Who is ugly Betty?

Stills from Yo Soy Betty La Fea — the last still is after her makeover on the serial

Yo soy Betty La Fea (I am Betty The Ugly) is the story of the educated, timid and unattractive Beatriz Pinzn Solano (played by a beautiful actress, Ana Mara Orozco).This Colombian telenovella became a smash hit before it was adapted to foreign television screens the world over.

In a country where cocaine rules, corruption abounds and terrorism is rampant, it is not surprising that ugly Betty stood out as a symbol of uncorrupted innocence. During one episode, Betty was offered a bribe. The next show had the highest rating of any soap on Colombian history, as people tuned in to see whether she accepted it.

Also unconventional was the thread of realism that initially ran through the show — characters were victims of socio-economic discriminations, which are not glossed over or hidden under a carpet of soap opera froth.

Eventually this realism ran out, when the serial succumbed to a stereotypical sell-out, and feminism to 'fairy-tale'.

Betty, despite being a qualified economist, gets a secretary's job at a renowned fashion designing company. She is an ugly duckling who eventually blossoms into a swan — framed spectacles and better hair days substitute the braces and thick glasses.

Betty is also upwardly mobile, finally becoming a corporate executive. In truly hackneyed style, she also marries her unscrupulous boss Armando Mendoza.

A sequel is being planned, although there are no details available.

The sequel has already been showen in Columbia its after Betty and Armandos marriage.