Ashley loses out on Ultimate Survivor

With over 15 years in the South African entertainment industry, Ashley Hayden is one of the more familiar and recognisable faces (and voices) to viewers – as an M-Net presenter, voice-over artist, inspirational speaker and business woman.

She has travelled the world with her travel show ‘Bon Voyage’, and in 2007 won the 100th episode of SABC3’s game show ‘The Weakest Link’, donating all her winnings to the SPCA. The obvious choice to win for many viewers, Ashley outplayed and outwitted her team mates, even making Survivor SA history by becoming the first person to win five consecutive Immunity challenges. In the end though, embittered jury members chose to punish Ashley by handing the Ultimate Survivor crown over to GiGi. But while GiGi may have won over the jury, it is clear that the gapped-tooth Zimbabwean-born television presenter and actress Ashley won over the fans. NATASHA UYS conducted a telephonic interview with ‘tough-as-nails Ash’Most viewers thought you should have won, as evidenced by the fact that you won the viewers vote in the final. How do you feel about the fact that GiGi is the ultimate survivor?Well, it is with regret that I look at the way in which the jurors perceived my game plan. At the time they were unable to separate logic from game plan. Working with celebs, there are no small egos! It is what it is. I can’t waste time thinking about it. I have to move on. Do you feel you should have won?I certainly feel I played a more active role in the game. Then again it is also possible that coasting along, doing little and not antagonising anyone is a viable option as a game plan. It definately worked for GiGi!In retrospect, is there anything you would have done differently?I would have done exactly the same thing but would have been much more subtle in trying to manipulate people. By not over promising and relying more on the power of suggestion and influence than making strong alliances. I think that was the problem, too many expectations were raised. Do you think the men’s egos took a bit of a dent because you outplayed them?I do wonder to myself… If I was a man and played the same game, would it have sat better with them? Or is the whole problem the fact that as a woman, I outwitted them? Let’s face it when men display shrewdness and cunning it is admired, but that is not exactly the case for a woman. It certainly does not seem to be admired, so maybe they would have had a different reaction to me if I was a man. How does it feel to know that you made Survivor South Africa history after winning five consecutive immunity challenges?I am immensely surprised and quite proud! It is something I will probably never have the chance to do again, unless I can set a record for nagging my children. It wasn’t something I planned, it was just something that happened gradually. I’m tickled pink about it. What was your most challenging moment on the island?Everyday was a challenge but I think one of the major turning points in terms of the game was the day we all got the letters from our charities. It really turned the focus away from my own unhappiness, hunger, misery. From missing my kids and Charlie and it turned towards the goal. It brought back home to me why we were there and it made me realise, for me, it was about the hundreds of homeless children who had to deal with conditions like that all the time. How have the public responded to you since the show aired?Generally the response has fallen into two categories. You’ve got the older, more seasoned viewers who know the odds. They know how the game is played and they recognise a fellow player. So from them the response has been very positive, which has been heartwarming for me. On the other hand are the first or second season viewers, who don’t quite understand that it was a game. They were emotionally vested in the show and took it personally when their favourites were voted off or if I did something they did not agree with. It is difficult to be on the receiving end of some people’s comments, who don’t understand that it is just a game. They look at you like you are the devil, but I guess those are some of the hazzards of signing up for such a show. You were quite vocal about your charity, The Homestead. Can you tell us a little more about what they do?Sure, they are a charity organisation based in Cape Town, who actually do make the difference between life and death for many children living on the streets. These kids live in such hazardous circumstances, with no guidance, shelter, food or love. They are the vulnerable members of society who are susceptible to the elements. The Homestead gives them a place to live, food, education, school uniforms, love, guidance, hope for the future… Something they would never have otherwise. As a parent, the idea of any child living on the street without love and supervision horrifies me. So this is really a cause that is very close to my heart. How does it feel to know that through your participation in Survivor, The Homestead will be receiving R230,000?It is an amazing feeling, really remarkable, but I just found out that The Homestead are planning to build a shelter in Khayelitsha so this is not enough. I am going to continue working with them and try to use any influence I have to raise more money and see what more I can do to help. * Fans of Ashley who wish to donate towards The Homestead or help in any way can get in touch with her via email: ashley@featureperfect.co.za * As a special treat for Survivor fans, an additional episode of Survivor South Africa, featuring unscreened footage, will be broadcast this Wednesday April 28 at 18h30.

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