“dunya & Desie” Star Christine Wijddekop Dreams of a Moroccan Road Trip with Theo Maassen, and a Show Revival
The beloved Dutch television series Dunya & Desie, which captivated audiences with its heartwarming portrayal of cross-cultural friendship, continues to resonate with fans years after its conclusion. Christine wijddekop, who played Monique, the mother of Desie, recently shared her fond memories of the show and expressed her enthusiastic willingness to participate in a potential revival.
The series, which originally aired in the early 2000s, followed the lives of Dunya, a dutch-Moroccan girl, and Desie, a traditionally dutch girl, growing up together in Amsterdam-Noord. Their contrasting backgrounds often led to humorous and poignant situations, while their unwavering friendship formed the heart of the show. Wijddekop fondly remembers her time on set and the strong bond she shared with her co-stars, Maryam Hassouni and Eva van de Wijdeven.
Despite its success, Dunya & Desie was unexpectedly cancelled after two seasons, a decision Wijddekop attributes, in part, to the writing. however, the show’s popularity endured, culminating in a film released in 2008, shot on location in Morocco. wijddekop expressed her delight at the prospect to revisit the characters and the world of Dunya & Desie through the film.
Years later,Wijddekop continues to be recognized for her role as Monique,with fans frequently expressing their hope for a show comeback. She readily affirms her eagerness to reprise the role, stating she would instantly accept if offered the chance. “Then I’ll say immediately: ‘Weli, weli, weli, yes, yes, yes,'” she enthusiastically shared.
Beyond a simple continuation, Wijddekop has envisioned exciting new storylines for the characters. She imagines a future where Dunya and Desie are now mothers themselves, navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood. perhaps most intriguing is her personal dream for her character, Monique: a road trip to Morocco with her on-screen love interest, Jeff, played by the renowned Dutch comedian Theo Maassen. “Maybe I’ll go with Theo on a roadtrip to Morocco, as seniors, and experience all sorts of adventures,” she mused.
This enduring affection for the series and its characters, coupled with Wijddekop’s creative ideas, fuels the hope among fans that dunya & Desie might one day return to Dutch television, offering a fresh and heartwarming chapter in the lives of these beloved friends and their families.
