It's over for Egoli
2008-11-11 22:36
Cape Town - It's overs for Egoli, South Africa's first local soapie.
The last episode will be broadcast on March 31 2010 - just shy of 18 years after the Edwards family's first appearance on the small screen.
Actors were told about the decision on Tuesday, said M-Net's Director of General Entertainment: South Africa, Theo Erasmus.
"Egoli has been a crown jewel on the M-Net schedule for many years," he said.
"Changing viewership patterns and preferences influenced our decision.
"Because of the rapidly changing South African television landscape no television programme can exist in this diverse environment forever.
Shaleen Surtie-Richards (Nenna) said Egoli had given her the best 18 years of her life, adding that "all good things have to come to an end".
"But we're going out with a bang. I have an incredible storyline waiting in the wings, with one of South Africa's top actors, " she revealed.
Brümilda van Rensburg (Louwna) said for her, the past 18 years had been "blessed".
"Egoli gave me the opportunity to do what I love most. People mustn't stop watching, because there's still a lot to see. The last season will be the mother of all seasons."
Christine Basson (Nora) also said Egoli gave her "the best 18 years of my life".
"But now the time has come to say goodbye and give others a chance."
"I am going to take some time to rest and rejuvenate before even thinking about new productions," said Franz Marx, creator of Egoli - Place of Gold, who sees the end of the contract as an opportunity for a much-needed break.
"The past 18 years with M-Net have been exciting, but all good things must inevitably come to an end."
"It has been a privilege to be in Egoli from the start," said Hennie Smit who plays Bertie.
Michelle Beling, who plays Candy says that she's had a wonderful experience on the show including "good memories, the laughs, the tears".
Egoli hunk Chris Linford says being on the show was an "honour" adding: "I will miss my colleagues."