Dani Mateo is set to take center stage for the New Year's Eve celebrations, presenting the traditional countdown from the iconic Puerta del Sol in Madrid alongside fellow host Cristina Pardo. This marks another year for Mateo, who is no stranger to the glitz and anticipation of the evening, as he prepares to entertain viewers just as they count down those last seconds of 2024.
With less than 24 hours to go, anticipation is building, and the humor between Mateo and Pardo adds to the excitement. The duo engaged viewers on their show, Más Vale Tarde, highlighting their preparations for the night. “Me tienes en el camerino desde que ha acabado Zapeando. Todo el mundo se ha ido a celebrar y yo sigo aquí por ti,” Mateo joked, reflecting the fun spirit they aim to bring to the audience.
Pardo teased Mateo about his attire for the event. Over the years, he has garnered attention for whimsically dressing up for his appearances, creating even more excitement as viewers wonder what he might have planned this time. This year, though, it seems there might be less focus on the costumes. Pardo remarked, “Ya has decidido convertirte en una persona adulta que presenta las campanadas,” referencing how Mateo might take this year’s presentation more seriously. Mateo, ever the comedian, didn’t let the jibe go without responding. “No, perdona, fuiste de 007,” he quipped back at Pardo, sparking laughter at the playful jabs each throws at the other.
One of the highlights of the presentation will be the traditional globo, which they plan to launch from their balcony. “Es muy importante qué globo vamos a lanzar desde el balcón. Si no, no tiene sentido,” Mateo explained, letting slip the significance of what seems to be just another part of the festivities. The options for the globo are playful and whimsical: either an elephant with its trunk held high or a four-leaf clover.
During the broadcast, viewers will witness how Mateo and Pardo maintain the connection with their audience. The previous year, Mateo was visibly nervous about the impending countdown but still succeeded at creating laughter and joy with his storytelling and comedic touches. “Estoy nervioso porque voy a dar las campanadas en nada,” he admitted, yet the anticipation of being live from such a notable location kept his excitement palpable.
The preparations for this year’s broadcast come amid fierce competition within Spanish television as various networks vie for viewer ratings on New Year's Eve. La Sexta, with Mateo and Pardo at the helm, hopes to capture the audience’s attention, especially with the established popularity of their rivals. Cristina Pedroche and Alberto Chicote hold strong viewership numbers on Antena 3, and this year, they face added pressure with TVE’s star pairing of David Broncano and Lalachus.
Historically, the audience’s fascination with the New Year's Eve broadcast is influenced by curiosity around the attire of presenters like Pedroche, making the evening not just about the countdown, but the spectacle and entertainment leading up to it. Dani Mateo has previously led La Sexta’s New Year celebration but faces new pressure this time around. Results from prior years have shown La Sexta trail behind other networks, securing just 4.7% viewership last New Year's Eve.
Although trailing competitors might be discouraging, Mateo, Pardo, and their team continue the celebratory spirit. “Lo vamos a hacer muy bien y te digo que el guion, aunque no estuve en el ensayo, me lo he leído y está muy gracioso,” Mateo expressed confidence, assuring viewers of the entertainment to come. He also highlighted the spontaneous additions he and Pardo plan to bring to the evening, ensuring their unique personalities shine through.
After all the glitz and glamour,—and jesting about costumes—Pardo shared her own wishes for the aftermath of the broadcast, humorously stating, “He encargado un roscón de nata, que me lo voy a poner de bufanda para ir dándole mordiscos.” While the anticipation for the broadcast mounts, both presenters maintain their light-hearted banter, building excitement and characteristically entertaining the audience before they even make it to the countdown.
With all eyes on La Sexta, Dani Mateo and Cristina Pardo prepare to steal the show. Whether sharing laughs, discussing food, or inviting viewers to join them for the festive night of celebration and joy, they are ready for the responsibility of welcoming the New Year. This vibrant duo aims to make their mark, inspiring viewers to join together once more during these holidays, showing perhaps now more than ever the importance of companionship and laughter as we transition from one year to the next.