Binnelanders stars
Sarahann Doherty and
James Alexander have decided not to renew their contracts with the M-Net soapie.
Both have decided to pursue other opportunities and disciplines.
Doherty, who plays Roelien Verwey-Koster, the bitchy nursing sister and wife to Dr Chris van Deventer, and Alexander, who plays kind-hearted Dr Rico Maartens, have been part of the Binnelanders cast since the show premiered in October 2005.
They will still appear on the show until May 2008.
According to Carl Fischer, Head of M-Net Original Productions, both actors will be missed by the production.
"It’s standard procedure for the cast’s contracts to be renewed once a year, and it’s ultimately up to the actors to decide whether they would like to continue with the show," he said in a statement.
"We wish both Sarahann and James all the best, and hope to see them on our screens again soon."
According to M-Net neither character will be killed off, paving the way for a future return for either to the show.
Binnelanders producer Elsje Stark says that her production team have great appreciation for the contribution both actors have made over the past two years to ensure the success of Binnelanders.
"We fully understand that two such young, talented actors would want to spread their wings and explore other options in the industry," she said. "We wish them the best of luck with all their future endeavours."
Doherty is happy to have the support of the producers, even though she'll miss her time on the Binnelanders set.
"I am very sad to leave my Binnelanders family as my time with them has been absolutely wonderful," she said. She plans on keeping strong ties with everyone on the Binnelanders team.
James is excited about his future prospects in the industry, and felt that the time was ripe for him to bid Binnelanders farewell for now.
"Being involved with the entire team at Binnelanders – crew, cast and writers – has been absolutely the greatest working experience," he said.
"Binnelanders is one of the best productions in the country to work for and I look forward to working with them all again in the future."
For now, Alexander plans to turn his focus to film and other independent projects.