The audience of Pasapalabra watched in astonishment as one of Spain’s oldest, most beloved TV contests unfurled another unexpected moment. The show has delivered drama before, yet a recent development surprised viewers both in the studio and at home in their millions when a contestant disappeared from the set without notice.
Host Roberto Leal opened the program with a surprising announcement on Monday, May 22, that sent a ripple through the audience. The moment paused the anticipated rhythm of the game and drew everyone into the unfolding surprise, as millions tuned in to see what would happen next.
The format had planned a classic duel: a contestant would face the participant in the blue chair. Instead, the scheduled face-off did not occur because the competitor slated for the challenge was not present. The show had to adapt on the fly, turning the moment into a different kind of suspense for the viewers watching closely from their living rooms.
“We must begin with an important note — Encarni Bonillo will not be able to continue playing with us. She will not continue in Pasapalabra,” Leal announced. Encarni, who had become a familiar name through a string of memorable duels alongside Marta Garriga, had built a reputation for quick replies and confident presence. The duo had become a recognizable pairing in more than twenty broadcasts, drawing comparisons in the public eye to iconic characters like Rafa and Orestes for their dynamic on-screen chemistry.
Pasapalabra’s most criticized contestant: Viewers want him to leave
Even as Marta Garriga faced a setback and exited the blue chair, Encarni Bonillo continued to generate conversation among fans. After 27 appearances, she and the show parted ways. The departure came as a surprise to many who had followed her journey, including those who had seen her navigate challenging rounds and celebrate small victories. Interactions with Moisés, a former contestant connected to a famous donut-themed moment on Pasapalabra, added another layer to the ongoing narrative and kept the episode buzzing with chatter.
Encarni leaves Pasapalabra
Beyond the curiosity about a single episode, questions quickly formed about what happened to Encarni Bonillo. Leal’s remarks suggested that the decision was taken due to personal reasons, a choice the production team accepted with understanding. The host emphasized that the team would miss Encarni and expressed earnest hopes for her return in the future, leaving room for possibilities while respecting the current circumstances.
At the close of her journey, Encarni Bonillo had accrued more than 16,000 euros through 27 installments. The clock on this chapter of Pasapalabra therefore stopped at a turning point, leaving fans to wonder when she might reappear in some capacity or whether her current absence marks the end of her time on the program.
In the wake of Encarni’s departure, Pasapalabra welcomed a new competitor, Andrea Siualso, who arrived with notable enthusiasm and a solid grasp of the format. Andrea had prior experience competing on a similar show in Panama, where the memory of past performances and a proven track record gave him an edge. His arrival injected fresh energy into the studio and kept the competitive rhythm alive for viewers who relish the rotating lineup and evolving strategies of the game. The audience was invited to watch how the new pairing or pairings would interact with the established contestants and the high-pressure blue chair challenges — a hallmark of the show’s enduring appeal. This moment underscored the show’s resilience and its ability to adapt while preserving the core excitement that keeps fans hooked, episode after episode. The ongoing narrative in Pasapalabra continues to unfold, with fans following each contestant’s journey and the evolving dynamics among the participants and the host, as the program balances tradition with new chapters in its long-running history. The program remains a focal point for fans who appreciate the quick wit, strategic thinking, and dramatic pauses that define the unique rhythm of Pasapalabra, now continuing under the familiar lights and the ever-watchful gaze of Roberto Leal, who leads the studio through every twist with calm clarity and a steady sense of timing. This episode serves as a reminder that in game shows, as in life, change is part of the game and the audience’s engagement often grows stronger when the unexpected is handled with openness and respect for the participants involved, along with a clear path forward for the competition itself. At the end of the day, Pasapalabra remains about wordplay, memory, and nerve — a combination that keeps millions watching and talking long after the credits roll, with conversations continuing in households across Spain, and fans abroad keeping a watchful eye on how this beloved game evolves. As the saga advances, observers will look for updates about Encarni and the new dynamics Andrea brings to the table, while the show’s producers craft the next chapter in a format that has thrived on spontaneity, rivalry, and a shared sense of spectacle, all told with the familiar warmth of a TV staple that many people count on for a little daily excitement, even when the unexpected disrupts the planned play.