HER husky voice, bubbly personality and milewide smile captivated TV audiences on Top Billing, Top Travel and Afternoon Express – and then at the pinnacle of her career she vanished from our screens.
Why would someone so successful leave the glamorous life behind?
For Jeannie D (42) the answer is straightforward – after years in the spotlight she found herself yearning for a quieter existence.
“So much of my life has been in the media so nowadays I prefer privacy and enjoy moments with my loved one,” she tells YOU.
That loved one is her husband, businessman Brandon Bekker, and she lights up when she talks about him.
Jeannie, whose full name is Jeannie De Gouveia, is eagerly looking forward to her first Christmas as Mrs Bekker.
After returning from a recent trip to Edinburgh in Scotland, Jeannie and Brandon have been preparing for the festive season by painting and doing some maintenance at their home on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town.
“We love entertaining so this time of year is our favourite,” Jeannie says. “I might not be a master chef but I can make a mean cocktail.”
The former TV and radio host is looking forward to taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to host family and friends during the holidays.
“The [Chrstmas] tree is all set up, I’ve been wrapping gifts I’ve gathered from my travels over the past three months,” she says.
Jeannie and Brandon will be hosting a pre-Christmas celebration before heading to Antarctica for a bucket-list expedition and then going to Portugal to visit one of her brothers.
“We didn’t want him to spend the day alone so we’re going to visit him,” she says. “I feel there isn’t enough love in the world so during this season I try to spread extra cheer – and hope others will join in.”
Denne historien er fra 19 December 2024-utgaven av YOU South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 19 December 2024-utgaven av YOU South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
Lynn and Kairo Forbes invite us into their home as they prepare for their second Christmas without AKA
DENZEL'S DECADE OF SOBRIETY
Expensive wine was his weakness but these days the legendary Hollywood actor is all about clean living
WE DID IT FOR YOU, DAD
It was a dream come true for Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse when they ran out together for the Boks – but it was bittersweet too
HIP-HOPPING ALONG!
Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo, is about to become an even bigger star thanks to a catchy new song released in her honour
IAM NO DIFFERENT
Despite being born without legs, Kanya Sesser truimphs at anything she sets her mind to
OUR WONDERFUL, WEIRD WORLD
Bizarre and beautiful spots exist off the well-worn tourist paths that criss-cross our precious planet
GOD'S INFLUENCER
After Carlo Acutis died at age 15, he was credited with performing miracles. Now the Italian is about to be canonised as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. But what did the seemingly ordinary teenager do that was so special?
RUCK ON!
Rucking walking with a weighted rucksack - has gained popularity once again for its ability to improve your heart health, increase your strength and burn kilojoules fast
MY KIDNEY FOR MY SON
This Cape Town mom is determined to lose 50kg so she can give her boy the gift of life
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
She's been deaf since she.was a baby but now Chermelle ;s slowly startmg to hear thanks to a Cochlear Implant
