KykNET's telenovela “Diepe Waters” has introduced two new characters to the popular show.
Sixteen-year-old Christiaan Ackermann from Hoedspruit, Limpopo, will be playing the role of Nelius’s (Jurgen Hellberg) grandson, Juvan Bester, while Deoudoné van der Merwe takes on the role as Juvan’s girlfriend, Tomi.
Describing his role, Ackermann said: “Juvan is the grandchild of Nelius, which means he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He has a lot of confidence and is always looking for a good time.
“He doesn’t really understand what hard work means because he usually gets everything in life handed to him on a silver platter.”
Tomi, on the other hand is a quirky and forgetful young woman who will do everything in her power to save the planet.
“Initially, she was very shy, but she found her voice when she realised how strong her passion is for nature and conservation. She’s also quite a serious person,” said Van der Merwe.
Juvan and Tomi are childhood sweethearts but their love is tested when Tommie (Righard van Jaarsveld) catches Tomi’s eyes.
Van der Merwe and Van Jaarsveld have acted alongside each other in the 2022 movie, “Die Val”.
Van der Merwe said: “Tomi and Juvan started dating in school. They helped each other come out of their shells, and both have grown a lot as people over the last two years. There comes a point in long relationships where you re-evaluate how much you still have in common.”
This is the first time both actors will be starring in a telenovela.
Ackerman added: “I fell in love with filmmaking, and I started making small skits with my brothers. I then had the privilege to continue my studies and began auditioning to build the necessary experience in the film industry.
“Working with Jurgen is a huge privilege. I could tell how long he’s been in the industry just by doing scenes with him. His natural reactions and delivery of lines are things I’ve learned a lot from. He makes me feel so comfortable in every scene we’re in.”
∎ “Diepe Waters” airs Monday to Thursday at 6.30pm on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.