Surrounded by cameras, lights, and a group of aspiring queens who call him "judge," Fabián Ríos is clear that he's experiencing a powerful professional moment and is taking advantage of it to tell several truths. The Sin senos sí hay paraíso actor talks with ENSTARZ about everything from the dramas of the new reality show Miss Universe Latina , his long-awaited return as Albeiro, his projects with Aracely Arámbula, and the unexpected location where the show is filmed.
And yes, it also talks about Zuleyka Rivera.
Zuleyka's departure: "That wasn't right"
Former Puerto Rican Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera left the reality show Miss Universe Latina in the middle of filming. Although she has not explained her departure in detail, media and social media reports indicate that the decision was made after a discussion with the production team over ethical and creative disagreements about the show's dynamic, prompted by disagreements with Alicia Machado.
Ríos, who shares the role of judge, doesn't shy away from the issue. "I have the character to say it wasn't right. A person who gives in to their impulses needs to improve a lot with their character," she said. And while she recognizes the individual's right to make decisions, she emphasizes that self-control is essential in spaces as visible as a reality show.
"This is about emotional intelligence," he added. "Knowing how to handle pressure and express yourself clearly without giving in to impulses is key. I learn every night what I should and shouldn't do."
Albeiro returns: new season of Without Breasts, There Is Paradise
But it's not all controversy. There's good news for the millions of fans of the saga inspired by the work of Gustavo Bolívar. Fabián Ríos officially confirmed that the return of Sin senos sí hay paraíso is ready.
"The cast is already confirmed. We're going to film in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami, and Mexico City. We're happy to tell the public what happened to these beloved characters," he said excitedly.
The story, which began in 2008 with "Sin senos no hay paraíso" (Without Breasts, There Is No Paradise) , has evolved over multiple seasons, always achieving high ratings. His character, Albeiro, has become one of the most iconic in the Telemundo universe.
And will Carmen Villalobos, the protagonist of the saga, be able to return despite being on MasterChef Celebrity Colombia ? "She'll take the same amount of time as this. A month and that's it. Yes, she'll be there," Ríos assured, laughing.
Aracely and Fabián together in a soap opera?
@sinsenossihayparaisotv_ Catalina volverá 20 años después. No te pierdas la 2da. temporada de #SinSenosSiHayParaiso por #TikTok .
♬ sonido original - Sin Senos Sí Hay Paraíso
One of the most interesting revelations from the conversation is that Fabián Ríos and Aracely Arámbula could soon share credits. "We're talking. A lot of people are asking us to. We have a great friendship and very nice chemistry," he said.
Although there's no confirmed title or date, the actor insists that the intention is there. "I hope they listen to us. And if it's not that project, we're going to do a soap opera together. We have to do it," he emphasized.
For soap opera fans, a leading couple between Ríos and Arámbula would be a television event with international potential.
Miss Universe Latina is not filmed in the U.S., it's filmed in Bogotá.
Contrary to what many viewers believe, Miss Universe Latina isn't filmed in the United States. It's not Miami, New York, or Los Angeles. It's Bogotá.
"We often think the best work is done in the United States. But people have no idea what Telemundo just did here in Bogotá. I've never seen anything like this," Ríos said with obvious pride.
The actor emphasized that the entire technical and production infrastructure is in Colombian hands. "It's a bunker with elite technology. And that fills me with pride, because it shows that we don't have to go to any other country to make world-class television."
For Ríos, Miss Universe Latina isn't just a beauty pageant. It's a platform to empower women. "Here you see those who were born to be queens, and also those who use it as a springboard. But the beautiful thing is that they're all growing," she explained.
If his daughter ever wanted to participate, Fabián says he wouldn't let her in by decree. "I would put her on the reality show. Because that's where she becomes empowered. She may or may not win, but what I can assure her is that she'll emerge a better person."
And in the end, perhaps that's what matters most: the opportunity to evolve amidst the cameras, the absurd challenges, the glittering crowns, and the difficult decisions. Because, as Ríos said, "A decision can lift you up or lower you down. It all depends on how prepared we are to grow."
