| Zlata Waldheim | |||||||||||
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| Shortland Street character | |||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Kate Elliott | ||||||||||
| Introduced by | Steven Zanoski | ||||||||||
| Duration | 2011 | ||||||||||
| First appearance | 25 August 2011 episode 4820 |
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| Last appearance | 6 December 2011 episode 4892 |
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| Classification | Former; recurring | ||||||||||
| Profile | |||||||||||
| Alias | Zlata Antonescu (Birth name) | ||||||||||
| Occupation | Receptionist at Shortland Street Hospital (2011) | ||||||||||
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Zlata Waldheim (née Antonescu) is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Kate Elliott since her debut as a love interest for established character Luke Durville (Gerald Urquhart) in August 2011.
Zlata arrived alongside fiance Luke in August 2011, following Luke's 4 month break and she quickly causes a stir amongst the characters, becoming threatening to Luke's admirer Vasa (Teuila Blakely) and upsetting Bella Cooper (Amelia Reid) with her treatment of Luke. Zlata's storyline then revolved around her organizing the wedding and ensuring everything went along with her culture. Her "feisty" personality caused her to clash with both Bella and Luke numerous times meaning the wedding's possible cancellation. Her dress sense reflects her personality and culture and is described as "gothic". The character and Luke are both written heavily comical, something which pleased Elliott and persuaded her to accept the role.
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The original pitch for the character of Zlata was; "Luke's perfect idea of a vampire bride".[1] Rachel Blampied auditioned for the role of Zlata but was turned down and the role of Bree Hamilton was written specially for her.[2] In August 2011 it was announced acclaimed actress Kate Elliott would be joining Shortland Street later in the month.[3][4] Elliott was pleased to get the role, saying; "I've always wanted to be on the show - I watched it religiously as a kid - and I'm so grateful for the opportunity".[5] Upon her arrival, it was announced Zlata was a love interest for established character, Luke Durville.[6][7] The character was written as subtly comedic which Elliott praised, saying: "I get a lot of gothic, vampiric roles but this is funny. The writers have done a really good job."[6] Producer Steven Zanoski was surprised that a high calibre actor such as Elliott auditioned but was impressed by her convincing Romanian accent and the way she picked up on the character's funny nuances.[6] He stated; "It was interesting to watch her transform herself from this very affable and collegial actor into this crazy Eastern European woman."[6] The character was set to be on screen for 4 months and cause a stir upon arrival.[6] Zlata made her last appearance in December, with Elliott highly enjoying the role after initially struggling with the heavy and quick work load.[8]
Zlata arrived in August 2011, and announced herself as the fiance of Luke Durville (Gerald Urquhart) whom she met while he was traveling in her country of Romania. She instantly got on the badside of Luke's good friend Bella Cooper (Amelia Reid) when she appeared to be using Luke for his money but nonetheless got a job working alongside her at reception. When Zlata learned Luke lost respect because of a false drug addiction claim, she drastically redesigned his dress sense and house so as he got more respect. Zlata was devastated when Luke refused to allow their children to grow up Catholic but after Zlata revealed her emotional side, Luke agreed. Zlata shocked Luke, Bella and Lana (Brooke Williams) when she announced Luke had to pay a hefty sum so her father could attend the ceremony. Zlata was offended when Luke, Lana and Daniel (Ido Drent) accused her father Costel (Phil Peleton) but nonetheless stays loyal to both Luke and Costel. In December Zlata was devastated when she learnt Luke had fallen in love with Bella. She exclaimed her love and returned to Romania.
Zlata is described as "feisty"[4] and is shown to be heavily religious[9] and also family orientated.[10] Pleased to have a friend in Bella, Zlata quickly begins to show signs of her true character such as pretending to be sick so as to not make dinner and breaking down to get on Bella's goodside.[7] Another antagonistic side of Zlata is shown when she learns of Luke's social stigma following his apparent drug addiction and she forces him to drastically change his appearance and lifestyle to that of a well respected man and someone that is "normal".[11] Her religious side is highly prevalent with Zlata insisting on her wedding with Luke being at a church and run as it would be in Catholic faith and the two falling out over Luke's refusal to raise their children religiously.[9] Zlata's dedication to her family is also shown with her disappointment that her parents would not attend the ceremony if it was not religious and her devastation when she learns her sister Edina, can not attend the ceremony.[12] A kind side of Zlata is shown when she forgives Bella for putting too much pressure on her.[13] Elliot's co star, Phil Peleton stated that Zlata was blunt and a straight shooter.[14]
Zlata's dress sense reflects her personality, being "dark" and "gothic".[15] The character was written as "comedic".[6]
During an interview in August 2010, Gerald Urquhart who portrays eccentric anathaetist stated his dream storyline would see Luke fall head over heels in love, saying; "I would really like to see Luke in love, I would enjoy playing a love-struck Durville being led astray."[16] Upon Zlata's arrival it is revealed she has become engaged to Luke while he was traveling in her home country of Romania. Luke is shown to be deeply smitten and willing to do anything for his fiance. Urquhart enjoyed this saying; "It's lot of fun to play the kind of romance. Luke has suffered from unrequited love for a long time, so it's great to have some love being given back to him."[17] Zlata is desperate to impress and tricks Luke's friend Bella into cooking a dinner party for Luke's friends so they would warm to her.[7] Bella grows scared that Zlata is a gold digger and that she married Luke for money, which is only further backed when Zlata becomes devastated to learn Luke has a low social status due to being framed as a drug addict and forces Luke to undergo a drastic makeover.[11] Both Zlata and Luke grow furious when Bella interferes in their relationship but the couple stay together despite her meddling. Whilst discussing plans for their marriage, Zlata grows disconcerted when she learns Luke does not want a Catholic Marriage, nor does he want their children to grow up religious.[9] An emotional Zlata visits a confessional and does not realize Luke is the priest whilst she confesses her heartfelt sympathies about her upcoming marriage.[9] Luke comes around to her understanding and agrees to raise their children Catholic. Luke and Zlata later decide to make Bella both their bridesmaid[18] and best man. Luke is happy when Zlata decides to postpone the wedding so Luke's brother Rafe and girlfriend Tania can attend.[10] However Zlata reveals to Luke her father is in trouble with the Romanian government and a large sum of money is needed to get him back.[10] Lana and Bella think it is suspicious but Luke insists he believes Zlata and would do anything for love. Phil Peleton who was cast as Zlata's father Costel[14] stated that he thought Luke needed to work harder to keep Zlata, saying; "Luke is no Romanian man and that's a good thing in some ways, but I think he needs to lift his game and man up a bit if he wants to keep Zlata".[14]
Zlata is a heavily family orientated character, coming from a strong Catholic Romanian family. Despite numerous mentions to family throughout her first two months, no members of her family make an appearance. In October Zlata makes mention of a sister named Edina[12] who can not attend the ceremony and later an uncle named Alda[13] who she shares stories with Luke about. In October Zlata mentions her father and brother numerous times. In October 2011 it was announced Phil Peleton was joining the cast later in the month as the character of Costel Waldheim, Zlata's father.[14] Peleton thought the character was a difficult role, stating; "He has a slightly hazy past in Romania but he has come over for Zlata's wedding - to see his precious girl married and happily settled down. He's a dad on a mission and having lots of fun while he's here."[14]