HSM winners 'role models'

2008-09-29 13:41

Thinus Ferreira

Carmen Pretorius of Johannesburg and David Schlachter of Durban are the winners of the M-Net reality series High School Musical (HSM): Spotlight SA.

They will perform the lead roles of Troy and Gabriella in Pieter Toerien and Hazel Feldman's HSM stage production, which is coming to Cape Town at the end of November and will then move to Johannesburg.

Pretorius and Schlachter were announced as the winners on Saturday night during the last episode of the series.

Toerien caused controversy shortly before the end of the series, when he wrote an e-mail saying he wanted Schlachter to win.

After Sunday night's result, Toerien for the first time spoke about his e-mail at a press conference.

"I sent a personal e-mail to a friend. It's as simple as that."

"Anyone is permitted to do that. But then it took on a life of its own... This is something for which I have great remorse," said Toerien.

"I learnt a lesson. The public voted for their favourites. I don't think it did any damage to the programme and it is hopefully now the end of this horror story."

Schlachter said he would not let the controversy affect him. "I still worked hard, 12 hours a day. I don't think it affected the viewers' choice in selecting their favourite."

Pretorius, who gave up the rest of her matric year for the chance to appear in HSM, said she had always dreamed of being an entertainment star.

"That is what I want to do with my life for the next few years."

Both said they realised their local Troy and Gabriella status had made them overnight role models for people younger than them.

"I want to show people it is possible to reach your dreams," said Pretorius.

Schlachter said he always wanted to be a role model for others. "You don't have to be perfect, but you can try to set a good example."

- Beeld