This is when Op my eish! returns – with a few exciting changes
Op My Eish! returns on Thursday 15 January 2026 at 20:00 on kykNET with a brand-new season full of fresh energy and real-life romance. This time, former professional rugby player Ruan Smith is putting his heart on the line in the hope of meeting someone with whom he can build a future. It promises to be a season full of surprises, real connections and unforgettable moments.
A few interesting facts about the fourth season of Op my eish!:
The 16 women vying for Ruan’s love
From hundreds of applications, Ruan selected 16 women to meet him in person. Ultimately, he can only take 12 women on the journey with him. This complication causes even more tension, emotion and unexpected moments.
The arrival of the wildcards…
In previous seasons, the two wildcards always appeared in the same episode, but this time they show up out of the blue – exactly when Ruan least expects it. Their arrival not only sparked tension among the women but also led to some challenging decisions that were sure to impact the course of this season.
The sparks fly
The series doesn’t just offer exciting activities and romantic dates – there are plenty of kisses too, with the first one planted as early as episode two. These early sparks set the tone for a season where emotions flare up quickly and connections form unexpectedly.
Packed with activities and drama
This season is full of exciting challenges and activities, with two activities in each episode keeping both the women and Ruan on their toes. Highlights include ziplining, a game of Spot the Difference with Ruan and JP, a lively touch rugby session, a bushveld safari as a romantic date, e-biking and even a maze challenge where the women had to find Ruan. There was also a fun pool party, emoji games, Slip ’N Slide – where spilling drinks must be avoided – and Whisper or Dare, where the women whisper secrets into Ruan’s ear or complete daring tasks. The ladies also had the opportunity to speak with the life coach Liezl Thom for advice on navigating the emotional side of the journey. And that’s just a little taste of the season to come.
What the men have to say
For Ruan, it has been an emotional journey full of surprises and valuable lessons:
“I’m incredibly excited about this new season. Getting the chance to search for love with an open heart is something I don’t take lightly. Throughout this process, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I’m ready to show who I really am and hopefully find someone who wants to walk this path with me.”
His twin brother and wingman, JP, adds:
“As Ruan’s wingman, I’m ready for the chaos, the laughter and the moments you just can’t script. I know my brother – if his heart is truly open, this season is going to be something special. I’m here to support him, challenge him, and make sure he notices the right things in the right women. It’s a new adventure for both of us, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it with us.”
Op My Eish! premieres on 15 January 2026 at 20:00 exclusively on kykNET (DStv channel 144). The series will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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