We told you about the auditions
here and now the cast has been confirmed.
Actress, comedian and MTV VJ Farieda Metsileng has landed the titular role of Bettina Sikhakane on SABC1's version of the comedy-drama telenovela uBettina Wethu.
It premieres on Monday 5 April at 19h30, with new episodes Mondays to Wednesdays, and will also stream on Viu who've co-produced the series.
As you probably know, it's based on the Colombian series "Yo soy Betty, la fea" (Ugly Betty), which has been refashioned internationally in over 20 countries.
This is the official description of our version:
uBettina Wethu’s main premise follows the journey of a wholesome, intelligent, but gawky, people-pleaser with a dated, unsophisticated sense of style.
She finds her self-worth and image challenged when she is employed at Nubia, a brand management company, a place where, at times, people value image over substance.
Bettina is a kind-hearted, smart, career-focused woman, with a dream of running her own company but when she lands a job as the PA to Nubia's new MD, she has to contend with her colleague's assumption that because of her quirky style and kindness, she must be stupid.
All this while battling her growing love for her boss, which clouds her already blurred boundaries, posing a risk to a job that means everything to her.
Stage actor and model turned TV actor Zweli Dube (The Lion King, Muvhango) plays Bettina's boss and lurve interest Dingaan Jiyane, who's billed as starring (lead) cast by the production and channel.
Here's a close-up on the cast:
Leads:
(Besides Bettina)
Zweli Dube
As Dingaan Jiyane
Tsholofelo Mashishi
As Linda Jiyane, Dingaan's mother and the head honcho at Nubia
Lesego Tlhabi (Coconut Kelz creator)
As bubbly Zaza Moloi
Supporting:
Farieda with Brighton Ngoma | Mhairi Fergusson | Jason Willemse
Brighton Ngoma (Scandal!)
As T-Bang Moeketsi
Mhairi Fergusson (Former Miss Scotland and Miss UK)
As Amanda
Jason Willemse (Ses'Top La, Vlug na Egipte)
As Wendell
Michael Potter (Television newcomer)
As Brandon Thomas
Elliot Makhubo (Rhythm City, Isibaya)
As Israel Sikhakhane
Mbasa Msongelo (iKhaya, Saints and Sinners)
As Mpilo Hadebe
Ayanda Bandla (One Day Leader, Vutha)
As Lakhe Amon
Motshabi Tyelele (Generations, Madam and Eve)
As Ethel
Alex Sono (Jozi H, Sokhulu & Partners, Saints and Sinners, where he was credited as Sipho Sono and Sipho Sono Jnr)
As Reggie
Here's a first look at Farieda as Bettina: