Nathan Soan Mngomezulu wasn't just another face on Netflix; he was basically the reason the Too Hot to Handle Season 3 prize fund looked like a clearance rack at one point. If you watched that season, you remember the chaos. You remember the "international playboy" energy. Most of all, you remember the $90,000 mistake.
But it’s 2026 now. The flashy lights of the Turks and Caicos villa have long faded, and reality TV "fame" has a notoriously short shelf life. While some cast members disappear into the void of obscure TikTok trends, Nathan has actually managed to keep people talking, mostly because his life post-Lana has been a mix of high-fashion modeling and a relationship status that kept fans guessing for years.
The $141,000 Problem
Let’s be real: Nathan and Holly Scarfone were a nightmare for their fellow contestants. They didn't just break a few rules; they basically treated Lana’s handbook like a suggestion list. At 6’4” with a background in business management and a modeling contract, Nathan was essentially built in a lab to cause trouble on a show predicated on celibacy.
The tension peaked when they blew $69,000 in a single night. Then they did it again. By the time Nathan was "evicted" for a temporary intensive workshop on self-control, the group was looking at him like he’d personally stolen their lunch money. Honestly, his comeback was one of the more dramatic arcs the show has seen. He actually passed his final test—a night in the Private Suite with Holly without touching—and won back $90,000 for the pot.
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It was a redemption arc that felt almost too scripted, but it worked. He left the show as a finalist, even if Beaux and Harry eventually took home the crown.
The Holly Scarfone Aftermath
People always ask if they made it. The short answer? No. The long answer is a bit more "it's complicated."
After filming wrapped, Holly actually flew to London. She spent a month with Nathan’s family, met the grandparents, and did the whole "meet the parents" tour in the English countryside. For a second, it looked like they might actually be the exception to the reality TV curse.
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But distance is a brutal reality check. Between Nathan being based in London (and Cape Town) and Holly finishing her degree in the States, the spark fizzled. They famously "put a pin in it" during the reunion show, which is influencer-speak for "we’re breaking up but want to keep the engagement high." They’ve remained friendly, occasionally popping up in each other's comments, but the "international lovers" dream ended fairly quickly once the cameras stopped rolling.
Modeling, GQ, and Life in 2026
So, what is he doing now? Nathan didn't just sit around waiting for another reality invite. He leaned hard into his modeling career, which was already established before the show. He's been signed with Next Models in both the UK and the US, and his portfolio has expanded significantly since his Netflix debut.
- High Fashion: He’s moved beyond just "Instagram fitness" and has worked with brands like ASOS, Boohoo, and even landed spots in GQ South Africa.
- The "Vibe": His content has shifted. While he still posts the occasional thirst trap—let's be honest, it's part of the brand—he’s leaned more into high-end travel and luxury lifestyle content.
- The Business Side: Remember, he was a business management student. He's been leveraging his 700k+ followers to pivot into brand partnerships that actually have some longevity.
Interestingly, Nathan has managed to avoid the "desperate" phase of reality TV stardom. You don't see him doing every single low-tier dating show available. He’s been selective, which is probably why people still care enough to search for him four years after his season aired.
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Why Nathan Still Matters in the THTH Universe
There’s a specific reason Nathan Soan Mngomezulu is still a point of discussion. He represented the peak of the "Growth Narrative" that Netflix loves. Whether you believe the growth was real or just a play for the prize money, he provided the blueprint for how to be a "villain" who turns into a "hero" by the finale.
Most people get wrong the idea that he was "just a party boy." If you look at his trajectory, he was incredibly calculated about his image. He knew when to break the rules for screen time and when to follow them for the win.
How to follow his career today
If you’re trying to keep up with him, Instagram is still the main hub, but his work with major modeling agencies is where the real professional moves are happening. He’s moved back and forth between London and South Africa, often showcasing the "international playboy" lifestyle he bragged about in his intro video—just with more expensive suits and fewer rules from a robotic cone.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check his latest editorials: Look for his name in digital fashion lookbooks for Next Models; his work is often more professional than what he shares on his main feed.
- Ignore the old rumors: Most of the 2022-2023 dating rumors regarding him and other Netflix stars have been debunked; as of early 2026, he keeps his private life significantly more private than he did during the Holly era.
- Watch for his brand: He has hinted at a fashion-related business venture—keep an eye on his bio for a "link in bio" that isn't just a Cameo or an OnlyFans link.