MANILA, Philippines?It?s a done deal, for Dingdong Dantes at least. On ?SOP? last Sunday, it was officially announced that Dantes would play the lead role of Cholo in the local version of the popular Koreanovela ?Stairway to Heaven,? as reported in Rushes that same day.

Dantes, however, told Inquirer Entertainment that his Cholo has no Jodi. ?No leading lady? yet,? he said.

Early reports point to Jennylyn Mercado or Heart Evangelista. Dantes? perennial partner Marian Rivera isn?t in the short list because she?s doing ?Darna.?

?I trust the network will find the right girl,? Dantes said. ?There are special requirements for the part.? He declined to give a personal choice, but revealed that his ultimate fantasy is Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale.

Dantes admits that Cholo?s are pretty big shoes to fill? just like Sergio in ?Mari Mar.?

During its 2005 run on GMA 7, the Koreanovela was a consistent top-rater?making a household name out of Cholo, played by Korean actor Kwon Sang-woo.

To prepare for the part, Dantes is watching DVDs of the original series. ?I caught some episodes four years ago, but I?m watching the whole series again,? he said.

The biggest challenge, he noted, is adding a Pinoy flavor to the well-loved show. Is he pressured, since it is also his first soap minus Rivera? ?No,? he said. I?m more excited than nervous.?

As for Rivera, Dantes insisted that he?d rather keep ?private? whatever there is between them. Suffice it to say that they will miss each other, he said. ?I?m already looking forward to our reunion.?