Hiba Abouk and Belinda Washington made a lively appearance on the popular Spanish talk show 'El Hormiguero' on May 5, 2025, to promote their upcoming series 'Eva y Nicole', set to premiere on Antena 3 on May 8, 2025. The duo shared anecdotes from their time filming the series, which is said to delve into the complex lives of two women with a shared, painful past.
During their engaging chat with host Pablo Motos, Abouk described her character's journey in the series, hinting at themes of revenge and redemption. "We both have a painful past in common. She treated me badly, and now I return years later to seek revenge," Abouk explained, setting the stage for a dramatic narrative that viewers can expect from the show.
Belinda Washington, known for her spiritual interests, added a light-hearted touch to the conversation by discussing her love for energetic stones. The two actresses shared a camaraderie that resonated with the audience, as they recounted various experiences from their careers.
In a segment that took a more serious turn, Hiba Abouk opened up about a personal experience that shaped her life. She recalled a harrowing incident during a flight from Paris to Madrid, where the plane had to make an emergency landing due to a technical failure. "I was on my way to present an award at the Forqué Awards, and I was running late. Suddenly, the pilot announced we had a technical problem and had to make an emergency landing. The plane started descending rapidly, and I thought we were going to die. It was terrifying," Abouk recounted, her voice filled with emotion.
She described the tense atmosphere on board, where passengers were silent, fearing the worst. "When we landed, firefighters rushed in, revealing that the plane was on fire. It was chaotic, but I made it to the awards just in time," she said, reflecting on the ordeal that left a lasting impression on her.
Amidst the serious discussions, the actresses also shared lighter moments from the set of 'Eva y Nicole'. Abouk mentioned how she began bringing homemade lentil dishes to the filming set after a catering mishap. "I started cooking for my colleagues because the catering was not great. Everyone loved my lentils, and they kept asking me to bring more," she said with a smile, showcasing her culinary skills and the camaraderie on set.
As the conversation flowed, Motos also touched on the glamorous yet tumultuous world of Marbella in the 1980s, a backdrop for their series. Washington jokingly referred to the wild parties of that era, saying, "I have been to more than one... Yes, there were definitely some crazy things happening at those parties." This playful banter highlighted the show's exploration of hedonism and excess, contrasting sharply with Abouk's more reserved lifestyle preferences.
When asked about her social life, Abouk revealed her preference for quieter evenings. "I’ve been to nightclubs only a handful of times. I enjoy flamenco and going to bars, but I prefer a cozy night in with pizza and a series marathon," she admitted, painting a picture of a grounded individual amidst the chaos of fame.
Abouk's journey to stardom has not been without its challenges. Born in Madrid in 1986 to Tunisian immigrant parents, she faced cultural expectations that clashed with her aspirations. Her parents hoped she would pursue a stable career in medicine, while she dreamed of becoming an actress. This conflict led to a significant turning point in her life; at 18, she left home to pursue her dreams, a decision that deeply affected her relationship with her family.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Abouk shared, "My family was not easy. I felt like I was being held back by their expectations. I had to choose between living my life or adhering to their traditions." This struggle for independence has shaped her identity, leading to a complex relationship with her roots.
Despite the distance, there have been signs of reconciliation. Abouk mentioned spending Ramadan with her parents in 2024, suggesting a gradual healing of familial ties. "They prepared a lovely dinner, and it felt good to share that time with them," she noted, indicating her respect for her cultural heritage even as she navigates her own path.
As a mother of two, Abouk's perspective has evolved. Her experiences have allowed her to understand her parents' viewpoints better, even as she maintains her independence. Her views on the hijab reflect her commitment to personal freedom, stating, "If wearing a hijab empowers a woman, she should wear it. If wearing a cap empowers her, then she should wear that too. What matters is the freedom to choose and accept one another."
The interview on 'El Hormiguero' offered a glimpse into the lives of two talented actresses navigating the complexities of fame, personal history, and cultural expectations. With 'Eva y Nicole' set to premiere soon, Abouk and Washington's stories promise to resonate with audiences, blending drama, humor, and authenticity.
As viewers anticipate the series, the revelations from Abouk's life only add to the intrigue surrounding her character's journey. Her ability to balance her heritage with her ambitions makes her a relatable figure, and her story serves as a reminder of the challenges many face when pursuing their dreams against the backdrop of familial expectations.
