- In an episode filled with twists, turns and surprises, The Bachelorette SA's Qiniso van Damme said goodbye to Cameron Scott.
- A fan-favourite on the reality TV dating show, it was an elimination few saw coming, including Cameron - who speaking to Channel24, admits that he was blindsided.
- "I had no idea at all, but I stand by what she decided," he said.
Last week, in an episode filled with twists, turns and surprises, The Bachelorette SA's Qiniso van Damme said goodbye to Cameron Scott.
Qiniso took her suitors on an adventurous group date, and although impressed with the men's commitment and fearlessness, she failed to make a meaningful connection with Cameron.
Despite the awkward moments on the group date, Cameron penned a heartfelt poem to Qiniso, which he dedicated to her during the rose ceremony. But the meaning of his poem seemed to had been misinterpreted, and the "Cam-istry" fizzled out...
Viewers glued to their TV screens Thursday night saw Justin Lakey get the last rose, and to South Africa's surprise, the smooth-talking, romantic actor was sent packing.
A fan-favourite on the reality TV dating show, it was an elimination few saw coming, including Cameron - who speaking to Channel24, admits that he was blindsided.
In this Q&A with Cameron, we find out more about the shock elimination, his regrets and who he predicts will get the final rose.
You had formed a solid connection with Qiniso up until your departure from the mansion. Did you suspect that you could be leaving next, or did it come as a shock to you?
That was definitely a blindside, I had no idea at all, but I stand by what she decided.
You had a very awkward conversation with Qiniso during the group date. Was it nerves about the height, or could you feel a shift in the relationship?
Yeah, it certainly came out looking awkward, but that's ok. I think we all can get awkward sometimes. I definitely was nervous. Looking back, I did sound a bit like one of those cheesy motivational posters, you know, the ones with mountains on them that say things overly profound. It didn't change what I meant though; I was probably psyching myself up as well!
During your exit interview, you said you didn't want to dwell on the 'why'. Now, after some reflection, where do you think the relationship went off-course and the 'Cam-istry' fizzled out?
First of all, the 'Cam-istry' never fizzles out; second, when it comes to 'why', I've learnt that trying to work that answer out will drive anyone crazy. It's a close cousin to the magic 'what if' rabbit hole. The point was, she made that call. The 'why' is her own, and I respect that.
Besides, God always has a way of using time to reveal those kinds of answers, so eventually, I'll know. In the meantime, I'll do what I recommend to anyone in a similar boat: I will keep the focus on growing myself and giving of my best self to all that I do.
How does it feel watching the episodes, and do you have any regrets about something you did or didn't do?
Nah. Not one. You should never live with regrets; there is no time for it.
But yeah, sometimes living like that can land you in a bit of trouble, but at least you'll be in detention with a smile on your face and have good stories to tell. Always live life in the gift of the present!
By the way, this doesn't mean you should be stupid, still be wise but be fearless.
Is it challenging to "be yourself" with the cameras rolling, or is the person we saw on TV a true reflection of who you are behind the scenes?
I think everyone finds it challenging to be themselves even when there aren't any cameras rolling, we're all learning, but according to those closest to me, they all said: "Yip, that's definitely Cam," when seeing me on the show.
Why did you decide to pen that poem to Qiniso? What message were you trying to get across?
One of the moments we had on our one-on-one date was finding out about a mutual love for poetry. That's when she told me she was writing a book and that her favourite poem is How do I love thee? Let me count the ways by Elizabeth Barret Browning (good poem, by the way!).
I find that I only write poetry when I'm inspired to, and I was inspired to write back then. I wrote her three poems, one I read to her, one I gave to her, and one became a secret.
The poem Marakesh that I read on the show was trying to communicate my admiration for her very versatile beauty (wow!), and me noticing that part of that beauty is held in her eyes that were "forged by life," that a big source of her beauty was in eyes that carried all she had lived.
There's been a lot of talk about people not being authentic; what do you think about the remaining men on the show? And have those in question left already?
It's very easy for people to judge authenticity without knowing much about someone. Flip, I did it as well. But when it comes to the guys that are left in the mansion, each of them I now count as a friend - or, to be more South African, my brothers.
What did you enjoy most about the experience of finding love on The Bachelorette SA?
The answer is in the question. It was the actual experience of finding love that I enjoyed the most, not seeking love but being open to what happened and being surprised each step of the way. Every minute, every day. It really surpassed my expectations. You know what they say: the best moments are in the journey. That was so true for my time on The Bachelorette South Africa.
Who do you think is the best man for Qiniso?
Gazz... I'm a be really upset if it's not. That'll just be not alright.
Social media fell in love with you on the show. Are you still open to finding love, and how do you feel about love interests sliding in your DMs?
Ahhh, the viewers are just the best! I've really been amazed and so grateful with the overall response and kind words and support I get! Thank you. When it comes to love, I think I'm not going to be actively looking for it for quite some time; there is so much going on right now!
Although, all that to say, if love comes and finds me, it is welcome. My advice if you're thinking about it, don't be shy!
WATCH A TEASER FOR EPISODE 12 HERE:
The Bachelorette SA airs Thursdays at 19:30 on M-Net (DStv 101)