Paula Vázquez is back on television, and she couldn’t be happier about it. The veteran presenter took the spotlight once again on December 28, 2024, as she led the Gala 'inocente, inocente' on La 1, which aims to raise funds for hospitalized children. This marks her return not only to the gala she once hosted regularly but also to the public network TVE, where her career began.
Vázquez, who hadn’t hosted the gala for 25 years, expressed her joy and excitement about being part of such a meaningful event. "I haven’t hosted the Gala for 25 years," she mentioned, reflecting on the time since her last appearance. Last year's gala raised over two million euros, and Vázquez is determined to continue this charitable legacy. The 2024 edition features celebrities such as Olympic champion Carolina Marín and actor Manu Baqueira, showcasing various high-profile personalities contributing to the cause.
Along with her return to the Gala, Vázquez also leads 'Bake Off: Famosos al horno,' which has already started filming its second season. She admitted, "I’m really happy to be at TVE again," highlighting her affection for the network and the audience. Following her hosting duties for the Gala, Vázquez will resume filming 'Bake Off' starting January 2, 2025.
Paula is not just revisiting old roles; she is also optimistic about the fresh changes at TVE under new leadership. Reflecting on the changes, she said, "We have new president here, anything could happen. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some familiar faces join us from Ni que fuéramos Shhh." This signal of change includes her hope for collaboration across broadcasting lines, potentially integrating different styles and formats.
With Christmas around the corner, Vázquez is preparing not only for her professional commitments but also for some personal time with family. "I’m going to spend the holidays in Valencia with my mother, brother, and nephew," she shared. A strong advocate for supporting local businesses, she emphasized the importance of consuming local products, especially after recent devastations affecting various communities.
Vázquez's return to reality television also brings with it the intense environment of culinary competition. "The nerves are maximum; anyone would think I'm still on Survivor!" she exclaimed, referencing her past experiences with high-pressure television scenarios. Reflecting on the personalities involved, she described them as bringing unique characteristics to the show. For example, seeing retired athletes transition to the baking challenges has offered viewers something refreshing and engaging.
Within the competition of Bake Off, Vázquez highlighted other contestants' struggles and victories, noting the camaraderie forming among them. "There’s significant generosity and beautiful moments. It’s fascinating to watch someone like Yurena connect with everyone so effortlessly," she said, emphasizing the emotional side of these contestants under the spotlight.
What’s exciting for audiences as the new season of 'Bake Off' rolls out is not just the culinary experience, but the personalities brought from other genres. Vázquez noted, “We’ve had many personalities from Mediaset, and it’s enchanting to witness them step outside their comfort zones and engage with such raw challenges.”
With plans for more programming on the horizon, Vázquez is keeping the stakes high. She joked about her New Year's resolutions, dishing out humor alongside her aspirations, like asking the new president at RTVE for the ability to eat the pastries made by contestants without putting on weight. “I gained four and half kilos last year!" she quipped, granting insight to her personable nature.
Looking forward to what the next year brings, she expressed her desires for the continued evolution of both her career and the programs she loves to present. "I’d love to have not just one, but two editions of Bake Off every year," she exclaimed. Her requests align with her continued enjoyment of the medium, as she noted, "I've truly started to enjoy television again, having fun and losing the fear I used to have."
After facing anxiety challenges stemming from her career's intense pressures, Vázquez is vocal about the importance of mental health awareness. Sharing her advice for newcomers stepping onto the public stage, she stated, "They don’t have to go through the same thing. Everyone experiences it differently, and some people go through success without any problems."
Vázquez has witnessed many colleagues navigate the turbulent waters of fame, and she wants the next generation to relish their successes without fearing setbacks. "Let them enjoy it and surf the waves—they’ll find their way," she said, bringing closure to her return to TVE with encouragement and hope.
