Smoke and Mirrors viewers were surprised this year when Hlomla Dandala exited the show after Zolisa Xaluva’s departure.
WHY IS HLOMLA DANDALA LEAVING?
Sources from Smoke and Mirrors reveal to Zimoja that Hlomla Dandala was in limbo about whether to leave or stay.
“He is not happy with the writers and the direction they are taking with his interpretation of Caesar,” the source says.
The insider also reveals that Dandala sat down with producers and writers, and he is still not happy.
It is reported that the former The River was also feeling the pressure of being compared to Zolisa, who portrayed the first Caesar.
The source adds: “He hates the comparison, which is fair because replacing someone is not easy. Had he come in as Caesar’s brother, he would have been different. He does not like the pressure and is thinking of leaving the show.”
Insiders from the telenovela also reveal to Zimoja that Dandala is making his way out of the show. His villainous character is going to get killed.
E.tv welcomed the actor for the recast role of Caesar Ngonyama in season two of the hit telenovela.
He made an appearance from the 16 April at 9pm at Caesar and Thandiswa’s wedding day.
Actor Zolisa Xaluva who played the first Caesar exited the show to join Mzansi Magic’s crime drama series, Code 13 as Detective Bheki Ndlovu.
The South African reached out to Smoke and Mirrors for a comment on Thursday, 12 December.
‘SMOKE AND MIRRORS’ ACTRESS LEAVES THE SHOW
Former Yizo Yizo actress Charmaine Mtinta who portrays Nomeva in Smoke and Mirrors has also exited the show.
Mtinta released a statement about her departure in a statement on Wednesday, 4 December.
“I am deeply concerned about the false and damaging allegations being circulated regarding my departure from Smoke and Mirrors. These claims are untrue and risk tarnishing my reputation, and career and feel it’s necessary to address them directly,” says the actress.
“To clarify, departure followed a series of professional discussions between myself and the production team regarding the terms of my role. While we did not reach an agreement, the discussions were conducted with mutual respect,” she adds.
Mtinta concludes by assuring her colleagues, supporters and the entertainment industry at large that she remains committed to her craft.
Her statement comes after entertainment commentator Phil Mphela reported that she was let go.