For many years, Nuria Roca has established herself as a reliable presence on television. Today, she lends steadiness and warmth to laSexta’s Sunday magazine show La Roca, while showcasing a more humorous side on El Hormiguero, the Thursday talk show hosted alongside Juan del Val, Tamara Falcó, and Cristina Pardo.
Valencian by birth, she has built a long and versatile career across television formats and has become one of the most recognizable faces in Spanish media. This enduring popularity has also translated into brand collaborations, including her role as the image of the international sportswear brand Skechers. In this interview, she discusses her current television trajectory, her views on politics, El Hormiguero, and the tendency of some media outlets to publish misleading headlines.
Nuria is asked whether she planned to stay in television for so long. She responds that the journey has surpassed any initial plan: thirty years spent pursuing a passion that began as a hobby and grew into a profession. She notes the privilege of being left largely to her own devices by the people who produce the shows, who often let her simply be herself.
When asked about a potential plan B, she reveals she studied technical architecture and is a qualified quantity surveyor. Yet television offered a different path, and she continued her studies while moving forward in the world of television, eventually realizing that architecture no longer captivated her as much as the medium she had grown to love.
Why did she choose to study architecture? She explains it was a reflection of her broader love for art, architecture, and the visual arts, pursued more as a passion than a career at that time.
Regarding the decision to stay in television, she admits she cannot predict the future. It feels temporary in nature, and she believes one should always present their best version while protecting themselves against overcommitment. Projects come and go, and she aims to remain flexible and true to her own standards.
Her move from Valencian television to the national stage came when Chicho Ibáñez Serrador invited her to join a program that helped propel her into wider recognition through Waku Waku. She recalls that period as a turning point, shaped by the opportunity and the creative energy of that early project.
She reflects on Chicho’s enduring influence, noting how rare it is to find someone who started as a writer and creator and remains so central to a project. The media landscape has shifted toward a team-based approach, with producers and collaborators taking on greater roles, yet she still regards Chicho as a uniquely strong figure who left a lasting imprint on his work.
Today she is in the second season of La Roca, navigating a challenging afternoon slot. The show has earned strong ratings, and the overall product registration remains solid, even as audience numbers vary. The team believes the program’s formula works well and is proud of what they have built together.
Is La Roca primarily entertainment, news, or a blend of both? She describes it as an all-encompassing program that also encompasses radio-like dynamics. It offers lighthearted segments with videos, while also weaving in knowledge across science, history, and current events, all within laSexta’s supportive space.
If asked to choose a preferred aspect, she says the parts that generate the most laughter come naturally and require less preparation. Yet she also cherishes interviews, which she enjoys deeply, and the segments that cover current events and politics, which she finds particularly engaging.
Preparation for politics comes with the same discipline as any other portion of the show. She respects the political realm as a serious field, even if she prefers to refer to it as entertainment due to its complexity and purpose. She emphasizes the need to be well-informed and aware of ongoing developments.
What about her personal interest in politics? She expresses a genuine passion, noting that the current political moment resembles the online world: a landscape filled with fakes, façades, and filters, where truth can feel scarce.
With elections approaching, she acknowledges that the political discourse will intensify. She believes information fatigue is a real risk, arguing that politics should be a central part of daily life because it shapes democracy, laws, and governance. Yet she also notes the excess of political content, sometimes turning political discussions into intimate, even sports-like experiences for viewers.
Regarding fake news, she recalls how her program was among the early ones to highlight misinformation in media. She admits that over time, audiences have internalized this phenomenon to the point where headlines can mislead, even when the underlying story is accurate. The key, she says, is to maintain scrutiny and demand truth in reporting.
What can be done to counter misinformation? She advocates relying on common sense and a conscientious approach to reporting. She criticizes journalism that she perceives as sensationalism or predatory practices that border on information prostitution.
Asked about the worst fake news she has encountered, she describes some headlines as illogical and risible, lacking any real talent for storytelling. She notes that while headlines may appear clever, they often fail to deliver meaningful content.
After two years on La Roca, she expresses openness to new ventures but also recognizes that La Roca is a comprehensive show that could command significant time if opportunities allow. The program’s success stems from its ability to blend content in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
What kind of guest would she like to bring to the show? She explains that the most important element is the content itself rather than the interviewee. The format has evolved to integrate interview material into the overall flow, creating opportunities to reveal the best in everyone and keeping the audience engaged during the Sunday afternoon slot.
With growing involvement in social media, she believes that young viewers will still find television appealing for major events and live programming, while acknowledging that some forms of content may migrate online. The future of TV will likely be shaped by its ability to adapt to changing viewing habits without losing its core strengths.
How does she handle conflicts and debates? She sees arguments as motivational, not something to fear. Constructive discussions help growth, and while some disagreements can be intense, they are welcome so long as they are insightful and respectful. She learns a great deal from colleagues, particularly from the dynamic of different viewpoints.
Regarding friendships with Pablo Motos and the enduring success of El Hormiguero, she emphasizes that success is not just about personal relationships but about sustained excellence over many years. The show’s longevity invites envy and scrutiny, yet it also commands respect for its consistent audience leadership and continued evolution.