DeneGOLD- Free

JEANNIE'S BIG, BOLD LIFE
YOU South Africa|19 December 2024
The former TV personality on how falling in love inspired her to quit her glamorous job and head off on a new adventure
- ALULUTHO GUZANA
JEANNIE'S BIG, BOLD LIFE

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.”

Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 19 December 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 19 December 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

YOU SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
ONE OF A KIND
YOU South Africa

ONE OF A KIND

She survived a violent stepfather and being raped by a bandmate as well as rampant showbiz sexism. Now as singer Cyndi Lauper heads off on her farewell tour aged 71, she just wants to have fun

time-read
10+ dak  |
20 February 2025
TRUE TO HIS ROOTS
YOU South Africa

TRUE TO HIS ROOTS

Rap icon Kendrick Lamar's recent Grammy haul has cemented his status as the king of hip-hop

time-read
4 dak  |
20 February 2025
RYAN'S ON A ROLLI
YOU South Africa

RYAN'S ON A ROLLI

Ryan Rickelton has taken the cricket scene by storm, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with

time-read
5 dak  |
20 February 2025
PARALYMPICS, HERE I COME!
YOU South Africa

PARALYMPICS, HERE I COME!

He lost his left leg as a baby, but these days Nicklaas is a star on the athletics field and he's got big dreams

time-read
4 dak  |
20 February 2025
KEKE'S KICKING IT!
YOU South Africa

KEKE'S KICKING IT!

From child star to Hollywood powerhouse - Keke Palmer shines as an actress, podcast host and film producer

time-read
5 dak  |
20 February 2025
NEXT CHAPTER LOADING
YOU South Africa

NEXT CHAPTER LOADING

Werner Wessels, the creative force behind many Miss SA winners, is stepping away from pageants to embrace new opportunities

time-read
5 dak  |
20 February 2025
BABY SHAME GAME
YOU South Africa

BABY SHAME GAME

Lily Collins got a lot more than she bargained for when she announced she'd become a mom via a surrogate

time-read
3 dak  |
20 February 2025
BRIDGET'S BACK!
YOU South Africa

BRIDGET'S BACK!

Renée Zellweger returns for the fourth and possibly final outing of Helen Fielding's ditsy cult heroine, a role she has relished from day one

time-read
6 dak  |
20 February 2025
I CAN BREATHE AGAIN'
YOU South Africa

I CAN BREATHE AGAIN'

After months of legal hell, two aneurysms and brain surgery, Alison Botha is relieved that her attackers are back behind bars and she can focus on getting better

time-read
5 dak  |
20 February 2025
SA IN TRUMP'S SIGHTS
YOU South Africa

SA IN TRUMP'S SIGHTS

With Elon Musk whispering in his ear the US president has unleashed his wrath on South Africa. But how worried should we be?

time-read
7 dak  |
20 February 2025

Hizmetlerimizi sunmak ve geliştirmek için çerezler kullanıyoruz. Sitemizi kullanarak çerezlere izin vermiş olursun. Learn more