‘I am very much appreciative’: Lerato Nxumalo on her ‘Scandal!’ exit
Actress Lerato Nxumalo bid farewell to Scandal! on Friday, 14 June where she played Phakamile Mdletshe.
LERATO NXUMALO SAYS GOODBYE
The former Durban Gen star Lerato Nxumalo debuted in e.tv’s soapie Scandal! on Monday, 17 April.
Nxumalo tells Sunday World that playing Phakamile has been a beautiful experience, and she enjoyed every moment.
“Playing Phakamile has been such a beautiful experience. I enjoyed every single moment because I feel like I grew so much. Working with the team that successfully grew me as an actor has been such an honour. Thank you so much to Ochre Media and e.tv. For the growth opportunity that you guys have given me.”
“For all that you guys have done for me, I am very very much appreciative. I wish Scandal! all the best and I’m so glad to have been a part of this amazing winning team.”
Sanele Zulu, who is Series Producer of Scandal! says working with Nxumalo has left them craving for more. She also thanks the actress for doing a fantastic job in portraying Phakamile and sharing her time with them at Scandal!
Your talent is undeniable. We wish Nxumalo all the best for the future,” said Zulu.
Nxumalo played Jojo’s (Melusi Mbele) lover and the elder sister of Nqobile (Zekhatho Zondi) and Mbuso (Siyabonga Ngcwensa).
The actress got her big break on Durban Gen as a doctor also featured on 1Magic’s cancelled telenovela Lingashoni.
MORE ACTORS LEAVE ‘SCANDAL!’
Lerato Nxumalo is the third star to leave Scandal! this season after actors Melusi Mbele and Matthews Rantsoma, who play Jojo and Nhlamulo.
Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela confirmed Mbele’s departure as Jojo on Friday, 14 June.
Mphela also revealed that Jojo’s story will wrap up on Monday, 17 June 2024.
Mbele won a Safta (South African Film and Television Award) for his role as Jojo in 2023. IOL confirms Mbele won Best Actor in a TV Soap for the popular character.
Safta-nominated actor Mathews Rantsoma who plays the role of Nhlamulo Maseko resigned from the show and will exit the show on 24 July.
“Matthews approached us to advise us that he would like to pursue other ventures. The production and the channel support his decision and have agreed to release him. He will exit the story at the end of July. We wish success in his future,” reads the statement.
The Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa’s (BRCSA) May figures reveal that Scandal! is currently fourth place with 3.5 million viewers.
