Ximena Navarrete could be receiving hate mail in the near future…

The 24-year-old Mexican actress, model and former Miss Universe has been named as the leading lady in William Levy’s next telenovela, La tempestad.

“… She is working a lot, studying and I expect that the year she spent at CEA (Televisa’s Centro de Educación Artística) will serve her well,” declared Salvador Mejía of Televisa Espectáculos.

Mejía admitted that it wasn’t easy to select Navarrete as Levy’s co-star.

“Very difficult because, for example, the truth is that Silvia (Navarro) did really well, she’s a great, great actress, but this is about types, chemistry and that’s how this decision came to be,” said  Mejía.

Navarrete studied acting prior to entering the Miss Universe contest in 2010, which helped her win the crown as the most beautiful woman in the world, according to Mejía.

“I believe that had a lot to do with her winning the prize of Miss Universe, since it gave her a presence, a leading lady weight, and that’s what we’re looking for,” said Mejía.

For her starring role in La tempestad, Navarrete will be undergoing a makeover, which will be revealed to the media in the next few days.

Filming on the telenovela will begin on March 4 in Veracruz, Mexico, the setting for La tempestad.