Reandi Grey takes the reins: get ready for a heartfelt ride on 'Boer Soek ‘n Vrou' season 17

The countdown to the highly anticipated 17th season of kykNET’s popular reality dating show, "Boer Soek ‘n Vrou", is officially on, with actress Reandi Grey stepping into the presenter’s role. 

Set to premiere on August 7, the new season promises a fresh crop of farmers ready to find love, and Grey, who has a rich history in the entertainment industry, is thrilled to be part of this iconic show.

"For years, it was like my industry bucket list, what I wanted to do," Grey said in a statement. 

Growing up on a farm herself, the "Diepe Waters" actress feels connected to the stories of the farmers she will be supporting.

She takes the reins as the seventh presenter, following in the footsteps of Marciel Hopkins, who dedicated four years to matchmaking in the rural dating scene.

This season, the spotlight will be on ten eligible bachelors from a diverse array of backgrounds.

The hopeful farmers with rich stories to tell, ranging from ages 26 to 56 and hail from various provinces, with the Free State fielding the most entrants.

The format aligns with previous seasons, focusing on the farmers who received the most entries from eager participants looking for love from the city.

Among the farmers are Nicolaas, a sheep and crop farmer from Bredasdorp; Rudi H, a boer goat farmer from Windsorton; Lourie, a cattle farmer from Vryburg; Evert, a macadamia, citrus and game farmer from Tshipise; and Christof, a prickly pear and salt farmer.

Meanwhile, Grey is no stranger to capturing audience hearts, having left a lasting impression as Esti Fouche on the long-running soap "7de Laan".

More recently, she played Anja in "Diepe Waters" and also expanded her creativity by launching her own clothing line, Grey Creations, yet it's her new role that feels most pivotal.

"All the farmers who have enrolled are also people I will want to keep close to me for the rest of my life. Every single one of these farmers is a well-rounded person with so much emotion and so much love. It’s going to be an unforgettable season, and South Africans will be hanging on their lips," she said. 

With a new director at the helm, Grey hints at some exciting surprises that await viewers.

"This is a role I wish for anyone in their life, because being part of a love story, whether it is that of someone else or your own, is very special and necessary.

• "Boer Soek ‘n Vrou" will air on kykNET (DStv channel 144) from August 7 at 8pm.