There’s a new doc in town!
A new arrival spells drama for an already troubled coupled.
Hlengiwe and Amo’s (Nunu Khumalo and Kagiso Rathebe) relationship has had its fair share of ups and downs – between Amo harassing women at NFH and then getting involved in an office romance with Dintle (Mapaseka Koetle), Hlengiwe has had to be an understanding girlfriend for the most part. But with a new hot doctor in town, it could be her turn to be involved in a steamy affair!
WHO IS DR MUGARI?
The good new Doctor Nyasha Mugari is played by Jerome Galiao. “Dr Mugari is a straight-up guy, focused and unwavering. He knows what he wants, and he allows nothing to distract him from his goals. He is a gentleman and very likeable amongst his peers,” explains the 36-year-old actor. “At first glance, Mugari appears to be very much a bachelor who’s focused on his work and research and that’s what he’s in the country for.” Yet later as the story goes on, Dr Mugari is going to find love. Is he a family man? “Well, we’re yet to see where he goes when it comes to romance. I don’t want to ruin anything just yet,” says Jerome.
MORE ABOUT THE MAN
Most actors claim to be complete opposites of the characters they play, and although Jerome is a bit different to Dr Nyasha Mugari, they share quite a few similarities. “I think there are a lot of differences from my non-actor character. Firstly, I’m not a doctor. Nyasha and I are quite similar though when it comes to our work. We are focused on what we want. He is more patient than I am though. We share the same type of calm persona. We both love being healthy,” he shares.
And it’s Mugari’s dedication to his craft that attracted Jerome to the role. “One of my favourite things is Mugari’s unwavering mindset. When he wants something, he won’t let anything stand in his way. He puts his mind to something, and he will fight for that until he wins. He does not give up easily.” Watch out Amo, because it seems he has an eye on your girl Hlengiwe!
Jerome admits that playing his new role, like any other character, has its own challenges which he isn’t willing to reveal yet (keeping up his no spoiler promise), but he embraces every scene and he’s taking on his new challenge with the utmost positivity.
HOMEWRECKER?
The arrival of Dr Mugari puts a heavy strain on Amo and Hlengiwe’s relationship, but Jerome assures us that his character isn’t entirely at fault. “I don’t think it’s Mugari who’s primarily to blame for what happens between Amo and Hlengi. Mugari is a very charming man, but he is far from being the guy who destroys people’s love lives. Our audience is going to love this storyline and it’s going to be filled with twists and turns,” Jerome promises.
“Dr Mugari knows what he wants. He isn’t about games or short-term engagements. He is the ‘forever and mine for keeps’ type of man. So when he finds love, he’s going do everything to keep it and make his person happy,” explains Jerome, careful not to reveal just how his character is going to be charming the ladies on Scandal!. And Jerome has scored himself a new nick-name thanks to his character. “There was a lot of strange remarks about Mugari, from the traction since I announced that I will be playing this character, I’m usually called ‘Doctor’ on set.”
Dr Mugari (left) takes control of situations.
THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU
When asked what makes Dr Mugari such an exciting new character, Jerome says with a laugh that “he’s bringing a whole new vibe to the show. Mugari is a hectic rollercoaster of emotions and he’s introducing that to the characters of Scandal! – and they’d better be prepared! Dr Mugari is loveable, relatable and above all, as charming as they get. From the onset you just feel presence when he walks into the room,” adds the actor. Whether Hlengiwe and Amo know what’s about to hit them is another story, but Jerome’s grinning tells us that “it’s going to be a wild ride!”
FIVE FACTS FROM
“THE DOCTOR’S” MOUTH