“I don’t want to be unfair to Jodi,” says Judy Ann when asked about Doctor Foster role
The iconic Judy Ann Santos refused to directly answer whether the lead role in “Doctor Foster,” a Philippine adaptation of a British original, was offered to her. This is out of respect for her fellow actress, Jodi Sta. Maria—the one cast in the role.
TV Network ABS-CBN first announced its collaboration with BBC to produce the local remake of “Doctor Foster” in April. Because of that, fans of both the British original and the Korean series World of the Married wanted Judy Ann Santos to fill the role.
“The Broken Marriage Vow,” the title of the Philippine adaptation, introduced Jodi Sta. Maria as the lead star. Just like the source material, Jodi will portray a doctor, Dr. Jill Ilustre, whose marriage crumbles after discovering her husband is having an affair.
Alongside Sta. Maria, the cast includes the husband—Zanjoe Marudo as David Ilustre, the mistress—Sue Ramirez as Lexy Lucero, the only son of Jill, and David—Zaijan Jaranilla as Gio Ilustre, who is caught between his parents’ tug of war.
On Monday night, Judy had an interview with writer San Diego on her Instagram. The question was thrown to her. San Diego asked whether there is truth to speculation that she was offered to portray the Filipino Doctor Foster. Consequently, the legendary actress responded,
I don’t know if I have to answer that question, kasi I don’t want to be unfair kay Jodi. At the same time. Gusto ko rin maghintay sa management if they are going to answer that. (I also wanna wait for the management if they are going to answer that)
In the earlier part of the interview on Monday, Judy Ann explained her hesitation to accept acting projects during the coronavirus pandemic. She cited in particular, the “new normal” style of filming. The actress refuted,
Ako, happy ako that it is Jodi who is doing ‘Doctor Foster.’ … It’s a very, very good material. It’s a good project. Ako din naman, if ever, hindi ko rin naman din siya magagawa, kasi takot nga ako lumabas, more than anything.
Besides the question about the role of Doctor Foster, she also answered other interesting ones. She was asked if she will ever reunite with one of her former leading men, Piolo Pascual.
I am not closing my doors to that possibility, kasi wala namang imposible, ‘di ba. Atsaka sa pagkakataong ‘to, kung kaya, bakit hindi? It’s just that, lalo ngayon, hindi ako makatanggap ng mga acting jobs, kasi natatakot ako talagang lumabas. The thought of bubble taping, hindi ko kaya.
The iconic actress still used her fear for the virus as a hindrance. “Bubble taping,” a term for quarantined filming of productions under COVID-19 safety protocols. The ABS-CBN series have filming cycles that last three weeks, in which the cast and crew are billeted and locked in at a taping location.
Of course, as a devoted mom and wife, she mentioned her three children with her husband, TV host Ryan Agoncillo. They are the primary reason she can’t commit to bubble taping.
Malalayo sa pamilya, eh ang liliit pa ng mga anak namin. Kung siguro dalaga’t binata na ‘tong mga ‘to, maiintindihan nila. (I will be away from my family… our kids are still young. If only they are young adults, they will understand)
