FANS of TV series the world over sometimes have difficulty distinguishing between character and actor.
Many actors and actresses have had to play the role of a character that fans just love to hate.
And nailing it often means you have to bear the brunt of the fans’ hatred for the character. Introducing Kelders van Geheime’s nuwe geitjie Chrisentia, portrayed by Marlese van Wyk.
She was introduced to viewers as a mysterious character in Soebatskloof, sneaking around the Marais’ mansion and attempting to run over Gershwin with a car.
Fans of the show finally got to see the face of the new troublemaker and in an interview with the Daily Voice, we unmasked the actor behind Chrisentia.
Paarliet Van Wyk said: “My character on Kelders Van Geheime is Chrisentia. She’s bold, disciplined, and expressive (even through her silence), the kind of character people love to hate.
“She stirs up situations, evokes strong emotions, and has a unique voice, even if it’s through her actions in the story, which makes her very engaging for viewers. She is a chameleon by nature and can disappear into any situation.”
But Van Wyk didn’t expect to be hated so soon after making her debut on 12 February 2026 and being revealed as a villain just last week.
When asked what reactions her character sparked, she said: “Strong reactions, debate, and engagement from viewers.
“There have been some personal comments, but it’s encouraging to see audiences actively respond. The character has landed exactly as intended, and as long as viewers remember that Chrisentia and I are not the same person, everything should go well.
“The first reactions started with a photo that went online, and I don’t want to go back to the pages, because it’s nogal getting rof and onbeskof.
“It was obviously a picture of Chrisentia, the character - a very dark picture - even I was scared.
“I didn’t write in for a super model competition, my character is who she is.
“One said, sy’s seker Junior se flerrie, and then I saw someone write, ‘dis darem a bleddie lelike vrou’.
“Fans are trying to figure out who she is and how she fits in.
“Their reactions have been funny.”
Marlese said that she landed the role when she got a call from an agent called Moira McKie from Uzual Suspects Casting Agency after Lee-Anne Van Rooi of Bossiekop Productions recommended her.
This is not her first rodeo, you might recognise Marlese from former film projects, including Sister Dinges and Ouses, productions by Hartzenberg Films, which premiered at V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor.
She also appeared in Late Bloomer with Nagvlug Films, directed by Amy Jephta and produced by Ephraim Gordon for M-Net.
Marlese said that she cannot disclose too much info at this point, after all it is called Kelders van Geheime.
But viewers are encouraged to tune in at 7pm weekdays on DStv channel 194 or eTV or catch the omnibus on Sunday’s from 10.25am, before the show concludes on 28 August 2026.