Join Ryle De Morny and his fellow presenters as they embark on an inspiring journey along South Africa’s stunning coastlines in the 'Top Billing' reunion special.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Watching nostalgia unfold in front of you is a rare experience. Sitting in the bright lobby of a Simon’s Town hotel, looking out at the blue waters of Boulders Beach and penguins moving between the rocks, I felt the past and present come together.
Across from me was Ryle De Morny, whose energy is just as lively in person as it is on TV. The former "Top Billing" presenter and current "Expresso Show" host had just finished filming for the lifestyle magazine's eagerly awaited reunion special.
For a moment, it felt like I was living inside an episode of the show that defined aspirational living for an entire generation.
Just hearing the "Top Billing" name brings back memories for many South Africans. The show was more than a display of luxury; it inspired viewers to dream and see the best of South Africa and the world through its engaging presenters.
In 2026, the show is making its return, featuring Jonathan Boynton-Lee, Fezile Mkhize and Ryle De Morny.
This time, the trio embarks on a breathtaking journey along South Africa’s coastline, spotlighting some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, four of which have just been named among the world’s best in the newly launched Corona Beach 100.
The Corona Beach 100 guide, which honours the world’s most breathtaking beaches, feels like the perfect partner for Top Billing’s reunion.The guide uses a Michelin-style “Sun Rating” system to rank beaches based on their natural beauty. South Africa’s own Kraalbaai earned the highest three-sun rating, while Boulders Beach, Camps Bay, and Nature’s Valley received nods for their unique charm and serenity.
The Corona Beach 100 guide, lauded for spotlighting the most captivating beaches globally, serves as a perfect companion for the "Top Billing" reunion special.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Talking with De Morny, I realised that the reunion is about more than TV, it’s about reconnecting old friends and inspiring South Africans to appreciate their coastlines.
To him, the ocean is more than a backdrop. It’s personal. As he shared his story with me, his words reflected real transformation.
“Growing up, I was never exposed to the ocean,” he said. “In our culture, it’s often a place of fear. You don’t learn how to swim; you see it as dangerous. It wasn’t until I discovered lifesaving as a kid that I started to see the ocean differently.
"At first, learning to swim was intimidating, and it took me three years. But when I finally passed the swim test, it unlocked something inside me. The ocean went from being something to fear to becoming my playground.”
He paused, smiling, as if reliving the moment. “That shift was life-changing. It wasn’t just about swimming; it was about confronting fear, learning new skills, and finding freedom. Lifesaving taught me so much not just about protecting others, but about respecting the ocean and the life within it.”
Years of lifesaving and surfing have turned the ocean into a source of healing for De Morny. Now, he wants others to experience that same transformation.
“I’ve learned how powerful the ocean can be. It’s therapy; it’s a space to conquer your fears, to liberate yourself. And that’s what this reunion and the Corona Beach 100 campaign are about: encouraging people to embrace the magic of South Africa’s coastlines.”
Top Billing looks to rekindle magic with a reunion special highlighting South Africa's breathtaking beaches
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
The camaraderie between De Morny, Boynton-Lee and Mkhize is palpable.
“Fez and I started our journey together during Presenter Search,” De Morny said, his voice tinged with sentiment. “We went through some of the most intense moments of our lives, and now, years later, here we are again, with Jonathan as our guide. It’s like coming full circle.”
“This doesn’t feel like work,” De Morny said. “It feels like an opportunity to be present, to reconnect. We’re not just celebrating 'Top Billing', we’re celebrating the ocean, the beaches, and the memories they create.”
He gestured toward Boulders Beach, where the waves gently lapped against the rocks. “This right here? This is what it’s all about. South Africa has some of the most incredible coastlines in the world, but so many locals haven’t even explored them. There’s still a significant cultural fear surrounding the ocean that needs to change.
"That’s why this campaign and this show are so important, they’re about inspiring people to explore, to feel empowered, to see the beauty around them.”
For De Morny, the timing couldn’t be better. “There’s something magical about this moment,” he said.
“The Corona Beach 100 celebrates the same things we’re highlighting on 'Top Billing': the beauty of slowing down, connecting with nature, and being present. It’s a reminder to embrace what we have right here in South Africa.”
As I wrapped up my conversation with De Morny, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. His passion for the ocean and his mission to change mindsets were contagious.
Sitting there, with the sun warming my skin and the sound of waves in the background, I understood what he meant about the ocean being a source of healing, of potential.