He touched you arrived on TVE’s La 1 this past Monday, presenting first prizes and sharing a story charged with emotion that deserves to be heard. The week-long celebration of LGBTIQ+ pride in Madrid provided a poignant backdrop for the new competition, hosted by Raúl Gómez. The contestant known as Mar, a retired civilian guard, stepped forward as the show opened a new chapter: a participant who didn’t just compete, but also opened a window into personal identity. Mar explained that she was born male but identifies as a woman, and she chose to come forward during the program to introduce her truth to the audience.
Mar spoke candidly about her transitional journey, noting that she had begun this process only recently. She admitted that few people are aware of the changes she has undertaken and that some family members are still learning about her transition. She explained that she did not plan to reveal her story on the first episode, but the moment felt right for her to share what she is experiencing, especially in the context of the show’s open, accepting atmosphere. The moment was received with sensitivity as she spoke of her life and her decision to live authentically, hoping to inspire others who may be navigating similar paths.
Raúl Gómez, the host of the program, applauded Mar for her courage in sharing her personal journey. He acknowledged the significance of witnessing a transition on screen and expressed his happiness that Mar could be present as part of this televised experience. He highlighted how her presence, like that of her classmates, demonstrated resilience and the ability to pursue goals despite the challenges that can accompany such life changes. This moment underscored the show’s broader message of inclusion and support for diversity within the audience and participants alike.
Although Mar did not win the grand prize or the extra ball, she received a thoughtful reward: a smart watch and the experience of skydiving. The latter was particularly meaningful, as it was an activity she had long planned with her spouse. After learning of the award, Mar expressed excitement about the opportunities to celebrate milestones with her partner and to push beyond what she had previously imagined possible on the show. The moment stood out as a reminder that victories can arrive in many forms, even when the main prizes elude a contestant.
New afternoons on the program, with Raúl Gómez at La 1, drew solid numbers. The show attracted about 6.3% share and an average audience of roughly 521,000 viewers. These ratings surpassed the previous Monday’s performance of Spain Direct by about seven tenths of a point and around 57,000 viewers. The format appeared to benefit from the strong performance of El Cazador, which was the most-watched program on the public channel during the afternoon with 8.7% and 690,000 viewers. The reception of the show in this time slot reflects a growing interest in daytime programming that blends entertainment with real-life stories and inclusive messaging, resonating with a broad audience that values representation and empathy on screen. [Attribution: TVE]