Now entering its fourth season, did you ever expect that Ultimate Braai Master would be this successful?

When you create a format or a series, you’re always hopeful that there will be longevity and that there will be a next season, but the real trick is to keep looking at what you’re doing wrong and improving on what you are offering. If I look at the first season right through to the third and now into the fourth, we’re always fine tuning the series for broader appeal of the game, better dynamics, and more entertainment value for audiences. It’s amazing how lucky guys are who put hard work into what they do.

What do you love about Ultimate Braai Master?

The best part about the Ultimate Braai Master is giving people from all walks of life in South Africa a firsthand experience of the country that I love. What makes it unique is that it’s a show that was created by South Africans, starring South Africans and taps into the South African psyche and I think that’s the really special part about it. I think for me, my favorite part has to go back to the people I meet on the road – whether it’s the contestants or crew – to share a two month journey through the length and breadth of this beautiful country is really a life changing experience.

What can we expect from this season of Ultimate Braai Master?

One of the big changes straight off the bat is that we’ve dropped down from 15 teams to 13 teams. We found that the viewing public wanted to get to know the teams better, so we have less elimination legs, more reward legs and more time for the viewing public to attach themselves to their favorite teams. Secondly, one of the most amazing things about the show is that you form these friendships for life, but when it comes to the contestants, they become too good of friends and forget that they’re fighting for a big prize, so this year we’re turning that on its head.

We want them to go more head-to-head with each other, so as much as judges are still making decisions on food and who stays in that game because of that food, we’re pitting contestants against each other, so be sure to tune in because it’s going to get interesting! You can also expect lots of twists and turns this season. We’ve taken everything that we’ve learnt out of the first three seasons and packed it into this one so it’s bound to be the best one yet! Beyond that, we’re also looking at ways of rewarding the viewing public, not only for watching the show and being entertained, but for taking part in the show, so there’s a lot planned and I can’t give too much away so watch this space …

What are you looking for in contestants?

We’ve always said that they must be able to cook, so the first thing that we look for is people with a skill set when it comes to producing food on the fire, but we’re also looking for people who are gregarious and outgoing – people who are characters that we can relate to as viewers.

Where and how can the public enter?

It’s very simple, all you have to do is go to the website, www.ultimatebraaimaster.com, and click on the ‘Enter Now’ button. Entries close on Saturday, 21 February for Cape Town and Saturday, 28 February everywhere else, so time is running out and if you haven’t entered yet, best get to it.

*Image courtesy of COOKED IN AFRICA FILMS.