Koji actor Jimmy Akingbola won't be returning to the hit ITV series Kate and Koji alongside partner Brenda Blethyn.
Drawing in an average of five million viewers, the six episode sitcom proved to be a huge success with both fans and the studio alike. Whilst initially airing during lockdown, viewers have maintained their hype and appreciation for the show long after rules have been lifted.
Two years on, Kate and Koji will be returning for series two with the majority of the cast reprising their roles. National treasure Brenda Blethyn will be back as the working class café owner but her partner in crime Koji will be getting quite the makeover.
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Played by Jimmy Akingbola, the 43-year-old had to step down from the role of Koji and it is unclear if he will ever be returning. After he was given the role of Geoffrey the butler in HBO’s reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Jimmy was no longer able to make time for both shows.
Covid had already rearranged the productions filming schedule several times and due to this the Koji actor could not find a way to work around his new show. Taking over the part is War of the Worlds star Okorie Chukwu who said he's more than up for the task.
Appearing on This Morning to talk his most high profile role yet, he said: " I think I read the script and I really felt a connection with Koji. When the job was offered I did think it was an unusual way to onboard the show.
"But it was a hit show. And I thought it was an amazing comedy. I was a bit nervous but everyone was so welcoming and so warm."
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