Masali Baduza is stepping into global spotlight territory as Netflix’s top drama Bridgerton prepares for season 5. The series will center on the show’s first queer love story, with Baduza leading alongside Hannah Dodd in a new chapter for the franchise.

Photo: Instagram

Baduza is Michaela Stirling, the romantic partner of Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd. Netflix confirmed that the upcoming season places their relationship at the heart of the story. The themes in previous seasons are identity and sexuality, but Season 5 is about queer relationships.The storyline adapts Julia Quinn’s novel When He Was Wicked. In the original book,

Read Also: The Best Looks from Bridgerton Premiere Red Carpet

Season 5 picks up after the emotional events of Season 4, where Francesca loses her husband, John Stirling. She struggles with widowhood and  her bond with Michaela deepens.

Masali Baduza: Instagram

Jess Brownell said the new season aims to present queer love with the same sweeping romance and emotional depth in previous series.

“More than ever, Season 5 is going to be about yearning,” she told Netflix’s Tudum in an interview published March 24. “It feels groundbreaking. Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means. But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”

Baduza was born in East London, South Africa, and gained international attention through the BBC drama Noughts + Crosses. before joining Bridgerton.Production on the season began in 2026, though no confirmed release date yet.

Photo: Instagram

Masali Baduza’s  role in the movie is a defining moment for both the actress and the franchise. This is its first queer-centered season, and Bridgerton will redefine its romantic legacy.

Liema Pantsi is the winner of Big Brother Mzansi Season 6. The singer and reality television personality was crowned at the live finale held on 22 March 2026. She beamed with joy when Smash Afrika, the host, announced her name.

The 24 year old Eastern Cape native won the competition with 33.84 percent of the public vote, defeating runner up Thandeka Tshabalala. Her victory earned her the R2 million grand prize, with extra cash rewards. This season got more than 5.5 million YouTube views, and was widely followed on TikTok, Facebook and X.

The sixth season of Big Brother Mzansi, themed “Bazozwa,” ran for over two months with more than twenty housemates competing. Although many viewers came to know her through reality television, Liema has long identified herself as a musician. Before entering the house, she had already been working on her music career,

Liema Pantsi:Instagram

Read Also: Big Brother Mzansi Season 6 Welcomes Ashay Sewlall: From Footballer to Rising Star

Director of Local Entertainment Channels, Shirley Adonisi congratulated the winner and other contestants.

“Congratulations to Liema for winning Big Brother Mzansi Season 6, officially joining the Big Brother Mzansi Winners ‘Hall of Fame’.”

“To all the housemates, we are proud of how brave they were and showed their authentic selves in front of Mzansi audiences. They shared their beauty with us and for that, they are all winners in South Africans’ eyes,” said Shirley.

Liema Pantsi:Instagram

Winning Big Brother Mzansi often opens new opportunities, and Liema now enters an important phase in her career. She can invest her prize money into recording, promotion, and performances. Many expect brand partnerships, media appearances, and live performances to follow

Fans are already looking towards new music releases as she shifts focus from reality television . Her growing social media following and nationwide recognition provide a strong foundation for building a long term career beyond the Big Brother house.

Neliswa Ngada has been disqualified from Big Brother Mzansi Season Six, after involving herself in a physical altercation. The show’s producers confirmed the decision during the Sunday live broadcast. They said the decision was taken in line with article 16 of the rule book. .

Neliswa, a 30 year-old is an influencer and club entertainment manager from the Western Cape..The incident happened after the weekly Saturday night party. Emotions were high among the housemates. Several disagreements started as some contestants confronted each other over comments made earlier in the week.

Neliswa Ngada:Instagram

One heated exchange involved Neliswa, Velile “Que” Nongongo, and Didintle “Didi” Mothobi. Reports state that Que made hurtful remarks toward Didi and talked about her past trauma. His comments upset many people in the house. .

Didi tried to confront Que physically, but other housemates stepped in and restrained her. Shortly after, Neliswa approached Que while he was lying in bed. In the heat of the moment, she struck him. Fellow contestants quickly intervened to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Read Also : Evicted ‘Big Brother Mzansi’ Housemate Kokii Opens Up on Mental Health and Hard‑Won Lessons

The rules of Big Brother Mzansi clearly prohibit physical violence. The show’s rulebook states that any form of aggression or physical assault can lead to disqualification. Producers replayed the footage during the live eviction show and announced that Neliswa’s actions violated the house rules. She follows Marcia Morata and Kokii who are also out of the competition.

Neliswa Ngada:Instagram

Alongside Neliswa’s exit, Velile received a warning strike for his remarks. Didi was issued two strikes for her involvement in the altercation. According to the rules, three strikes result in automatic removal from the show.

One of her fans on X said she understood her frustration and believed she acted out of loyalty. In her words, she said:

“Honestly, Neliswa’s disqualification is one of the hardest we have seen on the show. It tells the fact that standing up for what you believe is right might lead to certain loss but she did that for her friend which is very commendable. Good luck star girl”

Neliswa Ngada: Instagram

A close friend of Neliswa, Sphaka Ngonyama publicly defended her character. He described her as someone who is not naturally violent. He said the incident does not represent her true character. Many of her fans online echoed similar positive sentiments.