Nelisa Mchunu who played Fikile on Mzansi's most-watched television show had announced on her Twitter on Monday that she was no longer going to be seen on the show: "So today was my last episode on @Uzalo_SABC1 what a ride! ❤️#Uzalo."
According to reports, Nelisa was not happy when she found out that she had to part ways with Fikile. Daily Sun reports that the actress asked the show's producers to save her character and not kill her off. She apparently begged producers to find a way to turn things around.
"Nelisa loved playing Fikile. So she was heartbroken when she was told her character was going to end. She begged them not to do it. They tried but failed," said a source.
When Uzalo announced all the actors who were were exiting, Nelisa's name was not on the list because they were still trying to find a way to save her - this according to a second source.
Nomfundo Zondi, who is the show's spokesperson, confirmed Nelisa's departure. She explained that the producers were having a hard time continuing her storyline, hence discontinuing the role.
"We didn't announce her exit because her thing was on and off. Producers and writers were trying to see if they could continue with Fikile. They were not sure whether her storyline was continuing or not. That is why her exit was not announced," said Nomfundo.
She said the fact that Fikile was not killed gives hope that she might be returning one day.
"Just like GC (Khaya Dladla) and Thobile (Nokuthula Mabika), viewers might see her one day," Nomfundo added.
On Nelisa's last episode, viewers watched with bated breath as Sbu (Simphiwe Majozi) proposed to Fikile who turned him down. The heartbreaking scene play out as Sbu begged and cried when he tried to make Fikile see reason. 'Bonnie and Clyde' - as fans affectionately called the couple - had been through many trials and tribulations, so they were confident they would get their happy ending.
As mentioned, the show has let go of many favourites, including Dawn Thandeka King who was the vicious and heartless 'MaNgcobo'. Another actor who recently left the drama series is Jet Novuka who played 'Mpambani'.
