Actress, model and content creator Trisha Khalid is the new celebrity co-host of Hello Mr. Right Kenya, joining Dr. Ofweneke and relationship expert Getrude Mungai as the Star Times backed dating show launches its fifth season.

Ms. Khalid takes over from Risper Faith, who co-hosted Season 4, with the producers saying the choice reflects where Kenyan pop culture is heading.

“We had around five names on the table. We looked at personality, energy, authenticity and originality, at what each person thinks about love and marriage, and of course we checked the beauty as well. Everything settled on Trisha Khalid,” said Dr. Ofweneke, noting that the production team had its own list.

“Personally, I know I’m going to have a good time this season,” he added.

Actress Khalid promised the viewers a lively ride, and a warning for her co-host. “I expect more energy and more fun from both of us. I’m about to stress him (Dr. Ofweneke) out,” she said.

StarTimes says the choice was deliberate.

“The candidate we selected is not new to the audience. She has a huge following and great TV hosting experience. Women want to be her, and men want to have her,” said Tamima Ibrahim, Marketing Director at StarTimes.

A season that goes wider

Season 5 widens the dating pool. Producers say the cast now includes differently abled contestants, people living with skin pigmentation challenges, and men and women aged 45 and above, including those who are divorced, separated or widowed.

There are contestants in their 50s, and a 65-year-old man has come looking for love.

“The new look this season has mature women,” said Getrude Mungai. “We have had women over 45, and we have a 65-year-old man coming to look for love.”

For Dr. Ofweneke, the real draw is the conversation, as focus shifts to what he describes as “realistic life experiences” about what love and relationships are, and what men and women expect from marriage.

“We will also hear a lot of ideas and beliefs about family, money and wealth. As lead host, I’m keen that we handle the most pertinent issues when it comes to choosing a partner,” he said.

Viewers can expect panel debates on who pays, what financial maturity looks like, and who cooks. Opinions are plentiful and agreement is not guaranteed. But why is StarTimes backing it again?

“Hello Mr. Right is the biggest dating reality show in Africa. We are very happy with the show’s performance, and our subscribers have been very loyal in supporting it throughout the many years it has been on air. We hope this year will not be any different,” said Tamima.

The show is StarTimes’ flagship local content for October, heading into the festive season.

Did you know?

Hello Mr. Right is a dating reality show created by StarTimes, in which single women meet eligible bachelors who go through a series of stages, tasks and personality tests in search of a matching “Golden Date.”

The format started in Zambia in 2018 and has since been localised in several African markets. In Kenya, it premiered in December 2018 with Dr. Ofweneke as host.

Over the seasons he has worked with a new female co-host each time: Vera Sidika, Shix Kapienga, Diana Marua and Risper Faith. The show is popular with urban viewers aged 18 to 35.

Where and when to watch

• Auditions episode: Saturday 17 October
• Episode 1: Saturday 31 October
• Time: every Saturday, 8pm
• Channel: Rembo TV, channel 113 on StarTimes (aerial/DTT decoders) and channel 484 on StarTimes DTH, Streaming on StarTimes ON App