Former Big Brother Mzansi season 3 contestants and fan-favourite couple Gashwan “Gash1” and Thato Mthombeni have revealed they were offered a reality TV show — but chose to walk away from the opportunity.
The couple, who met on the popular reality competition and tied the knot just six months after making their relationship official, opened up in a recent YouTube video about why they declined the offer, even though their fans have been eager to see them back on screens.
While many would jump at the chance to showcase their lives on television, Thato made it clear that her decision came from a place of self-protection and prioritising her loved ones.
“I don’t want to do reality TV because I say no first as an individual,” Thato said. “I don’t want to do it because there’s no reality TV I’ve watched where people have brought forth their romantic relations, siblings [or] whatever and come out better after that. There isn’t a one. Those things destroy. I’m not even talking about the comments, the audience or the fans yet.”
She added that no amount of money could convince her to sacrifice her peace and stability. “I don’t care how much money you are putting down. I am not going to put myself in a situation for something to break me down. That is not going to happen. Peace at all costs. I can lose millions. It is detrimental to everyone around you,” she explained.
Thato is currently balancing a busy life — she’s an actress, a weekend radio host on Metro FM alongside the Naked DJ, and also works in the food industry. Gash1, meanwhile, focuses on modelling and running his business ventures.
Gash1 also explained that privacy is something he values highly, and he’s cautious about how his public image is portrayed.
“There are things I need to refrain from saying because it will taint the brand itself. You always need to uphold a good image no matter how you are feeling,” he said.
Despite the excitement from fans who would love to watch their journey on-screen, the couple has chosen peace, privacy, and personal growth over the spotlight.
