Xolani Mayekiso bids farewell to 'The Queen' with heartbreaking exit

Actor Xolani Mayekiso has left fans deep in the feels after he bid farewell to his well-loved character Thato Maake on the hit show The Queen.

After making his entrance in season 2, Kasi guy Thato has passed away.

In a scene that blindsided viewers, the character died in a tragic accident after colonel Hector Sabata (portrayed by Rapulana Seiphemo) and his daughter shot at him multiple times. This was after Thato obtained classified drug-related information about the colonel. 

Taking to social media, Xolani announced his departure from the show, thanking everyone for their response to Thato. 

“Thank you for welcoming 'Thato' in to your homes from season 2. The opportunity has been amazing. What a journey... I'm so grateful. It's a wrap guys! Big thank you to the cast & crew,” wrote Xolani.

Even show producer and actress Connie Ferguson only had praise on Thato's end of the road. 

“You’re an amazing talent! What a performance tonight! Way to go out my boy! Take a bow! Till the next one!” said Connie.

Teary-eyed fans took to social media to say goodbye to the popular supporting character, with many emotional messages filling up the TL. Check out their reactions:

Mzansi has had much loss to deal when it comes to the nation's hottest shows. Actress Dawn Thandeka King recently said goodbye to her character MaNgcobo on Uzalo.

In an emotional moment, the “Kingpin of KwaMashu” rallied her troops one last time before she headed off into hiding in Mozambique.

“We did well. We shook this township. We planted a seed and it grew. They’ll never forget us, wherever they are. They’ll never forget our gang. We showed them flames. They bowed down to us,” she said in a passionate speech.