Héctor Sandarti Explains His Shocking Telemundo Comeback in Exclusive Interview

It's hard to imagine Héctor Sandarti ever imagined returning to Telemundo. After being fired twice, first from Hoy Día in 2021 and then from La Casa de los Famosos in 2023, the Guatemalan host now takes on his most unexpected role: a contestant on Top Chef VIP. The craziest part is that he has ZERO inclination or affection for cooking.

In an exclusive conversation with The Latin Times and ENSTARZ, Sandarti revealed why she accepted a culinary challenge she never thought she'd participate in, which begins this Tuesday, July 22, in the United States.

"I don't know why I accepted. Well, yes, I do," he confessed with a laugh. "Telemundo has always believed in me. But beyond that, this was my way of giving back to the Latino audience in the United States, who have supported me at every stage of my career."

After being suddenly replaced on two of the channel's most prominent shows, many thought Sandarti would shy away from the cameras. But instead, he chose to be vulnerable. "For the first time in years, the audience will see me frustrated, emotional, even angry," Sandarti said. "At 57, I no longer have to pretend. What you see is what I am."

On Top Chef VIP , where celebrities compete in the kitchen, Sandarti isn't playing a character. She faces a reality she can't master. "I've never cooked. I don't like it. I didn't grow up in a house where cooking was part of the family ritual," she revealed. After losing her father at age 1, her mother worked long hours raising three children alone. "For us, going to a restaurant to eat fried chicken was a reward. I don't associate food with family like many people do."

But there's a twist. Although he lacks culinary skills, Sandarti is determined to connect with his fans by showing a side of himself they've never seen. He's even curating a list of recipes inspired by Guatemala, Mexico, and Cuba. "I just hope I'm not the first to be eliminated," he joked. His secret strategy? Taking care with the presentation. "If the dish looks pretty, it's half the victory."

Her return wasn't easy. After her abrupt departures from Hoy Día and La Casa de los Famosos , many doubted she'd accept an opportunity at Telemundo. "I protect myself by remembering why I do this: because I love it. I'm not looking to please producers or chase ratings. I'm true to myself first and then to my audience," she asserted.

For those wondering if Top Chef VIP will be all about food, Sandarti dropped a hint: "I'm not a strategist. I'm not going to use my stories or my humor as a tactic. But the human being that I am, the comedian, even the vulnerable man... all of that will come out, whether I want it to or not."

Now back in the Telemundo spotlight, Sandarti isn't looking to redeem herself. She's looking to connect. "Before being a television personality, I'm a person. And it's that person you'll meet on this show."

Top Chef VIP premieres this month on Telemundo. Whether Sandarti will make it to the finals or end up in a culinary disaster remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: viewers will finally get to know Héctor Sandarti without any filters.

These are Sandarti's rivals on the show hosted by Carmen Villalobos.

• Sergio Sendel: Renowned Mexican actor, famous for bringing to life feared soap opera villains.
• Lorena Herrera: Actress, singer, and Mexican entertainment star
• Juan Soler: Actor and host of Argentine origin, resident in Mexico
• Cristina Porta: Journalist, reality star, and Spanish TV personality
• Jerry Bazúa: Regional Mexican singer and songwriter. He rose to fame on The Voice Mexico.
• Valeria Cuevas: Mexican music singer
• Sergio Goyri: Renowned Mexican actor, famous for bringing soap opera villains to life
• Nicole Curiel: Emerging Mexican Actress
• Matías Ochoa: Renowned Argentine influencer and reality star
• Curvy Zelma: Mexican influencer, model, host, and actress
• Elvis Crespo: Puerto Rican star, icon of tropical music
• Angélica Celaya: Mexican-American actress, famous for her role as Jenni Rivera in "Mariposa de barrio"
• Karina "The Voice" Moreno: Venezuelan singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s
• Paco Pizaña: Model and actor of Mexican origin. He has also participated in survival competitions.
• Yany Prado: Actress originally from Cuba, famous for appearing in "La Jefa"
• Salvador Zerboni: Mexican actor and reality star.
• Norkys Batista: Venezuelan actress, model, and former beauty queen
• Christopher Vélez: Ecuadorian-American singer. He rose to fame as a member of CNCO.
• Celinee Santos: Dominican beauty queen. She won the Miss Dominican Republic 2024 title.