“Dertigers”: Annick Van Couwenberghe on Portraying Agnes and Navigating Family Dynamics
“Agnes is a single mother with two children, working as a cleaner at the local school,” explains Annick Van Couwenberghe, who plays one of Dertigers’ most complex and compelling characters. “She begins a secret relationship with the school principal, who’s going through a divorce, so they initially keep it hidden. But as their relationship grows serious and becomes public, Agnes faces the challenges of blending into a new family and works hard to earn the trust of her partner’s daughters.”
Regarding Dertigers’ success, Annick says, “The series ran four seasons with the original cast, followed by two seasons with the new cast, which I’m part of, and now a third season in post-production. I believe the success of Dertigers comes from its authenticity: it portrays everyday people dealing with relatable situations, but with an emotional intensity that resonates strongly with the audience. It’s as if the characters’ lives are just a bit more dramatic, sad, or humorous than real life. This makes viewers identify closely with the characters, supporting, judging, or empathizing with them as if they’re real people. And of course, the humor adds an even greater charm!”
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About the atmosphere on set, Annick shares, “Working on set was like being part of a close-knit circle of friends. The main characters have deep friendships, and this translated off-screen too. There was a natural connection among us, and even on intense shooting days, everyone was genuinely happy to be there. It’s been an experience that built lasting friendships.”
Annick Van Couwenberghe, who has garnered a loyal following as Agnes, concludes by sharing how her experience on Dertigers has opened new doors: “Thanks to the series, I’ve been able to explore new roles and dedicate myself to various projects. I’m now co-writing a feature film script and collaborating with an Italian-Swiss director. Additionally, I’m continuing online courses with coach Adam Davenport to further develop my skills and prepare for new challenges.”