Producer Salvador Mejia announced today that Elizabeth Gutierrez would not be the female lead in the highly anticipated telenovela "La Tempestad" starring William Levy.
Mejia stated that the two actresses who are in contention for the role are Silvia Navarro (Amor Bravio) and former Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete. The producer stated that he did not know when he would have a final decision as the production team is still assessing their audition tapes. He told the show "Hoy" that they are evaluating the tenderness, chemistry and acting abilities of each thespian.
The news comes after many rumored that Navarro would not be considered for the role and after speculations arose that Gutierrez was a front-runner for the role.
Throughout the month several actresses auditioned for the role including Alessandra Rosaldo (Ni Contigo Ni Sin Ti), Dominika Paleta (Triunfo del Amor), Nora Salinas (Un Refugio Para el Amor) and Zuria Vega (Un Refugio Para el Amor).
Additionally Angelique Boyer (Abismo de Pasion), Maite Perroni (Triunfo del Amor) and Sandra Echeverria (Savages) were offered the role but rejected it due to scheduling issues.
William Levy recently stated in an interview that he had no plans to work with his girlfriend Gutierrez on anything and that he would love to see Televisa give a Navarrete an opportunity to grow.
"La Tempestad" is set to air in May with Poncho Herrera and Daniela Romo also set to star.