"I Love Being Surprised by Television"

With jet lag as if returning from the Moon, presenter Laura Madrueño (39, Madrid) reflects on the latest edition of 'Survivors', won by Valencian Borja González. The Telecinco format bid farewell to audiences with an average of 21.7% audience share and 1,474,000 viewers in its main galas.

–Were you surprised that Borja was the winner?

–Of course, I was surprised and I'm very happy for him. What I loved most about the final was how thrilling it was due to the unexpected twists in the televotes, the games... it couldn't have been more intense. People say it's rigged, that it's not real. It was wonderful to see how everything can change on the last night.

–Why do you think it's so hard to see women winners in 'Survivors'?

–It's what the audience decides. I was sad not to have a woman in the final. That did weigh on us. Because fighters like Anita, Makoke, Carmen Alcayde... we've had incredible women who, physically and in terms of survival, have given their all.

–Do the criticisms reach you in Honduras? How do you handle the controversies?

–I try not to pay too much attention to that. It's many months, it's very tough, and we have to be very strong mentally to do the job well. The public is free to have their opinions because that's what we live off, but I prefer to stay on the sidelines.

–Will you be one of the hosts of 'Survivors: All Stars'?

–We're still celebrating the end of Survivors 2025. We'll talk more about it later.

–Last year you ended up exhausted after hosting two consecutive editions.

–I spent five and a half months in Honduras, a real madness, I still don't know how we did it. Mentally, if you go just to do one edition, which is already a lot because it's four months, you're focused on that. But last year, when we had a month left to finish the edition, we were already organizing the entire 'All Stars' edition and it was exhausting.

–Did those five months last year in Honduras weigh on you in this latest edition?

–They weighed on me positively, in terms of learning. Last year, those five and a half months were a real masterclass. This edition has been more challenging in terms of timing.

–Four months in Honduras, how do you manage your return to Spain after each edition?

–We return as if coming from the Moon, with tremendous jet lag because the last galas there are also full of adrenaline. It's many months, it's not the same as working in Madrid where you return to your family. In Honduras, you live with the team and it's very difficult to leave the 'Survivors' bubble and return to real life. Now I need to rest because it's very intense to be dedicated to the reality show for four months. I want to stop and be with the kids.

–Do you lose the desire for the beach?

–No. I'm an avid diver and I'll never lose the desire for the beach.

–What did you think of Terelu Campos' participation?

–I loved it, I had a great time with her. She was super generous. She jumped from the helicopter twice and enjoyed it a lot. We saw a fun Terelu, who did everything she could and was there sleeping like everyone else.

–She is an established face as a Telecinco presenter. What new projects would you like to undertake?

–I love being surprised by television, that's why I love this profession so much. You never know what's next in the upcoming season. I really enjoy learning and, above all, having new things, because otherwise, I get bored.

–Lara Álvarez mentioned she stopped watching 'Survivors' due to nostalgia. Do you think the same could happen to you?

–I don't think so, I'll probably watch it for the affection I have for that place and that beach. For me, it's an absolute inspiration. When I have a bad moment, when we're caught in a downpour, facing chaos or a stressful moment, I look at Cayo Paloma, see that sea, that light... it's an absolutely magical place. Of course, I'll continue watching this format. It's the best thing that's happened to me.