JUST a year into her career and Muvhango star Buhle Samuels is making her mark - on screen, and on social media.

Having joined the predominately Venda soapie early last year, the Protea, Soweto-born actress has earned herself a nomination in the Royalty Soapie Awards in the outstanding newcomer category alongside Andile Gumbi (Isibaya), Fhulu Mugovhani (Scandal!), Izak Davel (Isidingo) and Tessa Holloway (7de Laan).

And her backside debuted on social networks.

The 24-year-old's appearance on the show has attracted mostly male viewers who marvel at her other "talent".

She finds it amusing. Mostly because people think her butt is fake like Kim Kardashian's.

"I just don't know what to say, but what I finding shocking is how people still talk about it on social networks, even now."

Her nomination has driven her to work even harder.

"I am excited about the nomination because I was not expecting it. As someone who never acted before, when I joined Muvhango I told myself that I am going to improve my skill.

"When you have been putting in so much hard work, you don't even see how much effort you have put in until someone notices."

Samuels received a callback after auditioning for the role of Matshidiso, and had to start shooting the next day.

"It was hectic, in fact it was a nightmare. Being the perfectionist that I am, I was forced to learn fast and put everything to practice."

She says there were days when it was so hard she thought about quitting, but she stuck it out.

Samuels defines her character as a goal-driven young woman who wants to succeed in life. "Everything she does has an end result. She will do whatever to get what she wants. She has these big dreams that others can't understand."

Before she landed the role in Muvhango, Samuels presented Good Morning Africa on Africa Magic.