Andile Ncube and Ayanda Thabethe. Picture credit: Mabuti Kali

 The model and actress was cast in January as one of the newest members of the hit Mzansi Magic drama that propelled starlets such as Boitumelo "Boity" Thulo, Minnie Dlamini and Khanya Mkangisa into stardom.
Thabethe has had less-than-memorable small TV roles in some local productions but she describes her new role in Rockville as her big break.
"It's been an absolutely big honour to have a break-out role with the show and work with all these big names. But it's also very intimidating. It was very nerve-racking. It has been a very good learning experience," Thabethe said.
Viewers will have to wait for a while before they get a first glimpse of Thabethe on their TV screens as the show is set to return sometime in July.
Ayanda Thabethe.
Thabethe says she had to take lap dance lessons in preparation for the role but did not want to divulge more on her character.
"The audience can look forward to a strong and determined individual, who has a weakness for a certain guy," she said.
Ayanda Thabethe.
This year promises to be a big year for Thabethe, who is also featured in the latest print advertisement for clothing label Khosi Nkosi, modelling pieces from the fashion house's autumn collection.
Endorsement deal signed
She follows in the footsteps of vixens such as Khanyi Mbau, Omuhle Gela and Nomzamo Mbatho, who have all modelled for the brand in the past.
Thabethe has also just come back from Thailand, where she was shooting an exciting new campaign for a still-to-be-announced celebrity endorsement deal that she bills as her biggest modelling contract yet.
"It's my biggest modelling contract to date. I have been auditioning for this contract for the past three years, but the timing has never been right.
At some point I was working for a company that was opposing this particular brand that I'm going to be endorsing now."
With all these doors opening after her much-publicised break-up with Ncube, Thabethe insists that for now she would rather focus more on her career and less on her relationship woes.
"I don't know if the break-up has impacted my career. I was a model during our relationship. I was doing the things that I'm doing now. It's just that it has blown out now."
The fourth season of Rockville began filming last month. M-Net's head of drama Reneilwe Sema confirmed that most of the regular cast members were set to return, with "some nice surprises along the way".
The show's regular cast includes Thulo, Brenda Ngxoli, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Lehasa Moloi, Sello Sebotsane, Trevor Gumbi, as well as real life couple Shona and Connie Ferguson.