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Image: 7de Laan

Thought Elma Postma was just a pretty face? Think again. This actress, who used to play the role of Dezi in 7de Laan, has much more to offer.

You previously mentioned in the media that you were leaving 7de Laan to follow your big Hollywood dream. Now viewers are seeing you on Ontbytsake on kykNET. Has your dream changed?
I'm glad you're asking that question, because I've had to explain countless times why I'm not in Hollywood! I did say that I would like to go to America in the next "year or so". And the "year or so" is not yet past. A dream doesn't become a reality immediately. Step by step, document by document. My plan from the start, after 7de Laan, was to get my foot in the freelancing world in South Africa, so that I can be better prepared for what's in store for me.

To leave a permanent job like 7de Laan and set your sights on Hollywood takes guts. How did it all happen?
It's been one of the most difficult decisions that I've ever had to make! It took quite a while to pluck up the courage to speak to Danie Odendaal (7de Laan's producer) about possibly giving Dezi a looooong break. You know in your heart when it's time to make a change. I still do public performances as Dezi, but the time's come for me to discover Elma.

With tvplus' soapie tours it was obvious that people were crazy about you...
I've met so many special people. The most precious moments are often with the little children, the look in their eyes which seems to say, "Am I seeing a TV character in real life?!"

Do you still get stopped in the street?
Yes, it still happens regularly. At least once a day I have to explain why I hurt Jan-Hendrik so much.

Do you miss 7de Laan?
Yes, at times quite a bit. I watched 7de Laan tonight, and it seems like just yesterday when I was still there. Everyone is familiar, the set and the people became a part of me. But even though I miss it, I'm not sad about leaving.

If you were ever to return to 7de Laan, what would the storyline have to be?
I'd be the new Sandra Stutterheim! Dezi has always been a good girl with strong opnions, but she never had a long and bitter feud with someone. While she was gone mourning Theuns, she discovered something about someone in Hillside. Someone who has been fooling her for years (no, I'm not going to reveal who!). She might know a dark secret that no one knew before...

Does Dezi miss Jan-Hendrik?
Yes, I think she actually does. Jan-Hendrik really loved her, and she knew it. She left him so that his happiness would not suffer as a result of her inability to give him the love he deserved in return.

But doesn't he already have a new love in his life?
It seems like he didn't spend too much time moping around, mourning his pretty blonde wife after all? Mmm.