This January: Isidingo's rebellious Charlie Holmes changes from looking like this ....
To this:
Jay Anstey, who's played Charlie since her arrival on Isidingo in 2011, is officially off the show and newcomer Michaella Russell has been signed to replace her in the role.
The rumour doing gossville is that Jay didn't know that her role was being recast. Apparently Jay thought that things were open for her to return and only found out about the recasting of the role when auditions were happening.
According to SABC3, it was Jay who left the show earlier this year to pursue a role in a movie. Word from Jay is silent. A couple of days ago I asked for comment from her but still haven't heard anything so I can't spill what she has to say unfortunately.
Anyhoo, it's all done and dusted now and 21-year-old Michaella (with two l's) makes her debut early next year.
Michaella's been a full-time Neuropsychology and Economics student for the past two years so she's been doing schmodelling in between to supplement her studies. She has an agent etc. and was called to audition for Charlie. As a result of landing the role she's changed her studies from full time to correspondence.
Has she studied drama or is this her first time acting? I met her recently and asked:
Michaella: "No but throughout the course of high school I did public speaking and debating. To get through 'varsity I've been modelling and do advertisement work so I'm very comfortable in front of an audience. I love this industry and I'm just very, very happy that I've had an opportunity to push it further and go into acting."
How does she feel about stepping into Jay's shoes?
Michaella: "I have huge respect for Jay and the character she's created. If anything, I just really hope that I can bring something new to the character. I really hope I can continue to develop her character and keep the fans engaged - that's the most important thing of all. Charlie's a wonderfully dynamic character so I feel very blessed to be playing her."