Ethiopia's out, Mozambique's going to have some or the other mysterious role, and housemates from Liberia and Sierra Leone will take part for the first time when BBA hits TV screens on Sunday, May 6.

Also, as fans of Africa's mega-hit reality show likely know by now, this year people have to double up and enter the show as a pair.

And yes, married couples can enter! Even mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, etc. One way or the other, you must have a partner.

"(W)hether you enter with your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, brother, sister, boss, husband, wife, neighbour, hairdresser, whomever you must just make sure that you enter as a pair. So who will take the journey of a lifetime with you? Remember you may have to spend a long time with them in the house so choose carefully," MultiChoice said in a statement announcing the format of the show.

"And remember that, as with previous seasons, entrants must be fun-loving, vocal, creative, original and articulate. In addition all entrants must have the social flexibility to live in close proximity with others and must be tolerant of views and lifestyle choices other than their own."

Also, both partners must come from the same country, must be 21 years or older, must be fluent in English and must have a valid passport.

The participating countries are Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

As reported yesterday, the prize this year is a cool US$300 000!

If you're interested in taking part, you can collect an entry form from your nearest MultiChoice office any time from February 5. Alternatively, you can enter by logging on to www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother and completing an entry form online. Or download an entry form from the website, complete and e-mail it back to bba@endemol.co.za.

Online entry forms will also be available from February 5. The deadline for entries is February 27 2012!