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Award-winning actor Hlomla Dandala has already stepped into the shoes of fellow thespian, Zolisa Xaluva, as he takes over the role of Caesar Ngonyama on e.tv’s Smoke & Mirrors. Dandala is set to make his first appearance in the telenovela on Tuesday, as the show begins its second season.
City Press reported last year that Xaluva had been fired by Final Chapter Productions as a result of "not obeying producers and being difficult", sources said.
READ: Zolisa Xaluva rubbishes rumours that he’s been fired from Smoke & Mirrors, but e.tv says otherwise
Dandala, the former director and actor on e.tv’s Scandal!, has a career that spans more than 30 years in the film and television industry. Some of the roles he has played include the character of Zweli on The River and Derek Nyathi in Isidingo more than two decades ago.
Although viewers were not particularly happy about the recasting of Caesar, Dandala said his aim was to deliver as a top performer as he was aware the character was loved by many.
In a statement, he said:
The new season, which begins at 9pm on Tuesday, will pick up from Caesar and Thandiswa’s wedding day. Kabomo Vilakazi, who played Mthetho, bows out of the show as his character dies after being shot by Thandiswa (played by Ayanda Bandla).
READ: Mandla N introduces nine fresh faces on his new prime time show Isiphetho: Destiny
Xaluva, who has now joined Mzansi Magic’s new drama series, Code 13, told City Press that he was looking forward to his new chapter and wished Dandala well.
Xaluva is also part of Netflix’s Kings of Jo’burg, which is currently shooting its third season.
