Candela is a television star whose struggles with alcohol and drugs threaten to pull him toward rock bottom. After delivering a harrowing performance in a series episode where he served as a judge, executives invite him to take a break and seek detox at a facility catering to the wealthy. Yet unable to afford that option, he signs on for a more modest project titled Yeni Şafak, which lends its name to the new series. Atresplayer is set to premiere on the tenth of the month, following its premiere at the Malaga Festival. There, despite his reluctance, he finds himself confronted with a chance for renewal. The journey unfolds with a blend of acidic humor and genuine drama.
The concept behind this eight-episode fiction began to take shape when the director, a filmmaker known for Tapas, Incidencias, and Balls, visited a relative in a detox facility. The spark came from seeing a prisoner and imagining how a public figure or an alternate personality resembling Yolanda Ramos might intersect with this story. This sparked the central premise: what would happen if a celebrity’s persona collided with the realities of addiction and rehabilitation?
Television as a catalyst
Within the plot, the screen often serves as a mirror to the industry itself, portraying the television world with unflinching honesty. Through a character that exposes hard truths about the craft, the series draws on experiences from shows about self-worth and competition, while also acknowledging mainstream media programs. Although real personalities like Anne Igartiburu and La Terremoto de Alcorcón appear, the creators emphasize that the story is not a direct portrait of any specific individual. The production comments that television can be grueling and fast-moving, yet it once housed more enduring archetypes; today’s landscape is more intricate. The creator notes gratitude for the explosion of channels and platforms, while also acknowledging the pressure that comes with constant attention.
Beyond the industry critique, the narrative delves into addictions of all kinds—substances, work, and the relentless drive for visibility. It examines how fame can both elevate and corrode, and it questions whether the public persona ever truly reflects personal life. The creator argues that such forces are pervasive across entertainment, where mass attention can both build and break a person. The project frames this reality without sensationalism, choosing instead to reveal the complexities behind the glamor and the toll it takes on personal relationships.
Candela as Yolanda
The idea was to cast the former Bake Off contestant in the role of Candela, chosen to embody the tension between public image and private struggles. The intention was to tell this story in a tone that leans toward humor while remaining anchored in addiction and mental health themes. The balance aims to keep drama central without oversaturating the piece with comedy. The cast supported this approach, and although the actor found the role intimidating, they embraced the challenge. There was awareness that audiences are deeply invested in familiar figures and meme-ready moments, which adds a layer of pressure, yet also an opportunity to reach viewers more authentically.
Turning sensitive topics into comedy proved difficult for some involved, but the creators viewed humor as a human necessity. They believe humor helps people endure tough realities and keeps the narrative accessible. The team maintains that making a misstep is preferable to manufacturing a false sense of precision, aiming for a tone that resonates with real life rather than theatrical exaggeration.