Must-watch trailer: Showmax’s tennis drama Breekpunt

Showmax has just dropped the first trailer for Breekpunt, a tennis drama premiering on 10 March 2025, with new episodes on Mondays.

Chelsea Thomas stars as a gutsy teenager fighting for the chance to compete on the international tennis stage. The challenges she must overcome are not only on the tennis court, and what she gains is so much more than a trophy.

Breekpunt reunites Chelsea with her Spinners and Arendsvlei co-star Cantona James, who plays a former tennis champion. Also look out for N’kone Mametja as her best friend and Nahum Hughes as her brother, as well as SAFTA winner Lorcia Cooper Kumalo (Red Ink, Lockdown) and Sherman Pharo (Thys Cupido in Arendsvlei) as her parents.

Watch the trailer for Breekpunt

Breekpunt is produced by multi-award winners Ochre Moving Pictures (triple SAFTA winner Justice Served; Lioness; Spoorloos 4: Die Eiland), with Nicola Hanekom directing. A SAFTA-nominated and Fleur du Cap-winning actress, Hanekom has written on series like Dwaalster and directed on SAFTA-nominated films and series like Cut-Out Girls and Dwaalster. Headed by Ilse van Hemert (Lioness), the writing team includes SAFTA winner Quanita Adams (Hier.Na, Arendsvlei).

Roz Els caught up with Chelsea to find out more. 

How did you become part of the Breekpunt cast?

I was shooting Wyfie when I got a request for a self-tape. Knowing that I wouldn’t have been able to juggle the two productions at the same time since they were filming in different cities, I decided to just let it go. The production team were, however, very determined to get me in the role, and moved the start date of the production to accommodate me. I can’t put into words just how grateful I am for that. I will never forget it.

Tell us more about Ashleigh.

At first, Ashleigh seems like just an 18-year-old girl with a very big dream. She receives little to no support from her parents, but she has a deep desire, and willingness to make it happen, with or without anybody on her side. She truly rises like a phoenix. Her passion and love for tennis grows every day, and she becomes more and more determined to reach her goals. She will do whatever it takes, and nothing and nobody can stand in her way. When I first read the script, I thought, “Ooh! She’s feisty. I like her already!” I was so curious about her. 

What are some of the biggest differences between you and Ashleigh?

She’s a dreamer, just like me. Even if something seems impossible, we will find a way, no matter what. But we are also different in so many ways. Ashleigh is very gutsy and so rebellious, while I always need to think twice about things. I’m a bit of an overthinker in general.

You are sharing the screen with Cantona James again. What was different this time around?

This was my first time working with Cantona where I was not playing his love interest. I really enjoyed that we could tap into a different type of character dynamic for this one.Every set is a completely different world. With every new character, it demands more and more from you. We have grown and learned a lot since Angel and Daniel on Arendsvlei where it all started.

How about the rest of the cast? Did you connect with anyone in particular?

Definitely Lorcia. I couldn’t have asked for a better on-screen mom. Lorcia has held my hand through it all. She’s my earth angel. I have never felt more held, heard, and valued by anyone else I’ve worked with. I’ve learned and unlearned so much. She deserves all the flowers.

You shot Arendsvlei and Spinners in Cape Town, while Breekpunt was shot in Joburg. Was there a difference?

The set experience was different for me in terms of pace. I felt like it moved pretty fast compared to Cape Town. Although so many people in the industry say it’s the opposite way! 

Did you have to learn how to play tennis for the role?

We had some tennis lessons but I have to give credit to my body double. I have always been into arts and never really into sports! I always say, “I am an actress. Not a spinner or tennis player!” (laughs)

Why should viewers watch Breekpunt?

Every storyline in Breekpunt is so beautifully written. Viewers will fall in love with this show because it’s filled with our realities and dreams, and people can relate to that. Also its stellar cast, of course!

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