‘SCANDAL’ OVER FOR KGOMOTSO
But not for her shocked fans who have come to adore her character
KGOMOTSO Christopher makes her exit from e.tv’s flagship soap, Scandal!
While departures are par for the course on a TV show, they are not easily welcomed by viewers. More so when it is a character they have come to love.
Christopher joined the soap four years ago when she was cast as Yvonne Thebe, the estranged mom of Naledi (Dineo Moeketsi).
Last year, she scooped the Best Actress in a TV Soap at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas). It was her first win and third nomination.
Prior to joining Scandal!, she played Katlego Sibeko in Isidingo. On shifting from one memorable character to another, Christopher said: “Our task as professional and trained actors is to always strive for diversity and character differentiation as we portray various characters. I therefore had no doubt that I would shake off the character; in fact, that was my mission and task when I took on the role of Yvonne… However, the challenge is always convincing the viewer.”
On soap buffs now referring to her as YV, she said: “I thought it was hilarious. For years I was Katlego or Mrs Sibeko, at some point fans wanted to let me know that they could refer to me as both… YV has completely deleted Katlego from the street lingo.”
As for her top three storylines, Christopher revealed: “There were so many amazing storylines that always challenged me as an actor. I loved the rivalry storyline with Boniswa as ‘sister wives’. The fake gambling room story where YV stole Neo’s clients and someone was murdered to teach YV a lesson. And, of course, the current storyline of discovering Mme Maleeto by delving into her past and eventually connecting with Tibi.”
Fans will still get to see her on screen for two months.
e.tv head of local productions Ziyanda Mngomezulu said: “YV arrived as a representation of the South African girl next door who had to make means to maintain her glamorous lifestyle.
“YV’s journey allowed viewers to see themselves get into complex life situations vicariously, and in sometimes quirky ways her role allowed them to breathe a sigh of relief for having dodged yet another bullet that may expose the less-than-perfect image they work so hard to maintain.”
When asked about any plans to lessen the blow for fans by adding characters, she responded: “The show is continuously searching for opportunities to showcase new talent and will introduce different characters in due course.”
While fans are reeling from Kgomotso’s departure, her open-ended exit from the soap could see the actress return at some point.
“I love Scandal! and know I will always have a home there. It means anything is possible.
“For now, the show has been very supportive and understanding of my decision and my need to step away,” she said.