Hot in Hillside

Cupid is working overtime as both Shady and Vanessa get a taste of love this February.

- LEZANNE JANSE VAN RENSBURG

It’s the month of love – for some Hill- siders, at least! Taking centre stage in Cupid’s always-complex romance game are two ladies who’ve been open to a relationship for some time: Vanessa (Ingrid Paulus) and Shady (Beàta Bena Green). But as things usually go in the Laan, both ladies will experience drama in their quest to find a snuggle buddy.

KEEP GROWING

Having had only one serious relationship – with Romeo Peterson (Clint Aplon) – since her arrival in November 2020, Beàta says that her character is more than ready for love! “I believe Shady still had growing-up to do when she dated Romeo, but her love for him and his family was unmatched.” When the two ended things at the end of 2021, it was tough on Shady and viewers. But Beàta says it was something Shady needed to develop as a character. “She learnt more from the break-up than the actual relationship, to be more intentional with her choices, not to take things for granted and to see her own worth and not rely on a partner to matter.”

MIND THE GAP

With these lessons fresh in her mind, Shady will be drawn to newbie