'Scandal!' confirms exit of top actress

Actress Masasa Mbangeni, who plays the much loathed character of Thembeka on popular e.tv’s 'Scandal!', has confirmed that she is leaving the popular soapie.

Yes. Smile. Growth is not a thing to cry about!rejoice! https://t.co/Co9UhKVeyt

— Masasa (@MsMasasa) January 25, 2016

The news of her departure was also confirmed by her on Monday.

Just in case you missed it, Masasa Mbangeni is leaving Scandal! #etvScandalhttps://t.co/f61TxCudxhpic.twitter.com/YYYwAQifXu

— Scandal! (@etvScandal) January 26, 2016

“e.tv can confirm that the actress, who is popular for her role as the malicious Thembeka Shezi-Nyathi on the soapie, will be officially taking a break from her role in May,” reads a statement on the TV channels website.

“Masasa will be pursuing other opportunities in the theatre and movie industries.

2016 is promising to be a year of huge shifts in my Life.Excited doesn't even begin to describe how I feel.Our dreams require us to be brave

— Masasa (@MsMasasa) January 24, 2016

However, there’s no need for viewers to be too disappointed as Masasa’s character, Thembeka, will remain alive in the Scandal! world and viewers can expect her back on the show in the future.

It won't be the same. It will be better I assure you! World class talent there! https://t.co/lgOfq0dAp3

— Masasa (@MsMasasa) January 25, 2016

Thembeka Shezi-Nyathi made her first appearance on Scandal! five years ago and has played an immense role in the development of the story.

She will be sorely missed by fans and the Scandal! team.