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During the peak of the immensely popular series on Antena 3, several cast members were presented with an intriguing opportunity to participate in “club appearances.”
Club Appearance Culture of the Early 2000s
In today’s entertainment landscape, it’s not uncommon for reality show participants from programs like La Isla de las Tentaciones, Gran Hermano, or even former contestants from Mujeres, Hombres y Viceversa to make guest appearances at nightclubs. However, in the early 2000s, it was primarily well-known actors and actresses from popular Spanish television series that headlined these kinds of events, and the stars of Aquí No Hay Quien Viva were no exception.
Understanding Club Appearances
For those unfamiliar with the concept, these nightclub events involved a well-known celebrity engaging with patrons, livening up the atmosphere, and taking photos with fans, all intended to draw larger crowds to the venue. Given the immense popularity of Aquí No Hay Quien Viva during its run, there’s no doubt that the show’s cast was a hot commodity in the nightlife scene.
Malena Alterio’s Reluctant Experience
Not all stars shared the same experience during these appearances. Malena Alterio, famed for her role as Belén in the iconic show, recounted her feelings about participating in such events on the program Martínez y Hermanos. “My most embarrassing moment occurred many years ago,” she shared, reflecting on her journeys to various nightclubs.
When heeding the call of fame, she received offers for club appearances right when Aquí No Hay Quien Viva was at the height of its popularity. “They pitched it as ‘easy money’ for just ‘an hour of work’,” Alterio explained. Naively thinking it would be a mere walk in the park, she soon discovered things were far from that simple.
A Night to Remember in Valencia
For her very first appearance, Malena headed to Valencia. From the moment she arrived, the atmosphere felt off. “A very unusual fellow escorted me to this vast area filled with vehicles,” she recalled, before she was led into the club, flanked by two massive bodyguards. “People were completely intoxicated, shouting my character’s name, ‘Belén’. It became overwhelming.”
As is customary in these appearances, she was invited to the DJ booth to greet the crowd. “I simply said, ‘Good evening, just a little respect, please.’ I drew upon a well-known line from my co-star Fernando Tejero,” she added humorously. Thankfully, many attendees were too inebriated to fully register her presence.
A Lesson Learned
Ultimately, Alterio declared, “I decided I wouldn’t do this again, but I was contracted for two more appearances.” She fondly recalled her time with Eduardo Gómez, who played Mariano. “He’d wander around with a fanny pack full of signed photos, handing them out,” she reminisced. “Even though I adored those experiences, I never returned to another club gig in my career.”
It’s fascinating to see how the landscape of celebrity appearances has evolved, and the stories from those who have participated in this facet of entertainment only add to the rich tapestry of pop culture in Spain.
