Esperansa Grasia, the rising star of Spanish humor, is set to make a splash on the popular television show, 'El Hormiguero', hosted by Pablo Motos. Known for her comedic flair and engaging TikTok content, Grasia is expected to discuss her experiences on the hit competition show, 'Tu Cara Me Suena', which began its twelfth season on April 4, 2025. Joining her on the show are fellow entertainers Florentino Fernández and Ana Guerra, who will also share insights into their careers and latest projects.
At just 24 years old, Esperansa Grasia, whose real name is Gema Palacio, has quickly captured the hearts of audiences with her unique brand of humor that contrasts everyday life in Spain and the United States. Her journey to fame began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she started creating content on TikTok to entertain herself and others while in lockdown. "I began making videos during the confinement as a hobby, and I never expected the success that would follow," Gema reflected.
Her comedic style shines through her memorable characters, such as Ashley, the quintessential American girl, and Juanjo, a Spanish motorcyclist, alongside his mother, the lively Consuelo. These characters, brought to life by Gema, resonated with viewers, ultimately leading to her winning the TikTok Comedy Award in 2023. As of now, she boasts nearly 1 million followers on Instagram and an impressive 2.6 million on TikTok, showcasing her rapid rise in the digital entertainment landscape.
Grasia's appearance on 'El Hormiguero' comes at a pivotal moment in her career. She expressed her excitement about being part of 'Tu Cara Me Suena', stating, "As a child, I had two dreams: to be a superhero, which is complicated, and to participate in 'Tu Cara Me Suena'." This heartfelt admission highlights her passion for performing and her journey from a small-town girl in Valencia to a national television star.
While she has achieved considerable success, Gema remains grounded and focused on her long-term aspirations. She previously studied a degree in accounting and worked at a supermarket while pursuing her passion for comedy. In a 2021 interview, she shared her plans to save money and eventually enroll in a higher degree program to further her education. "I want to gain more stability before I dive into my studies again," she explained.
Despite her growing fame, Gema continues to live in Benaguasil, a small town near Valencia, where she enjoys the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. "I’m very comfortable here. I love going for walks in the mountains. I feel overwhelmed by people from other towns passing by my street," she noted in an interview.
In addition to her television appearances, Esperansa Grasia has made strides in theater. In 2022, she debuted in her first play, 'La luz fantasma', and published her first book titled 'I Love You, Ashley', which explores the relationship between her iconic characters, Juanjo and Ashley. "I would love to star in a great movie someday, but realistically, I’m open to working in something I enjoy, like a small theater group or a local radio station," she said.
As Esperansa Grasia prepares to take the stage on 'El Hormiguero', she reflects on her journey and the impact of social media on her life. "The pandemic changed our way of entertaining ourselves. Humor was what saved us from losing our smiles during that time," she remarked. Her ability to connect with audiences through humor has undoubtedly solidified her place in the entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, Florentino Fernández, known affectionately as Flo, joins the cast of 'Tu Cara Me Suena' as a juror this season, replacing the well-known Carlos Latre. At 52, Flo has established himself as a versatile figure in Spanish entertainment, excelling as a comedian, actor, and presenter. His career began in the late 1990s, and he has since become a household name.
Flo met his wife, Lidia, in 1999 while working on the show 'El Informal', where he served as a presenter and she was part of the production team. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage in 2011 and the birth of their son, Juan, in 2004. "I think she felt pity for me at first rather than finding me funny," he jokingly remarked about their early days together.
Despite his fame, Flo is known for being private about his personal life. He shared a touching message on social media for their 20th anniversary in 2019, expressing his love for Lidia: "Twenty years, twenty days, twenty hours, twenty seconds… it’s nothing, my precious girl. I love you." Their son, Juan, has also inherited his father’s comedic talent and prefers to stay out of the limelight, although he has shared amusing moments from their family life.
Flo's journey to stardom is an inspiring tale of perseverance. Before his rise to fame, he worked as a security guard and bus driver, honing his comedic skills during long nights on the job. His breakthrough came when he was encouraged to audition for a television role, which ultimately led to his successful career in entertainment.
As Esperansa Grasia and Florentino Fernández prepare to entertain audiences on 'El Hormiguero', their stories reflect the evolving landscape of Spanish entertainment, where humor and creativity continue to thrive. Their appearances promise to bring laughter and inspiration to viewers, showcasing the diverse talents that define the current generation of entertainers in Spain.
