Mr Bad Man

As DeWet becomes more cosy with wife Bonita and opens up about his past, could the baddie be turning into a hero?

- LEZANNE JANSE VAN RENSBURG

The more we see of the villainous DeWet (Dirk Stoltz), the more it looks like he may be like a prickly pear – a thorny exterior to keep threats out, but soft, sweet and squishy on the inside when the right person gets past the exterior. It’s been clear in recent months that he does have a heart. And Dirk agrees that his character is becoming more layered – but his primary goal is the same. “To conquer Hillside at all costs… and the world!” the actor says.

A SOFTIE

The DeWet we’re currently seeing is far removed from the hardcore, callous and unshakeable don we’ve come to know. He even winced a few times as those dearest to him – wife Bonita (Hildegardt Whites) and son Shawn (Deànré Reiners) – faced imminent threat, showing that he actually cares. “When you’re in a loving relationship, you do change,” admits Dirk. “You become softer, and DeWet definitely got softer because of Bonita and Shawn.”

WHAT IS LOVE?