The Samas are underway this weekend and one of Mzansi’s most-loved TV stars Lunga Shabalala will not be covering the annual award ceremony for hit magazine show Selimathunzi because “he’s too expensive”.

A source close to the star tells us that he refused to settle for less that the fee he charges and the bosses didn’t budge either. “The SABC thinks he’s expensive and therefore cannot afford his services. Instead, they are using the flamboyant Bujy as a guest presenter on the show,” the source reveals.

Bujy, on the other hand, is elated that he’s getting such a national platform. “I’m really excited about this because doors were not opening for me until Selimathunzi gave me a call and asked if I wanted to stand-in for someone at the Samas,” the star tells us. Meanwhile, when contacted for comment Lunga’s phone rang unanswered.