"I Want to End My Career Composing Film Scores"

Blanca Romero, a seasoned actress with a background in film and television, steps into the role of presenter on 'Next Level Chef', a new cooking competition on Telecinco premiering tonight at 10:00 PM. The show features three teams of contestants cooking across three floors, each with varying levels of difficulty. "It's a fresh format with very genuine contestants who bear no malice towards each other," she explains, highlighting the unique nature of the programme, which will feature judges Francis Paniego, Rakel Cernicharo, and Marcos Morán.

"I wasn't entirely sure about transitioning to a presenter role," she admits.

"For me, it's a significant responsibility to think that I might influence people, a nation. We are a window to the public. I come from a different cultural background, where the codes are entirely different. So, there's a substantial change in tone, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to change my mindset, my principles, my message as an artist, which has been my livelihood since I was young. I was even a bit afraid that I might lose my acting career. It made me insecure. Ultimately, I set some principles for myself as a presenter. And it was incredibly easy and wonderful. I was more myself than ever. It wasn't difficult at all. There's no need to fight to make those at home happy. There's no need for gossip. It's a new show with very genuine contestants who bear no malice towards each other."

"Can a show succeed without conflict?" she ponders.

"Humans are drawn to the sensational. We are captivated by toxic news, even by things that happen. But when it comes to entertainment shows, I find it wonderful to create them with a comedic tone, encouraging people to be better, to move forward, to keep trying, to fight. We must convey positive messages, and we have a significant responsibility when creating culture. Television is a very close window to people's living rooms, where they need positive things, and that's what I would like to contribute as a presenter."

"Weren't you offered television roles before?" she is asked.

"I was offered fashion and music segments. And I didn't see it. I was also offered to present the New Year's Eve chimes a few years ago, but I didn't think it was the right time. This 2024 that we've just left behind is the result of a harvest, of all the effort I've put in since I was young."

"And now you're a face of Mediaset," she acknowledges.

"Being welcomed and given a show like this is entering through the front door. And having presented the New Year's Eve chimes as well. That gives me a lot of peace and confidence because I see that they value me and are betting on me."

"Did you ever imagine at the start of your career that you would present a cooking competition?" she is asked.

"Never. It was all thanks to Macarena Rey (CEO of the production company Shine Iberia), who was the mastermind. I didn't see myself doing it, and she insisted. And it came to me at almost 50 years old. Filming series or movies is very tough, but a presenter, I'm sorry, but they live like gods (laughs)."

"You were also a contestant on 'MasterChef Celebrity'. How have you viewed cooking from your role as a presenter?" she is asked.

"I dipped my hand in several times and got scolded (laughs). They always caught me with my mouth full. I'm a Taurus, I love to eat. Everything was delicious, and I had to try it. It was like the Disneyland of food."

"Have you seen yourself on screen as a presenter yet?" she is asked.

"I haven't seen anything. I'm not sure if I want to. The first time I saw myself as an actress was in 'Física o Química', and I remember putting popcorn in the microwave, and suddenly it made a hole. It started smoking because I set the popcorn for, I don't know, about sixty minutes."

"And afterwards, what are your plans?" she is asked.

"I want to end my professional career composing film scores. At home, in my tracksuit, with my piano, overlooking the sea... Because I don't like public speaking, wearing heels, or being cold. So, I want to be in my tracksuit composing. It's what excites me the most. I'm happy alone, and it's the most beautiful moment for me. Would I do five editions of 'Next Level Chef'? Obviously, because it's an incredible experience."