Leandra Engelbrecht

The Love List | Leandra Engelbrecht

She has watched close to 100 Korean dramas, was recognised on a London red carpet by Spider-Man’s Tom Holland, and even lived as a real-life castaway when she travelled to the Philippines for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Survivor series. All-important credentials when you’re the editor of Channel24, South Africa's premier entertainment news website.

Leandra dishes the things close to her heart, from her passion for story-telling to most memorable celebrity interview (spoiler alert: it’s Ava Duvernay ) and shares her personal love list, crammed with her favourite TV shows, movies, books and more.

As a child, Leandra says she was always “that kid.” We all know the type – excited to give a reading on stage during morning assembly and stealing the spotlight at school productions.

“One day after I did a reading the priest came up to me and said, 'one day I am going to see you on TV reading the news’. That always stuck with me and I developed a keen interest in broadcast journalism.” But as her love for reading, and writing grew, Leandra found journalistic writing to be a perfect fit, satisfying both her curious mind and passion for storytelling.

Leandra has travelled across the world and interviewed some of the biggest celebrities, including Academy-Award, winner Viola Davis, and Nope star Daniel Kaluuya, bringing News24 readers the biggest entertainment scoops, and in-depth TV and Movies analysis from around the globe.

“I got my foot in the door at News24 as a junior writer at Health24, whenever there was a position at Channel24 I applied but was never successful. You know what they say, timing is everything and when the position for TV and Film editor opened again in October 2013 I applied once more and got the job.”

Leandra admits that coming from a health background she found the transition to be a bit challenging, but after cutting her teeth as a TV and Film editor, she was promoted to Channel24 editor in 2021, and now leads the team of talented all-women journalists.      

When asked about a career highlight, she replies without hesitation: “Interviewing Ava Duvernay. She is one of my idols and personal inspiration. I know people always say you should never meet your heroes, but she was everything I hoped, and it was just amazing.” 

She goes on to say: “One of the biggest misconceptions about what I do is that entertainment isn’t real news, and Channel24 gets blasted daily with comments like: ‘Why is this news?’ I feel like all different news beats have their place, and keeping up with celebrities, and entertainment news gives you a reprieve from all the devastating news we see on our feeds daily.”

“Entertainment news isn't always just 'fun' and in recent years we have had to report on more serious issues particularly the Me Too Movement and as we’ve seen an increase in deaths by suicide in the entertainment industry, we’ve had an opportunity to shine a light on mental health issues in the industry.” 

Often the first person in the country to preview the latest Hollywood blockbusters and the person in the know when it comes to DStv price hikes, and pop culture trends, Leandra shares her list of favourites - from TV shows to music, and everything in between:

LEANDRA'S LOVE LIST:

1.    Favourite TV show right now?

Ms Marvel – it's the type of show that I wish I had growing up.

2.     Favourite movie of the year so far?

Disney original Rise, directed by Akin Omotoso. It tells the inspiring story of basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family. Not only is the story inspirational but it’s also the real-life story Omotoso dreamed of telling for eight years.

 3.      Favourite book?

Kindred by Octavia E Butler - I love stories involving time travel and this book is a mixture of memoir, fantasy and historical fiction. It's not an easy read though.

4.     Favourite musician or band?

BTS, I am a proud Army member, and Namjoon is my bias. I just wanted to know their names and the more I got to know them through their music, shows, and interviews I became a stan.

 5.     Favourite all-time interview?

My first international press junket in London for In the Heart of the Sea will always be my favourite. I got to interview Chris Hemsworth and Tom Holland. This was before Tom was Spider-Man he was genuinely nice, he even remembered me when he walked the red carpet and made a video for Channel24. I will always have a soft spot for Tom.

 6.     Favourite trip?

My trip to the Philippines for Survivor Africa season 6 was the most unbelievable experience ever, even though I got food poisoning on the trip.

 7.    Favourite thing to do to relax?

Watch Korean Dramas! I discovered them during the pandemic in 2020 and to date, I have watched over 90 shows. It's opened up a whole new world for me.

8.     Favourite celebrities to watch right now?

International: Iman Vellai (Ms Marvel), Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things)

Local: Rosemary Zimu (Savage Beauty, Ayeye: Stripped), Bonko Khoza (The Wife)

9.     Favourite song on repeat? 

Lizzo: Special

 10.  Favourite thing to do outside of work?

I exercise, and belong to a CrossFit box. It has really helped with my mental health. Lately I have been trying new places, particularly anything Korean or Asian because I have become so engrossed in that world through watching K-dramas, like the Korean market, Korean Kitchen (restaurant) and recently I went to Café Chiffon and they have the most divine Japanese Cheescake.