Nonku's no-show and the Londie-Minnie beef

MaBlerh spills the tea:

- DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

THE most fulfilling interviews begin with an initial unfamiliarity, evolving into a connection akin to being besties for years by the end of the chat.

Such was my interaction with a true Jack of all trades, MaBlerh (real name Mthokozisi Cele), when I called him to chat about the two-part reunion special of The Real Housewives of Durban season five, the day before it dropped on Showmax. Part two will air on Friday, July 11.

This is the third year in a row that he's been hosting the special, and he doesn't disappoint.

He also hosted The Real Housewives of Gqeberha and season three of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg.

Having been a die-hard fan of The Real Housewives franchise, it was indeed a full-circle moment for him to become the go-to choice to host several reunion episodes.

Of course, we kicked off with the elephant in the room Nonku Williams being a no-show.

With her holier-than-thou attitude, the entire season, where she picked fights with newcomers Kwanele Kubheka (aka Fafa) and Lo Sithole, viewers and costars alike were left gaping in shock by her tardiness and diva-like behaviour.

The other cast members added to the dynamics include Ayanda Mthembu as well as Minenhle "Minnie" Ntuli and Precious Udoye, who are brought in as friends of friends but end up taking up a chunk of the screen time.

MaBlerh shared: "You know, like any other viewer, I love Nonku. I love the fact that Nonku asks the kind of questions that people are scared to ask. And, yes, it lands her in hot water, but we need that. She is the firestarter.

"For me, it was weird being at the reunion without Nonku. It was just that something was missing. It would have felt the same way if Sorisha Naidoo weren't there. Like, they are the OGs."