Ruda Landman back on M-Net - reports

Cape Town – Former Carte Blanche presenter Ruda Landman, Colin Moss, Doreen Morris and a number of well-known faces who've appeared on M-Net over the past 25 years are returning to the pay broadcaster.

The stars – all major viewer favourites over the past two and a half decades and all fondly remembered by viewers – agreed to return for a top secret project as part of M-Net's celebratory 25th birthday that will happen in October.

The instantly recognisable faces are apparently all part of a stellar group of former on-air M-Net stars who've been invited and have agreed to return to the M-Net airwaves. Sources say the pay TV channel has secretly begun filming an on air-promo (or promos) with the former M-Net personalities which will be shown in October.

VIDEO: Carte Blanche tribute to Ruda Landman

All of them have been strongly associated with the M-Net brand during periods over the past 25 years as either continuity presenters, show hosts or iconic M-Net faces, and have remained famous and loved even though in some cases its been years since they've actually appeared on television or specifically M-Net.

Details are sketchy

The first secret promo work began at the end of July amidst great secrecy. It is unclear at this stage whether there is one big musical promo, different sets of 30-second promos or different versions of each. Shooting for the project will apparently continue throughout August.

"They went and asked instantly recognisable famous faces that South African viewers love and adore," says a source.

"Amazing people – everybody of the past 25 years so closely linked with M-Net. And it's as amazing and wonderful that they agreed to return. It's very hush-hush but just think of a big name from the past of M-Net and chances are you'll see that face on M-Net in October again when they go very big with the 25th birthday," whispers an insider.

"It's going to be lovely," says another source. M-Net declined to comment on this for now.

Longtime M-Net subscribers and viewers will remember the many M-Net on-air promos over the years which saw groups of M-Net faces and staff assembled for musical montage numbers using several adapted tracks from various artists, including Queen (Don't Stop Me Now).

Another memorable promo took place on the roof of M-Net's Randburg headquarters with M-Net staff waving and dancing in front of satellite dishes.

The broadcaster hopes to recreate some of that special feeling for its 25th birthday that will also include other big surprises.