The Christmas season is just around the corner, and this year, Aitor Albizua has become one of the prominent faces of the festivities at RTVE. Not only will he host the beloved 'Telepasión', but he is also set to lead a special Christmas edition of 'Cifras y Letras' on La 2, scheduled to air on December 25 at 22:00. This one-hour special will feature special guests Eva Soriano and Joaquín Reyes, along with former contestants who made their mark on the show: Álvaro Luque and Celia Torralba.
This festive edition diverges from the usual format, as both former contestants have impressive histories on the show, with Celia Torralba having earned €7,600 over her nine victories, and Álvaro Luque also boasting nine wins with total earnings of €6,900. During the special, both will have the opportunity to break the tie and see who wins the coveted tenth victory. Yet, they remain far from the record of 13 victories held by Álvaro Gamboa from the initial phase of 'Cifras y Letras' on the public broadcaster.
La 2 is focusing on solidarity, fun, and cultural entertainment with two special editions of 'Cifras y Letras' to be broadcasted on prime time on December 25 and January 1. Hosted by Aitor Albizua along with Elena Herraiz and David Calle, these episodes promise to blend wit, humor, and the holiday spirit with the aim of aiding individuals affected by the DANA floods.
The Christmas special on December 25 will see Joaquín Reyes and Eva Soriano, two leading figures of Spanish comedy, bring their unique styles to the stage. Reyes, known for his distinctive touch, anticipates delivering laughs and surprises, whereas actress and presenter Soriano will add her magnetic charisma and spontaneity to the evening. Both will join forces with ex-contestants Álvaro Luque and Celia Torralba as they take part in the competitive festivities.
Come the New Year on January 1, they will be joined by José Corbacho and Ana Morgade. Corbacho, known for his versatile acting and direction skills, will partner with Morgade, one of the most beloved presenters on television, creating an exciting collaboration against the backdrop of returning champions, Álvaro Gamboa and Raquel Hernando, 46, from Madrid.
The specials will feature mixed pairs, combining guests and previous participants, during the regular rounds and introducing two new challenges aiming to uplift both the participants and the audience. The game 'Descifra' will see the pairs take turns answering questions with scrambled numbers, working within two minutes to arrive at the correct answers. Each correct answer nets them points.
Similarly, 'La Palabra Maestra', requires pairs to select envelopes containing hidden words from which they must create as many valid words as possible using letters, ensuring at least four characters are included and recognized by the RAE dictionary.
All proceeds from the specials will be totally donated to two notable organizations actively working with individuals affected by DANA. The Christmas special’s pool will benefit Plan International España, which is dedicated to defending children's rights and gender equality worldwide, aiding long-term recovery efforts for children affected by DANA across the Valencian Community, whose educational materials and schools have been damaged or destroyed, and who are in need of safe environments and educational materials to overcome trauma.
Meanwhile, the New Year pools will go to Save The Children, the leading organization focused on child protection and development. Their funds will bolster material and psychological support for families, establish secure spaces for continuing educational activities, and offer direct economic assistance to the families most impacted by DANA. Save The Children has been operating for over 30 years across various support programs within the Valencian Community.
The format of 'Cifras y Letras' has enjoyed widespread success and international recognition. Produced by RTVE alongside Atomis Media - Prime Time Media AIE, this game show has captivated audiences during the highly competitive access prime time slot, consistently ranking among the most-watched programs on La 2. With viewership numbers on the rise, the show has recorded its best monthly average this December, with 614,000 viewers and 4.8% audience share.
Notably, it has also achieved significant acclaim on RTVE Play, ranking as one of the platform’s most successful content offerings, and nurturing a vibrant community across social media platforms. Originally developed in France, the program has seen immense success through its adaptation to Spain, facilitated by its exclusive agreement with the RAE. The show’s legacy is recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Iris Award from the Specialized Press and the FesTVal de Vitoria Award, honoring both the quality and originality of its format.
With 'Cifras y Letras' stepping up to combine joy, entertainment, and solidarity, viewers are eager to tune in and support this noble cause alongside beloved TV personalities this holiday season.
