The series that “saved” Hiba Abouk during her divorce: “She was in a complicated and very hard moment”

Eva & Nicole marks the return of Hiba Abouk after a time away from the world of acting. “It’s a comeback in style,” says the actress, “with a great partner, Belén Rueda, and a super series.” But Eva & Nicole It is more than a television project for her. The new fiction that Antena 3 will premiere “has saved me,” Abouk acknowledges, because it reached him “when I was going through a very difficult and difficult time” in the middle of a “divorce” from footballer Achraf Hakimi.

Hiba left Paris and has started a new life in Madrid. In Eva & Nicole she plays a character (Eva) inspired by the businesswoman Olivia Valere. Belén Rueda plays her rival (Nicole), a kind of recreation of Régine, another of the businesswomen of the Marbella nightlife scene in the 80s. The two were at odds.

Belén Rueda says that you are a strong woman…

In fiction, he turned his life upside down. I personify the feeling of revenge.

But it also refers to what you are up to in real life…

Yes, of course, in reality too (laughs).

What has it been like to work with her?

I have always admired her a lot. Her career is spectacular, everything she has built and how far she has come. She is a hard worker. I was curious to work with her because I knew she was going to be a good partner, but she has more than surprised me, because she has had a maternal instinct with me, she has taken me by the hand and taken great care of me.

In the series you are great rivals…

Yes. We were friends in Paris [sus personajes, Eva y Nicole] and he betrayed me completely. Since then, things went very badly for me for a while and, when I recover, I don’t forget and I have that thorn in my side. That’s why I go to Marbella and confront her.

Have you learned anything from the character, even if he has a negative or vengeful part?

All the characters teach you. Characters who have many layers teach you and give you lessons. You learn a lot from the good and the bad.

This project marks your return after a period dedicated to family. You’ve changed a lot?

I didn’t leave completely, but it’s true that what I did had less impact. Now it is true that I return with a leading role and with children raised, at least I have stopped breastfeeding, because otherwise they would still be hooked. It’s different, but I enjoy life more since I became a mother. My children are a motivation to get up every day, fight for me and for them. This comeback it’s a comeback in style, with a great partner and a super series.

Do your children tell you anything about your work?

The other day, at my son’s school, us parents had to go talk about our work. I explained to them that I am an actress and they still didn’t know much. At four years old, they are small. But they did come to see me on the set.

And are they aware that you are famous? How do you manage it?

Well, naturally, it is what they have had and they will not know anything else. I try to ensure that there is respect and that they have their privacy. Yes, it’s true that the oldest gets tired of being asked for photos, but oh well. I try to take the photos they ask me for, because I also owe it to the people, unless it bothers my son at that moment. But come on, I’m neither the first nor the last actress mother.

How did this project come to you?

My name is Dani [Écija]. I didn’t even know who Olivia Valere was. I went through a casting call and did a test with Belén Rueda, because they wanted to see our chemistry. Everyone who was there ended up applauding. In any case, it took them two weeks to call me to tell me that I was in and they kept me on tenterhooks. I said: ‘You applaud me and you have me waiting… I have a lot to organize: a move, a divorce… Can you help me? say if I do the series or not?’ (Laughs).

Did this series come to you at the best time?

Yes, it came to me at the best time. This series has saved me on an emotional level because I was in a very difficult and difficult moment. I arrived at the shoot with a smile and it went the same way. He GAVE ME LIFE.

Has it saved you?

Yes, work saves.

What moment are you in now?

I’m fine. Let’s see, I’m still getting settled, because during filming I was only thinking about the series. But since I finished the series, I have started to fit everything in, my return to Madrid… I am happy to close one stage and start another with work. The planets have aligned so that things are going well for me now.

Is a very different Hiba returning?

Yes of course. Whenever things happen to you in life you change a little. I have matured and having two children makes you grow, be more responsible and more aware of what you have. Take care of your work, do it well, set an example… But I still have a lot to learn.

Are you stronger than you thought?

Yes, I am stronger than I thought. I have been, and a lot, because my friends have always told me so. But I’m stronger than I thought.

And have you surprised yourself?

Yes. I am strong, but I have allowed myself to be vulnerable and have my moments… If bad things happen to you, it is normal that you are not well and it is normal to talk about it, recognize it and nothing happens. But always strong and forward.

Do you take advantage of your experiences for your work as an actress?

It is not known what is best… Is it better to be an actor who has had a hard life or someone who uses his imagination for his work? This has happened to me, I have had to go through many things, and I use what I have at my disposal. Otherwise, I would have made it up, because I have always wanted to be an actress.

What are you holding on to now?

To life, to myself and to everything. There are many beautiful things. are you [los periodistas]that you are attentive to our work, my children… life is to be lived.