Gareth getting the final rose, he says: "There's been a lot of things on social media, and also I'm looking at the editing. He's not showing up so much, which probably means they're going to save him for later. And there are a few other reasons. A few others..."
Marc elaborated further on theories using the "red herring" device as an example - where producers purposefully mislead the viewer to a false conclusion using editing tricks.
"You wouldn't show too much of someone who is maybe staying on longer. Show a lot more of someone who is dramatic that will be sent home soon unless you're told to keep them..."
Marc admits to a "few arguments" on the set of The Bachelor SA season 2 when he was pushed by producers to keep certain women on the show, who he wanted to send home. "Definitely. 100% so. A few times," he said.
During the Q&A with fans of the show, Marisia revealed that she's "caught up between" Swazi and Dylan - although she has a soft spot for Justin and Kganya too.
And who could be next on the chopping block? The couple predicted that Franco, Peter or Ruan could be in danger of going home soon.
A question that came up more than once was about Dylan's remark to Qiniso, questioning if her feelings are genuine or if she's putting on an act - a sentiment also shared by Marc on The Bachelor SA season 2.
"I did ask her that last year. I don't know if I can answer that. Mmmm... nah," he replied.