On May 5, 2025, the lively Spanish talk show 'El Hormiguero' welcomed actresses Hiba Abouk and Belinda Washington, who came to promote their new series, Eva y Nicole, set to premiere on Antena 3 on May 8. The show, which has already generated buzz after its initial release on Atresplayer in 2024, explores the tumultuous relationship between two powerful women from Marbella's high society, intertwined by a painful past and a quest for revenge.
During their appearance, the actresses engaged in a humorous and energetic discussion with host Pablo Motos, who opened the show by asking Belinda about her early days in television. With a laugh, she reminisced about her start at Antena 3, saying, "How bodies fall..." She recounted how nervous she was, having to mask the tics caused by her anxiety. Interestingly, before embarking on her television career, Washington had a completely different job in aviation.
As the conversation flowed, Belinda shared her fascination with energy stones, explaining their significance and how they work. She told Motos, "I like everything related to energy, light, intuition, and the energy of people," and even activated his chi, or vital energy, live on air. "Santería and those things scare me, but I really believe in the things of light and the beautiful things," she added, indicating her belief in the positive influences of energy and stones.
Belinda's enthusiasm for energy stones was evident as she recommended amethyst for tranquility and obsidian and black tourmaline for dispelling negative energies. "You can believe it or not, because it’s a bit quirky," she said, showcasing her playful spirit.
In addition to discussing energy, the actresses reflected on their roles in Eva y Nicole. The series, which has been described as a blend of action, drama, and luxury, follows the lives of Eva and Nicole, who were once friends but are now at odds due to a shared history and romantic rivalry. Hiba, who plays Eva, described the character's motivations, saying, "We have a painful past in common, and I come back years later to take revenge." This tension between the characters is a central theme of the show.
Washington, portraying Renata, Nicole's right-hand woman, shared insights about her character's inspiration, revealing that she met Olivia Valère, a real-life figure who embodies the essence of Marbella's glamorous nightlife. "She was very enchanting, very hypnotic, one of those people who makes you feel great from the moment you arrive," Washington noted.
As the interview progressed, Motos probed into the extravagant parties of 1980s Marbella, a backdrop for the series. Washington painted a vivid picture, saying, "Back then, if you weren't invited, you weren't important. Some people even paid to attend these spectacular parties." She reminisced about the famous faces that graced those events, including Charlton Heston and Liza Minnelli, and acknowledged that the series, while fictional, reflects many truths about that glamorous yet hedonistic era.
"I believe there were orgies, dark rooms, drugs, and dealings... everything one can imagine to keep those celebrities comfortable in their environment," Washington asserted, adding a touch of realism to the series' portrayal of the high-society lifestyle.
On a lighter note, Hiba Abouk shared her culinary contributions during the filming of Eva y Nicole. She humorously recounted how her lentils became a hit among the cast and crew, especially after a catering mishap early in production. "I started cooking even though I had little time, and I brought tuppers that Belén Rueda and Andrés Velencoso ended up finishing," she laughed.
In a surprising twist, Belinda Washington also showcased her unique approach to wellness by performing a quick massage on Motos using two frayed rods, claiming it was a technique to awaken the meridians and activate chi, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Motos, although skeptical, played along, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the show.
As the interview wrapped up, the actresses shared personal anecdotes, including Hiba's recent experience with a power outage that thwarted her plans to get a tattoo of her children's names. "I had to go home, which was an odyssey, and then I spent two hours in traffic just to pick up my kids from school," she recounted, emphasizing the chaos of that day.
Belinda chimed in, reflecting on the unexpected benefits of being disconnected from technology during the outage. "The more disconnected we were, the more connected we became," she remarked, highlighting a silver lining amid the inconvenience.
With the premiere of Eva y Nicole just days away, both actresses expressed excitement about sharing their work with a broader audience. Their appearance on 'El Hormiguero' not only showcased their talents but also provided insight into their personal beliefs and experiences, making for an engaging and memorable episode.
