Uzalo’s Noxolo Mathula on hate, a bigger role and dealing with fame

Just a few months ago Noxolo Mathula was working in the Uzalo office when her boss asked her if she preferred acting or office work. The actress, who had made a few cameo appearances on Uzalo, didn't hesitate in answering acting and was offered an even bigger role on the soapie.

Noxolo, who plays the role of Lilly on the show, told TshisaLIVE that she had always wanted to be an actress and was biding her time in the offices until the opportunity for a bigger role came about.

Luckily she didn't have to go auditioning for a new role as the show's creators developed her role into a full part of the new season's storyline.

"I'm honoured to be able to play Lilly more and more. It is a challenge that is really exciting, but also a little nerve-racking. I think that they saw the kind of person I am, a bubbly and confident person, and saw that I could do a good job."

While Noxolo has not been on screen as often as some of the show's big names, she said she's already being treated as celeb by those around her.

"It's been so overwhelming because you don't expect people to know you or recognise you in the street, but they do. People are so friendly and even my own extended family treat me like a celeb.  I have to tell them that I am not any different to before. It is crazy," she said with a laugh.

Although she admits her character can get under some people's skin, she said she dealt with it in her own way.

"I respond to people as myself. People need to know that I am not my character and we are different. That person is on screen, and this is me, and they need to deal with me."