Love stole the spotlight on The Secret Story Afrique reality show when Rwandan up and coming artiste France Mpundu, 26, accepted a surprise promise ring from 33-year-old Niger star, Moctar, her fellow contestant, asking France to officially be his girlfriend on and outside the show.
The proposal, aired on the night of November 15, instantly became one of the season’s biggest highlights, sealing a relationship that began soon after they joined the house in early October.
It was love at first sight when France joined the show on October 5, just a day after Moctar arrived. They have since become at the same time rivals and lovebirds.
Moctar declared his love for France live on The Secret Story show during which he admits they have been through a difficult week together and he challenged her to keep their relationship even after the reality show contest.
While placing the promise ring on France’s finger, he said, "France, my love, I’ve told you many times. From the moment I met you, I felt emotions I never doubted. Today, let me say it again — I am ready to give you proof of how much I love you.”
A surprised yet overjoyed France immediately replied "Yes”, stretching out her hand for the ring.
The moment quickly spread across the show’s production team and Canal social platforms, described as "the wedding of the year.”
Moctar, who is said to come from a wealthy family with ties to Niger’s last royal dynasty, is considered one of the strongest contenders in the competition due to his impressive ability to uncover secrets.
He was among four contestants at risk of being evicted this week, but votes allowed him to advance while Felicia and Bonaventure were voted out.
Both he and France are now part of the six-contestant list which will be trimmed to four who will advance into the semi-finals. The season, which is currently being filmed in South Africa began with 18 participants representing 16 countries.
The four semi-finalists, who will continue competing for a prize exceeding Rwf 50 million, will be announced on November 22.
Secret Story Africa airs on CANAL POP from Monday to Friday at 8:15 p.m., and every Saturday on CANAL Magic at 10:30 p.m.
About Secret Story Africa
Secret Story Africa is a French-language reality competition television show, adapted from the French original television show Secret Story. It’s been one of the country’s most popular reality shows for nearly 18 years, airing on major networks like TF1 and RTL Plug before expanding its success to Africa.
The show follows a group of contestants from all over French-speaking African countries who live together, isolated from the outside world in a house called Maison des Secrets (House of Secrets), fitted with cameras and microphones in each room.
Each week, a contestant is voted out by the spectators. They also have a secret that they must keep, while also discovering that of the others.