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Wendy's new

the 24-year-old actress and model is being given the royal treatment by ABS-CBN, which has handpicked her for the lead role in its latest primetime teleserye despite what her critics say about her acting ability — or lack of it. Many have slammed the choice of Wendy for the part, insisting that one acting workshop is not enough preparation for a potentially demanding role.

The teleserye is titled Margarita, and is the story of a young woman struggling to face life’s challenges after her father abandons their family (which, incidentally, echoes a similar incident in the life of Wendy, who grew up without a father). To help support them — and to put herself through school—Margarita takes on a job as a dancer at a bar.

Aside from Wendy, Margarita features a strong supporting cast that includes veteran actors like Rio Locsin and Elizabeth Oropesa, and Diether Ocampo.

Also playing a key role in Margarita is Wendy’s fellow ex-housemate and rumoured boyfriend Bruce Quebral.

ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Deo Endrinal defended the choice of the controversial PBB housemate for the lead role in Margarita. Asked why the network reposed so much trust in a virtual newcomer, Endrinal says: “We believe in striking while the iron is hot. Love her or hate her, we cannot ignore the fact that she is being talked about.”

Meanwhile, Wendy says she is fully aware of the pressures she is facing. She knows her critics will be waiting to see if she fails. But her attitude is one of excitement. “I’m excited and flattered that ABS-CBN has so much trust in me, that they think I can do the role,” says Wendy. “It’s my first time to take on something this big. I’ve never acted on TV before, and they already gave me a lead role. I know I have to prove so many things [to so many people]. But I think I can do it, especially the dancing. I started as a band singer, and when you sing in a band, you dance to the song. So I have some experience in that area, and I’m hoping that will help.”

Her dancing is one of the things that was roundly criticised by viewers who saw the trailer of the show on television last week, as part of the pre-show publicity blitz.

Wendy begs for the public’s understanding and support as she tackles her first major role on television. She is aware that she has many critics and haters. “I’m not forcing them to like me or love me,” she says. “I just hope they’ll understand where I’m coming from.”

Wendy is also confident that viewers will like what they see. “The show is on primetime, so even if the role is a bit daring, I know there won’t be anything that can’t be seen on television. This is going to be a good project that I hope people will support.”