Marisia's Secret Weapon

The shy contestant played second fiddle to other women in the house but once she got Bachelor Marc on his own sparks flew

- Joy Mphande

They giggled, they flirted, they gazed deep into each other’s eyes and finally, they locked lips in a passionate clinch.

Viewers might well have needed to fan themselves after watching the sizzling date Marisia van Wyk shared with The Bachelor SA hunk Marc Buckner under the stars in Maropeng at the Cradle of Humankind.

The scene was set for romance: roses, cushions, candles, red wine, blankets, a star-studded African sky and two seriously sexy people. Forget about sparks flying – this was red-hot bonfire stuff.

Marisia (24) is the youngest contestant in this year’s series of the hit reality show and is also regarded as the shyest woman in the house – a trait you’d think wouldn’t get her very far in the cut-throat Bachelor mansion. But shyness, it turns out, may just be the Klerksdorp beauty’s secret weapon.

Minutes before the steamy embrace during the coveted one-on-one date, Marc murmurs, “You’re shy and I think that’s really attractive. I prefer a woman who’s a bit more reserved.”

In his post-date diary, Marc (36) seemed a little taken aback by the intensity of his feelings, admitting there was maybe too much chemistry between them for a first date.

Marisia, who hails from Klerksdorp in the North West, had been biding her time. She didn’t receive the First Impression Rose, her first date was stolen by Pasha, and Qiniso bagged the first kiss.

But once she got South Africa’s most eligible bachelor to herself, he was putty in her pretty hands – leaving no one in any doubt she’s a serious contender for his heart.

MARISIA hasn’t been all that lucky in love in her life – and it’s not for lack of trying.