It’s the first working week of 2017 and as we get back into the groove of things, we are ready to see what saucy entertainment news this year will offer us.
A lot happened since our last celeb and entertainment news wrap up in December: from Jub Jub’s release; Lundi’s health scare, to Babes Wodumo’s “lifeless” R100K performance.
Let’s see what celeb news kickstarted your first work week of 2017.
After the abrupt and shocking resignation of Gareth Cliff from IdolsSA late last year, it still hasn’t been confirmed who’ll be permanently replacing the radio personality – although Kelly Khumalo’s name has been thrown around the rumour mill. We guess time will tell.
With the first IdolsSA 2017 auditions taking off this weekend, singer, Donald, has been revealed as the guest judges for Cape Town’s auditions. The show made the announcement on their social media pages:
According to a report by The Citizen, Mzansi Magic Head of Reality, Sphumelele Sibeko, confirmed the show has lined up an array of guest judges who will join Unathi Msengana, Somizi Mhlongo and Randall Abrahams on the road show auditions.
While Donald will help judge the Cape Town rounds, Kelly Khumalo will form part of the Pretoria auditions. As for Durban, Pretoria and what will happen in the future, Sibeko has kept mum. The jury is still out on this one so let’s see what happens.
What do you think of these changes?
In car flexing news, another star has joined the Mercedes Benz gang. Uzalo actor, Nkosinathi Maphala, also known as Nay Maps took to Instagram to showcase his new ride, and received tons of messages congratulating him on his new ride. These include DJ Tira’s wife, Gugu; TV personality, Refilwe “Vanillablaq” Modiselle and Muvhango actress, Buhle Samuels, who plays Matshidiso on the soap.
Well done to Nay Maps on his new set of wheels. Are you loving it?
Then in the volatile world of soapies, this is what’s been going down. Skeem Saam actress and e.tv soap, Scandal‘s newest addition, Pretty Ncayiyana, has reportedly left the much-loved youth drama. Pretty, who played the role of Ayanda on the soap, first appeared on Scandal late last year, fueling rumours that she could be leaving Skeem Saam.
Although she juggled both shows for a young minute, things seem to have changed. According to Times Live and e.tv’s publicist, Michael Pocock, Pretty was having a hard time making the decision between the two soapies but ultimately chose Scandal. Pretty is said to return to Scandal screens this week and will be there for some time.
“The Scandal writers and producers felt that Pretty’s role was a very strong one and decided to extend her character,” Pocock is reported to have said, adding that the channel was excited to have her back on the cast.
Another soapie making grand changes this year (as with any other year) is Mfundi Vundla’s Generations: The Legacy. Zabalaza actor and Khanya Mkangisa’s ex, Matli Mohapeloa, is set to join the long-standing soapie this year.
In a report by Sowetan, the show’s publicist, Gaaratwe Mokhethi confirmed that Mohapeloa has joined the SABC 1 soapie as a “creepy bad boy” named Thabiso. Mohapeloa has apparently been shooting with the show since late last year and is expected to make his on-screen debut late in February.
According to Mokhethi, Mohapeloa plays the character of a “creepy bad boy who has been serving jail time after being convicted of rape”. During the case, his lawyer, Fana (Jack Mabaso’s son), realises that he is “bad news” and eventually “turns over evidence against him”. Thabiso is now back and out of jail but it’s “unclear what his intentions are”.
While Matli joins the soapie, firm favourite, Mahlatse Letoka, who plays the role of Xolelwa, has left the show. This after her acclaimed human trafficking story line. It’s not yet known why Mahlatse has exited the show.
Sowetan has published this excerpt from a statement from the show: “The cast and crew will miss Mahlatse’s professionalism and hopes she will continue to grow into becoming a distinguished actress. We applaud the manner in which she told the human trafficking story and trust the sky is not even the limit for her”.
What do you think of these changes to your favourite soapies?
That about wraps our recapped celeb and entertainment news from the week. What else caught your attention out there? Let us know.
