Another famous face is saying goodbye to Hillside, after it was confirmed that actress Diaan Lawrenson, who plays Paula Van der Lecq, is leaving.
Her exit from 7de Laan is not permanent and fans will get to see their favourite ditzy blonde every now and again.
Lawrenson, 38, is moving back to the Cape, where she will be lecturing at the Afda Film School.
It’s going to be a real juggling act for the talented Lawrenson – in-between family and work, she is also studying to obtain a Master’s degree in TV and Theatre studies.
Spokeswoman for 7de Laan Rosa-Mari Erasmus said: “Diaan has made the decision to resign as a principal actress at 7de Laan… But she’ll still be an integral part of the 7de Laan team.”
The soapie is about to kick-off its 18th season and Lawrenson will occasionally return for a few selected storylines.
The actress, who is married to actor Jody Abrahams, is going to focus on raising their two children, her new job and obtaining her Master’s degree.
“Her first priority at this stage is to spend time with Olivia and Thomas,” Erasmus said.
In November last year, actor Heino Schmitt, who played Paula’s husband Altus, also left the Laan, to join Pasella.
Both actors joined 7de Laan soon after the soapie was launched in 2000 and have been described as “the Hillside power couple” by the production team. Altus and Paula split after he had an affair with a brunette.