"It's been absolutely magical. It's a dream come true," she says, crediting a cast and crew who "banded together" to deliver the most memorable season yet. What has surprised her most is the heart. "There are lots of tears and lots of tenacity shown, but most importantly, there's lots of heart," she says, noting that rivals have formed beautiful bonds along the way.

Managing big personalities, she says, is less work than it sounds. She credits her mother's temperament: plenty of fun, but firm when it counts. Her contestants, she adds, are professionals who respect the game and one another.

The Sunset Ceremony is where the emotion lands hardest. "They ALL really want it," she says, and she empathises because she has been in competition herself and knows how nerve-racking the unknown can be, especially with mystery boxes and twists in play.

On alliances, she is clear-eyed: trust matters, but friendship does not. "You've got to pick strategy over friendship and play the game with the intention of winning." Ask who can get you to the finale, she advises, because after that it is every team for themselves.

Viewers should brace for more surprises. A shared million rand, she points out, was never going to be won with a predictable game. And yes, she did have to remind herself she was working, with beaches, a volcano and French pastries all in the frame.

Beyond the island, Potelwa is developing a clothing line, hosting more events, launching podcasts and starting a new project with her friend Candice Sello. A 5FM project, 5 Drive Gets High, is also on the way.

Watch: Wednesdays at 21:00 on SABC 1, repeated Thursdays at 18:00 on S3.