Judy Ann Santos and Jodi Sta. Maria are ABS-CBN’s top choices to play lead role in ‘Doctor Foster’ remake
After the formal announcement that ABS-CBN and BBC Studios have entered into a deal for the Filipino adaptation of the drama series Doctor Foster, the Kapamilya Network is yet to realize any details about the upcoming and much-awaited show.
Still, many speculations have surfaced about the show’s local adaptation—particularly about its main cast. This is expected, as Doctor Foster’s Korean adaptation—the hit 2020 drama The World of the Married—is easily one of the most popular in Philippine media last year.
Based on reliable reports and sources, ABS-CBN is eyeing two actresses to star as the show’s main lead: Judy Ann Santos and Jodi Sta. Maria.
In the British original, actress Suranne Jones played the show’s titular character. In the Korean adaptation, it is played by Kim Hee-ae.
Judy Ann was reported to do the Doctor Foster remake months before ABS-CBN formally announced the adaptation.
Judy Ann’s last acting role was in the 2019 fantasy series Starla on ABS-CBN. She currently hosts the TV program Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan?, which is filmed remotely.
And while she is reportedly the top choice to play the part, Gorgy Rula of Pilipino Star Ngayon reports that the 42-year-old actress is hesitant to do a soap opera right now amid the current surge of COVID-19 cases.
The report says that the role may likely go to Jodi Sta. Maria—who last appeared in the ABS-CBN soap opera Ang Iyo Ay Akin, one of the first scripted shows the network produced during the COVID-19 pandemic—if Judy Ann does not accept the role.
For the role of the show’s mistress—played by actress Jodie Comer in the British original and Han So-Hee in the Korean adaptation—two actresses are reportedly being considered: Lovi Poe and Sue Ramirez.
However, Lovi’s reported move to ABS-CBN (after being a long-time GMA-7 talent) is still not confirmed. If Lovi’s move does not push through, Sue will likely be offered the role.
For the lead actor, Pilipino Star Ngayon says Zanjoe Marudo and Jericho Rosales are being considered.
Of course, as they say in showbiz, nothing is final until the cameras have started rolling, so these casting reports may change.
In any case, production for Doctor Foster is said to begin later this year. ABS-CBN has also started teasing its cast reveal on social media, which might indicate an announcement could happen any time soon.