Thembeka Shezi is finally getting to exchange vows with the love of her life, but there’s one problem – Vuyo’s blackmailing is threatening her future, writes Debashine Thangevelo
IF you are going to taunt a viper, you will get bitten. And Thembeka Shezi (Masasa Mbangeni) is as venomous as they come when threatened.
She has plotted and schemed her way to finally get her happily-ever-after with Quinton Majola Nyathi.
As their big day nears, everything starts to unravel for her – in the worst ways possible. Aside from being blackmailed by Vuyo (Audrey’s boyfriend), who is bleeding her dry, her BFF Audrey has also been secretly plotting behind her back.
Mbangeni offers: “Thembeka has, like every other girl, dreamt of a wedding (with the full bells and whistles). Her previous marriage wasn’t much of a fairy tale. This time around, she wants to enjoy everything, and that butterfly in your tummy feeling.”
Unfortunately, her past catches up with her.
She adds: “Now, instead of focusing on the wedding, she is putting out fires left, right and centre and is paying off people.”
Viewers have never seen Thembeka as unhinged or unprepared as she has always been ahead of her detractors with plans A, B and C.
But this queen of deception didn’t see this calamity coming.
The actress nods: “She always can see trouble miles ahead. She worked so hard to have this moment with Quinton. She lied and rid his life of Jessica and his child. But she never factored on Vuyo. And she is pushed to the edge. Viewers will get to see what she is capable of doing when pushed to such extremes.”
Of course, being manipulative merits an array of emotions. And Mbangeni has worked through the full gamut of them in this epic story arc.
She recalls: “I’m fortunate to be given this storyline. That said, it is also incredibly exhausting. I knew I had to take care of myself; make sure I got enough sleep and ate right. You are expected to deliver so many emotions, like cry on call. I think, eventually, I burst into tears. Sometimes the body and mind forget you are playing; they get confused.”
The actress praises the Scandal crew for being incredibly supportive throughout the long shoots. And the wardrobe guys for designing her Kim Kardashian-inspired wedding dress. The one from her short-lived marriage to Kris Humphries.
The Safta and RSA award-winning actress smiles: “It’s very risqué. But Thembeka will have her cake and eat it. She will wear something see-through. She looks like a phoenix rising out of the ashes with this beautiful long, long train.”
Let’s not forget about Layla, her soon-to-be monster-in-law, who, by the way, has a surprise for Thembeka.
She notes: “Layla is a handful. She has a surprise treat for Thembeka. It adds some levity to the situation, which is quite a dark and intense storyline.”
As for what fans should brace themselves for, the gorgeous actress hints: “They are going to see Thembeka at her darkest and lowest. Someone who is so in love with Quinton she will do anything for him…and I mean anything.
“And someone who is shocked at the level of darkness she can go to.”
No one will be ruining Thembeka’s wedding day and her wrath will be felt by all who attempt to do so.
The stakes are high and she is putting everything on the line!
• Fans must tune in for the first part of this magnificent storyline tomorrow at 7.30pm on Scandal on e.tv.