Yet another lead actor is leaving popular TV show The Wife. 

Seasoned actor Bonko Khoza who portrayed the role of Mqhele on the popular TV series is not returning to the show which is currently under production for season 3.

Speaking to Nounouche Magazine in a statement, series producer Kamogelo Aphane said they know that fans are going to find it hard to let go of their picture of Mqhele as Bonko, just as they found it hard, when he was first cast, to let go of the bug-eyed Mqhele they had pictured from the book. 

“But The Wife has shown that when you go looking for new talent in South Africa, you find it. So we encourage the 5am club to open up their hearts to the next Mqhele, and help us continue to open up the industry, ” he said.

Speaking about leaving his role that earned him the title as the ‘national husband’, Bonko said it was a previledge to play Mqhele. 

“I’m part of finding the perfect replacement and will be watching from the sidelines to support and offer advice where needed,” he told Nounouche. 

“I know that the actor who takes over will build from where I left off, so I’m looking forward to joining the 5am club to see how the incredible love stories between the brothers and their wives play out this season.”

“It’s not often that a show this powerful comes into the world, so we should continue to champion and encourage the talented people who will take us forward in S3.”

The Wife is inspired by Dudu Busani-Dube’s bestselling book Naledi His Love and according to the producers of the show Season 3 of the show will return to South African screens in November 2022 with Gaisang K Noge in the lead role as doctor Naledi Montsho, who is in love with Qhawe Zulu played by Kwenzo Ngcobo.