Johannesburg–The late Busi Lurayi joins Scandal! and will Tx on the 2nd of September
The Multi-award-winning actress Busi Lurayi joined Scandal! for her last curtain call to play the character of Me’shell, a long-time friend of Layla McKenzie. Busi was a renowned actress with a career spanning over 2 decades and Scandal! was delighted to have her join the show to bring to life the character of Me’Shell.
Me’Shell who will be coming to our screens from the 2nd of September is the housewife to a wealthy businessman who’s on the hunt for “extra-curricular activities.” She then stumbles across a personal trainer CJ, played by Thulani Hlatshwayo. CJ, being young and vibrant, seems to catch Me’Shell’s attention and she offers to pay him an additional amount to satisfy her other needs.
CJ initially refuses Me’Shell’s advances but later gives into her charms. Things soon take a turn for the worst when Me’Shells bodyguard finds her and CJ in a compromising position.
Busi tragically passed on the 10th of July and therefore wasn’t able to complete shooting the story of Me’Shell. “At e.tv Scandal! we were shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Busisiwe Lurayi. Busi was midstream in the portrayal of Me’shell the cougar housewife who pays her fitness trainer CJ, for additional training on the side! She embraced the role, was doing an amazing job, and was extremely professional to work with. Her untimely passing left the story incomplete and we were keen to present her final work to audiences of Scandal! We are grateful to the Lurayi family for supporting our request” – Sanele Zulu, Scandal! Series Producer.
To complete her final act, her close friend and fellow actor, Thuli Thabethe stepped in to take over Me’Shell’s remaining scenes which will be seen later in September. “We reached out to her close friend Thuli Thabethe to see the story through. This was a big ask but Thuli accepted it with great compassion and she did a great job with the remaining scenes. We are grateful to Thuli Thabethe for her support and together we were able to see the story through” says Mr. Zulu.
“It is also an honour to be an understudy to such a prolific, talented artist. Busi became the character, I always said, the rest of us would put in work and act but she would become the character. Stepping into the character of Me’Shell who had been played by Busi, I know that I would have big shoes to fill. I am thankful for the opportunity from Scandal! and e.tv for entrusting in my ability to continue with the work she started. I am honoured and blessed.” Said Thuli Thabethe.
