Temptation Island South Africa: Five singles are sent packing in episode 10

Before the four original couples end their romantic journeys and leave paradise, they make their final date picks in episode 10 of Temptation Island South Africa. These overnight dates – which are arranged at fancy villas with breathtaking views around Knysna – are intended to provide each couple with time to reflect on their relationship ahead of the final bonfire, where they’ll decide to either continue dating or go their separate ways.

Meanwhile, during the overnight dates, the sexy singles are set on enticing the couples to ensure that they leave paradise with them, and not their partners. The pressure is on as the couples near the final chapter of their Temptation Island South Africa experience. 

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the 10th episode of Temptation Island South Africa

Catching heat at bonfire

The episode begins with the women attending their fifth bonfire session. Having received 30-second video messages from their boyfriends in episode 9, the group reveals that they’ve gained much-needed insight into where they stand in their relationships.

While Precious and Musa are still on the fence about their romances, Nthabi reveals that she’s no longer interested in making amends with maybe-boyfriend MJ since he’s established a full-on relationship with hot single Bontle at the men’s villa.

When it comes to Estelle, she can’t wait to see Justin and tell him that she not only loves him, but she’s realised that she’s “in love with him.” Even after Estelle is shown a clip of Justin discussing marriage with his front-runner Angelique, Estelle is hopeful that she’ll leave paradise with him.

Burning bridges

Next, the men join host Phat Joe at the bonfire. There’s nothing unusual that the men are shown, except for MJ. He sees the distraught Nthabi talking to Brandon about ways in which MJ has humiliated their relationship by repeatedly kissing Bontle. At this point, Nthabi is beyond herself. Seeing Nthabi in such a state is triggering for MJ, and there’s a hint of regret in his voice as he says, “Unfortunately, I disappointed Nthabi. I can’t rewind and correct [my mistakes]. All I’m going to do is move on,” explains MJ, adding “I can’t cry over spilt milk.” 

The last date selections 

It’s the morning after the bonfire and Joe surprises both villas with a visit. He announces that the couples will be making their final date selections for the season and the singles who aren’t picked should go upstairs, pack their belongings, and leave the villas right away. Coco’s reaction sums up everyone’s feelings as her eyes widen and her jaw drops to the ground.

“These aren’t regular dates,” says Joe, “These are intimate, overnight dates.” The date selections are unexpected: Sifiso picks Dimpho rather than his apparent frontrunner, Eve. Given that Grant and Coco are no longer on speaking terms, he picks Lerato. MJ goes for Bontle, and Justin picks Angelique. This means that Coco and Eve are eliminated.

Over at the women’s villas, the date selections are also surprising. Instead of picking men that they had chemistry with throughout the season, the women pick their “friends” – well, except for Precious. She goes with Dain. As for the other women, Estelle chooses Tats, and Musa goes for Muggz – a man with whom she’s revealed that she doesn’t have chemistry.

The most startling pick though, is Nthabi’s. Her leads CeeJay and Brandon are convinced that Nthabi is going to choose between them, but she hits everyone with a blow when she selects Uzzi. “I wanted to buy myself time so that when I make a decision [in future], I’ll be certain that I will know that I’m picking the right person,” says Nthabi.

The final date selection sends Jerry, CeeJay and Brandon packing.

The final dates

The final eight couples attend their last dates and while everyone plays it safe, Sifiso and Dimpho take their relationship to the next level.  Although Sifiso closes the door, there are inappropriate sounds coming from their room…

While Sifiso and Dimpho have their fun, Angelique and Justin come to standstill in their “entanglement”. She expects him to touch her and kiss her, only for Justin to kiss her on the forehead. Angelique is upset. “I’ve given you my all. If you’re not going to be free and open to yourself [and kiss me], because you know [that’s what you want to do],” says Angelique in her confessionals. Seeing that her feelings aren’t reciprocated, Angelique cuts the dinner date short and leaves Justin alone at the table. 

Next week, it’s the final bonfire session and the couples will decide whether they are leaving paradise with their partners, a hot single, or alone. You don’t want to miss the drama.

Stream the latest episode of Temptation Island South Africa now on Showmax.