The beloved Brazilian soap opera Vale Tudo continues to captivate audiences with its latest remake, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of TV Globo. In the upcoming episodes, viewers will witness a significant twist in the romantic life of Heleninha, played by Paolla Oliveira, as she encounters Ivan, portrayed by Renato Góes. This unexpected meeting is set to change the trajectory of her character in the drama.
In the episode airing on Monday, April 28, 2025, Heleninha, who is struggling with her relationship with her mother, Odete Roitman (Débora Bloch), overhears a scheming conversation between her mother and Celina (Malu Galli). Odete plans to orchestrate a family dinner to bring Heleninha and Ivan together, hoping to mend her daughter's emotional state. However, Heleninha, feeling manipulated, decides to escape the situation.
As she makes her getaway through the back door, Heleninha accidentally collides with Ivan, who is searching for the entrance. In a comical twist, they tumble onto the grass, triggering the automatic irrigation system, leaving them both soaked. "Calm down! I was invited to dinner. Ivan Meireles, nice to meet you," he introduces himself, attempting to ease the awkwardness. Heleninha responds, "Heleninha Roitman, nice to meet you," and despite the initial shock, the encounter breaks the ice between them.
Wrapped in towels, they eventually make their way into the living room, where Odete and Celina watch with keen interest. Ivan changes into a shirt belonging to Afonso (Humberto Carrão) for dinner, and Heleninha can't hide her excitement, complimenting his new look: "You look great!" This light-hearted moment leads to an invitation to Heleninha's painting studio, where Ivan expresses admiration for her artwork, describing it as "fluid." Heleninha beams at his compliment, feeling an immediate connection.
Reflecting on their encounter later, she tells her therapist, "This meeting with Ivan felt so cinematic!" This budding romance is set against the backdrop of Heleninha's ongoing struggles, including her recent relapse into alcohol after her mother's return to Brazil—a significant theme in this chapter of her life.
As the story unfolds, Heleninha's character grapples with the complexities of familial relationships, particularly with Odete, who is known for her cold demeanor. The tension escalates when Odete arrives at the Roitman mansion, showering praise on Celina for her care of the children during her absence, only to undermine the atmosphere with pointed remarks about the house's decor.
In a dramatic moment, Heleninha appears at the top of the stairs, visibly intoxicated with a glass of whiskey. Afonso questions her about her drinking, while Celina expresses her disappointment, lamenting that Heleninha was doing so well before Odete's arrival. "I was fine, and now I’m great! A toast to Odete Roitman, this wonderful executive!" she insists, prompting a chaotic scene as she stumbles and falls, only to be caught by her aunt and the butler.
The emotional depth of Heleninha's character is further explored as she struggles with her past and present, and her relationship with Ivan provides a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil. The dynamic between Heleninha and Ivan not only highlights their romantic chemistry but also serves as a counterpoint to the strained familial ties that define Heleninha's life.
Paolla Oliveira, who embodies Heleninha, shared behind-the-scenes moments from the set of Vale Tudo, showcasing the camaraderie among the cast. On April 26, 2025, they gathered to watch the first scene featuring Odete Roitman, building anticipation for her character’s arrival in the storyline. "Another new chapter begins," Oliveira noted in her social media post, emphasizing the excitement surrounding Odete’s return.
Odete's character is pivotal not only for the plot but also for the emotional arcs of those around her. Her arrival has been met with mixed reactions from fans, some praising the nostalgic elements of the remake while others criticize the modern adaptation. Nevertheless, Globo remains confident in the project, believing it pays homage to the original while making it relevant for today’s audience.
The remake of Vale Tudo premiered on March 31, 2025, and is expected to conclude around October or November of the same year. As the series progresses, viewers can anticipate more dramatic twists, including Ivan's role in helping Tiago (Pedro Waddington) during a panic attack in an elevator incident, further intertwining the lives of these characters.
As the storylines develop, the audience will witness how Heleninha navigates her newfound feelings for Ivan while confronting the challenges posed by her mother’s return. The blend of romance, drama, and familial conflict promises to keep viewers engaged as they follow the characters’ journeys in this iconic Brazilian soap opera.
