Alberto Chicote heads into a fresh Tuesday episode of Kitchen Nightmare as viewers await whether he will host Campanadas again on Antena 3. In an interview with YOTELE, the chef discusses the new season of his cooking show and whether he would consider joining other Atresmedia formats.
– How does Chicote describe the return of Kitchen Nightmare in this new season?
Chicote says the show is back with confidence and style. He believes this season is packed with material that could be the best run yet, featuring new settings and stories that felt both powerful and memorable.
– What is the toughest moment you expect this season?
He describes a season that blends tension with tenderness, offering a mix of challenges and heartfelt moments. It promises to captivate both loyal followers and newcomers alike.
– Will there be a restaurant in the new episodes that stands out more than the rest?
Every episode brings something different. Some moments will surprise more than others. This year includes a show that delivers chills in a biker bar and another set in a gastro bar at a ballpark. Ultimately, the most compelling aspect remains the people and their stories behind each restaurant, with strong personalities driving the season.
– How do you experience those intense moments on set, emotionally rather than physically?
Chicote emphasizes maintaining empathy and commitment to the restaurants from the start. It requires sustained effort from him and the entire team to keep the portrayal balanced and respectful.
– Do you keep in contact with participants after filming?
In some cases yes, but often no.
– Some viewers have criticized the show after participating. How does he value that feedback?
He says the criticisms can be saddening because the team works hard to provide real, useful tools to help restaurants survive. That disappointment weighs on him more than anger.
– Were there moments when restaurant associations asked for adjustments to the program?
No. The restaurant selection team chose participants based on fit and potential impact, not external pressure to reform the format.
– With Telecinco launching Next Level Chef and TVE already strong in cooking talent, does Antena 3 need a new cooking talent show?
Chicote recalls Top Chef running for four seasons with great results and honest storytelling. Several contestants have since built successful ventures and helped shape Spanish gastronomy. If Atresmedia ever asked him to helm another cooking talent show, he would be pleased, but it isn’t something he is chasing; if the network trusts him again, he would be happy about it.
– Could Chicote appear on other Atresmedia formats like Challenge, Mask Singer, or Your Face Looks Familiar?
He isn’t sure because no offer has arrived. He jokes that singing or dancing isn’t his strength, though there are other skills he has picked up over the years.
– Are preparations underway for the bells? Cristina Pedroche mentioned in June that she had already chosen her dress.
He hasn’t received any notification about ringing in the bells this year. If the network asks him to host the iconic moment, he would gladly accept, but there are many other concerns on his plate right now.
After years of sharing the stage with Cristina, Chicote believes that the duo has grown their audience for eight years and remains a steady presence in the public eye. He has enjoyed the Puerta del Sol bells for a decade and believes the tradition is meaningful, whether he continues or a change is made by the network. He trusts the process but stays relaxed about the future.
He notes that only a handful of presenters reach double digits for the bells, and networks sometimes refresh faces. This could be the year of change, though nothing is certain. For Chicote, the emphasis is on dressing well for the moment, while Cristina Pedroche dedicates substantial time to her dress, which has become a cherished part of the event.