Michelle Botes – Isidingo Star!

The woman that we all love to hate, Cherel de Villiers-Haines has returned to Isidingo and we were all quite silly to believe that all she wished for was a quiet life back on the deep – well, it is anything but that! Away from the character, Michelle Botes – whom portrays the role of Cherel – has a love for travel, culture and the colour blue!

Botes was born in Cape Town and attended both Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town where she graduated with a Performer’s Diploma in Speech and Drama (Bilingual) and a Teaching Diploma.

After a few acting roles in television and the big screen, Botes landed the role as Cherel in 1998 and continued to live out the character until 2007. In 2007 Cherel was written out of the storyline after years as the series’ iconic villain. After Isidingo, Botes starred as Ingrid Jordaan on the M-Net Afrikaans-language soapie Binneland Sub Judice (formerly known as Binnelanders), between 2007 and 2010.

In February this year news broke that Cherel would be returning to our screens in Isidingo and Cherel was then spotted for the first time after three years in mid-June.

I caught up with Michelle Botes to see what makes this lovely actress tick:

1. Had you always wanted to pursue a career in acting or had you other plans for your life?

I wanted to be a spy and travel and observe cultures and people….

2. People assume that there are limitations to an acting career in South Africa and often move abroad – do you agree with this?  

It depends on what you want from it – if it is money then go abroad; I love portraying our mixed mad society and having fun while doing it.

3. What was the transition like from playing Cherel in Isidingo to your role as Ingrid in Binneland Sub Judice? How hard/easy was it?

Change is quite hard for me; and any character is like a new person that you have to understand and come to love their quirks; so it was a gift to play both and a big challenge…

4. And how difficult was it to reprise your role as Cherel after quite awhile away from such a character?

Surprisingly difficult; because she’s been on a journey while I was away and I now need to look at her and her actions in that context; and figure out where she’s grown and if her needs are still the same.

5. Do you think that you share any character strengths or weaknesses with Cherel?

Yes; her ability to be by herself and make her own rules;  and I certainly admire her for never  ever giving up!!!

6. Can you ever relate to Cherel at times?  

I think all women who have a raw deal at times can – although we aren’t as forceful in our lives. But the themes of betrayal by parents, love and revenge is universal.

7. What do you think is going through Cherel’s head at this stage – her plans are not all going according to plan.

Not sure where YOU are at the moment – we shoot about 2 months in advance, so from where I am  right now her plans are on track again…

8. What is a typical day like for you?

In the make-up room just after seven; and in and out of her [Cherel’s] emotional life (any breaks in between is for meetings; costume fittings etc) and wrap will be anytime between 5 and 7; and then it’s learn for tomorrow; (or answer questions like these..)

9. Have you had any crazy or funny fan moments?

I don’t quite know what to say when I get asked for things like teeth!!  Or people asking me: ”Do you know who you are?”?!!!

10. What are two things that people would be surprised to know about you?

That I’m quite a hermit and love nature.

11. You are always so stylish; is your dress sense more or less the same as the characters you portray? How would you describe your style?

FAVOURITES:

Food:

Seafood- Lula curry especially.

Colour:

 Blue and pale blue and royal blue and vibrant sea blue…

Restaurant:

Any with a view; especially overlooking the sea in Casablanca…

Movie:

The House of Flying Daggers

Holiday destination:
For now it would be Cuba and Alaska (cos I haven’t been)