Julia Mendes (born Prozeski, adopted von Anstetten and formerly Sander) is a fictional character from the German soap opera Verbotene Liebe (Forbidden Love), played by Valerie Niehaus. She is introduced in the series' premiere on January 2, 1995. She departed from the series in July 1997, when Niehaus decided to pursue other roles. The role was surprisingly recast with well-known actress Nina Bott in 2011; reinstating the Brandner family and the original story of the show. Bott appeared for the first time on-screen on June 23, 2011. She eventually finished shooting her story arc in October 2011 and last appeared on January 18, 2012. The character is known as the first protagonist of the show and her main story focuses around the incestuous love to her twin-brother Jan Brandner.