They are sexy, sassy and live their truth. Showmax reality show This Body Works For Me makes a return for the second season with three new contestants. The 18SNL reality series about the South African adult entertainment industry topped the charts on Twitter and Showmax during its first season, thanks to its mix of fun, drama, sisterhood, and sexiness. Sex worker and social media influencer Samkelisiwe "Samke" Nkwanyana along with Xolisile Mfeka will not be returning to the show. The two ladies have been replaced by Dione Xanthe, transgender woman Lebo and stripper, Diamond.
WHOSE IN AND WHOSE OUT
Returning to the show are cast members, Bubbly, Wandi Ndlovu, and Prima Donna from the previous season. Bubbly says she plans to be more open this season, while also standing up for herself more. "I am still the same Bubbly person but I am learning to put my foot down more so that people do not take advantage of my kindness," says Bubbly. Gina is trying to be more peaceful this season. "I honestly tried to come in the new season with an open mind and an open heart," says Gina. "I do not like how I lost some friendships last season; I want to get along more with the ladies and have a good time while building each other up." Primadonna's goal for this season is to grow and pursue the things she loves. "In Season 1, people did not get to know me fully: I am a very chilled person that gets along with everyone," she says. "Because of how things happened last season, I was always on the defence. This year is different: you will still see drama but you will get to know me better."
THE NEW PARTICIPANTS
Diamond is a mother and stripper from Alexandra in Johannesburg, who prides herself on being very calm." I joined Season 2 because I want people to see the truth about being a stripper," says Diamond. "It is not just what you see at face value; we are real people, with real emotions and there are people who depend on us. We go through a lot. It is not an easy job. It is a craft that we work hard to perfect and I think people do not realise that. My biggest goal is to shed light on this industry and, maybe, hopefully, that might help someone else." Lebo, from Tembisa in the East Rand, is an aspiring farmer and the first trans woman on the show. "It makes it harder that as a trans woman that I am already also a sex worker," says Lebo. "My aim for being on This Body Works For Me is to show people the trans experience. We all come in different shapes and sizes. No story is the same; every story is unique and every story deserves a platform. I hope to teach and make it easier for those who are coming after me." When asked about why she would not return, Samke asked money from ZiMoja in order to comment. Xoli Mfeka was not available for comment.
