kykNET’s Op My Eish!'s Emotional Farewell As Two Leave

First two ladies pack their bags in Op my eish! – and emotions run high

Episode three of Op My Eish! marked a turning point in Ruan’s search for love as he had to break the hearts of two women for the first time. After a few days full of adventure, open conversations and growing connections, it was ultimately Chantelle Wilson and Carmen who had to leave. The decision to send them home was clearly not taken lightly.

Before the emotional farewell, the episode was filled with tension, humour and intimate moments that showed just how complex Ruan’s journey really was.

The episode began with Ruan receiving his first two anonymous letters from a woman. Determined to find out who was behind the messages, he questioned the ladies during a zip-lining activity, but the women kept mum. The six participants who had not won the boerewors roll competition – Chantelle Smith, Chantal, Maritha, Bejanke, Jenine and Hermi – took part in the zip-lining adventure. It quickly became clear that heights were not Ruan’s favourite thing, and in between, he admitted: “This is getting a bit wild, hey.”

The group then went for a picnic by the river, where Ruan opened up about how overwhelming the experience sometimes was for him.

Ruan said during the group date:

“With so many girls putting in effort, I know it looks pleasant, and of course it’s nice that everyone is willing to be here. But it’s really difficult.”

Ruan first asked Chantelle Smith for some one-on-one time, and they chatted about how the journey had been so far. Because Chantelle had joined the group later than the others, it was important for Ruan to get to know her better. He also asked Hermi for alone time, and their conversation went deeper when she shared more about her personality and gave Ruan greater insight into who she is.

Later, Ruan had the opportunity to take one woman on a one-on-one date, and he chose Maritha. The conversation became emotional when Ruan asked her why she was not in a relationship. Maritha said she was engaged two years ago, but her fiancé passed away – a moment that deeply affected Ruan. He genuinely appreciated her honesty and vulnerability. After lunch, he surprised her with a pottery class, and there was definitely chemistry.

After the date, Maritha said:

“He gives me butterflies. He has beautiful eyes, and I love his laugh lines. He is very real.”

For the second activity in the episode, Ruan chose five women for a sensory challenge: Chantelle Wilson, Bejanke, Minette, Cindy-Lee and Carmen. Blindfolded, the women had to use their senses to guess who’s Ruan and who is his twin brother, JP. All five women got it right. Afterwards, the group moved to the deck for a drink, where Ruan chose Minette for alone time. She told him more about herself, and there was clearly attraction between them.

Ruan also asked Bejanke for one-on-one time and openly admitted that there was already a connection for him.

“I haven’t yet figured out how she feels, but there is something special about her. I really can’t wait to get to know her better,” he said.

When the women returned, Cindy-Lee, Bejanke and Chantelle Wilson decided to play a prank on the others by saying that Minette and Carmen had been sent home. Although it later became clear that it was just a joke, the evening had already taken on a serious tone. When Ruan appeared and asked Cindy-Lee, Carmen and Chantelle Wilson for a group date, it initially seemed as though all three might be sent home – a moment so intense that it could almost be felt through the TV screen.

Ultimately, Ruan made the difficult decision to say goodbye to Carmen and Chantelle Wilson. He then shared an intimate moment with Cindy-Lee, showing how emotionally charged the evening was.

For Chantelle Wilson, the Op My Eish! journey was one of growth and self-discovery.

She accepted going home calmly saying:

“It was a special experience for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. It took me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself. I believe things happen as they should and love cannot be forced.”

Carmen described her experience as much more than just a search for love.