A post shared by Sofia Alejandre (@iamsofiaandres) on Mar 11, 2018 at 8:21pm PDT

MANILA – Sofia Andres finally addressed her departure from the fantasy series “Bagani” more than a month since her character Mayari was abruptly killed off the show.

Speaking exclusively to entertainment site Push, Andres admitted that she knew about Mayari’s death.

“Nakaplano siya talaga na ganun po. Sinabi po 'yon from the very start,” she said.

However, she did not expect that it would happen so soon.

“Sabi ko, kailan kaya ako mamamatay? So seventh week na pala 'yon. Ang bilis pala. Pero okay lang, at least I was a part of it,” she said.

“Ang nakaka-miss lang po talaga ang mag-taping sa ‘Bagani’ kasi lahat naman po sila friends ko talaga.”

Mayari, originally billed as one of the five main heroes in "Bagani," died in the April 5 episode of the Star Creatives production, after she was struck by lightning unleashed by the vengeful deity Sarimaw (Ryan Eigenmann).

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

Fans of the show were shocked by the suddenness of Mayari's fate, especially as the character had been built up as a vital part of forming the Baganis.

Some theorized she would be back through some twist, but the scene of Mayari's funeral, and her subsequent removal from promotional materials of "Bagani," appeared to confirm her exit was sealed.

Until her interview with Push, Andres only shut down rumors that her departure from the primetime series was because she was transferring to another netwok.

On Twitter last April 19, she wrote: "It's not true that I'm going to transfer network. I'm proud to be a Kapamilya. Have a nice day, everybody!"

• In few words, Sofia Andres breaks silence after 'Bagani' exit

Meanwhile, the "Bagani" character of Zaijan Jaranilla, Liksi, has recently been granted supernatural powers, once again completing the five-member circle on a mission to save Sansinukob from a vengeful deity.

• Meet new 'Bagani' replacing Sofia Andres' Mayari

Liksi's transformation as the fifth bagani -- and Mayari's replacement -- has long been hinted at. Liksi accompanied the remaining baganis, Lakas (Enrique Gil) and Dumakulem (Makisig Morales), as they rallied inhabitants of Sansinukob to form a rebellion.