Ximena Navarrete Lands Lead Role in "La Tempestad"

By Wendy Barba

After Angelique Boyer, Maite Perroni and Thalía all said, "Thanks, but no thanks," to the lead role in the telenovela "La Tempestad," producer Salvador Mejía confirmed the role will be played by former Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete.

Picking the right person to give life to this character was no easy task, explains Salvador: "It's very difficult because, the truth is, Silvia [Navarro] was great. She's a great, great actress, but this is about typology, chemistry," he told Televisa Espectáculos. "That's why this is the right decision."

RELATED: No Love for Levy?

But don't call him superficial, the beauty queen is gorgeous, but the Mexican producer didn't select her to play the role only because of her looks. The Guadalajara native also studied acting, which gave her an extra edge, says Salvador.

The cast will start filming March 4.

RELATED: William Levy is People en Español's Sexiest Man Alive 2012

Besides adding lead credits to her IMDB page, there is another very important perk to being cast in this telenovela -- playing lover to the sexiest Cuban alive, William Levy.

Click through to see more stunning pictures or Miss Universe 2010!