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Nollywood actress Somkele Idhalama joins the cast of Star Trek: Discovery as "The Progenitor." After initially turning down a role due to COVID-19, she returned as a pivotal character in the series finale. Known for her roles in Gidi Up and 93 Days, Idhalama continues to make waves.

Nollywood star Somkele Idhalama has expanded her career by joining the cast of the U.S. sci-fi series Star Trek: Discovery. In a recent Instagram update, Idhalama revealed her role as "The Progenitor" in the series’ final season. Originally, she auditioned for a different role but had to step back after contracting COVID-19. Reflecting on her unexpected return to the project, she shared, "God has plans, and those plans are solid." Star Trek: Discovery, produced by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman for Paramount+, ran from 2017 until 2024, becoming the seventh installment in the iconic Star Trek franchise.

Idhalama has made a name for herself in Nigerian cinema, first capturing attention with her role in the series Gidi Up. She continued to impress in popular Nollywood films such as The Wedding Party and The Arbitration. Her performance in the biographical film 93 Days alongside Hollywood veteran Danny Glover highlighted her ability to take on diverse roles, as she portrayed a doctor who survived the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.