Barbara D’Urso, the beloved Italian television presenter, is back on the radar, at least temporarily, as she received the coveted Golden Tapir award from the popular satirical news program Striscia la Notizia. This event is particularly notable as it marks her first appearance on television since her departure from Mediaset almost two years ago. D’Urso expressed her gratitude for the accolade, delivered by Valerio Staffelli, with the symbolic addition of a cornetto porta fortuna, or lucky horn, around its neck.
During the encounter, which aired on the evening of December 26, 2024, D’Urso was asked by Staffelli about her prolonged absence from the screen and speculated tensions with Pier Silvio Berlusconi, the head of Mediaset who controversially took her off the show Pomeriggio 5. With characteristic poise, D'Urso responded, "Everything is fine, nothing happened with anyone, and I love everyone." This response may be seen as a strategic move to mend perceived fences with Berlusconi.
D’Urso also took this opportunity to joke about her iconic television persona, famously referring to her signature style as the "lights of d'Urso." She humorously claimed, "I invented the lights of d'Urso; now everybody has them. When I return to TV - because I will return sooner or later - I will have to triple them." Such comments indicate her expectation of returning to the screen with even more flair and creativity than before.
Interestingly, D’Urso's prolonged absence from television had opened discussions about potential replacements, most prominently Myrta Merlino who took over Pomeriggio 5 during D’Urso's hiatus. When asked her opinion on Merlino’s tenure, D’Urso stated, "I didn’t watch TV before, and now even less, because I don’t have time." This statement not only reflects her current priorities but also adds fuel to the speculation about her future television endeavors. It suggests D'Urso is focusing her energies elsewhere, potentially on new projects.
The optimism surrounding her return has been echoed by industry insiders, with Roberto Alessi, director of Novella 2000, hinting at new opportunities for D’Urso, possibly as soon as May 2025. Rumors have swirled around her return to various programs, including Milly Carlucci's Il Cantante Mascherato and the summer adaptation of La Vita in Diretta, which has recently seen other prominent hosts at the helm.
What stands out is D’Urso's acknowledgment of her fans and her clear intent to reconnect with them when the time is right. With this Golden Tapir serving as both recognition and encouragement, many are holding their breath for what might come next for this often-controversial but undeniably charismatic figure of Italian television.
This award, marking the 14th Golden Tapir of D'Urso’s career, encapsulates the quirky dynamic of Italian entertainment, blending humor with serious undertones about relationships and career trajectories. The hope and anticipation of her return linger among devoted fans, all eager to see how D'Urso will revamp her already vibrant presence on the small screen.
While the future remains somewhat nebulous—rumors flying about potential new shows and formats—what is clear is D’Urso's unapologetic desire to remain a central figure of Italian entertainment, regardless of the current competitive atmosphere. Will Barbara D’Urso reclaim her coveted space on prime-time television? Only time will tell, but for now, her fans can enjoy her witty commentary and glowing optimism, buoyed by the good luck charm of the Golden Tapir.
