After several months away from the cameras, beloved Dominican host Francisca Lachapel officially announced her return to Univision’s morning show Despierta America.
The host, actress and former beauty queen had temporarily said goodbye to her colleagues in mid-July 2025 to welcome her second daughter, Rafaella, the fruit of her marriage to Italian businessman Francesco Zampogna.
During this time, Francisca has stayed away from the spotlight, fully focused on her role as a mother and enjoying what she herself has described as one of the most special stages of her life.
On social networks, the hostess has shared moments of tenderness and gratitude with her followers, referring to her baby as her “dream girl”.
The most awaited news by her followers came last Monday, when Francisca used her official Instagram account, where she accumulates more than 4.5 million followers, to reveal the exact date of her return to television.
“Already next Monday I will be back to work,” the presenter wrote next to a family photo.
With this message, the winner of the ninth season of Nuestra Belleza Latina ( 2015) confirmed that she will resume her role as co-host of Despierta America on Monday, October 20, in the edition that airs from 7:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on Univision.
The announcement generated an immediate wave of positive reactions on social networks. Dozens of viewers expressed their excitement at the return of one of the most beloved figures of the morning show. “Yes, we miss you a lot,” wrote one follower; while another comment highlighted: “How nice, we miss you. It’s not the same without you.
Francisca enjoying the last days with her family
Before returning to work, Francisca has wanted to make the most of her last days off to enjoy family time. In her most recent publications, she shared a video in which she is seen with her husband and her two children -Gennaro, her firstborn, and little Rafaella- during a visit to the zoo.
“Today we spent the morning at the zoo, we learned and had a lot of fun,” wrote the presenter in the description of the video, accompanied by emotional moments in which she is seen smiling, playing with her children and thanking life for her family.
These images reflect the more personal and maternal side of the driver, who often shares messages about the importance of enjoying the present and valuing the small moments of everyday life.
Francisca Lachapel has established herself as one of the most beloved figures of Hispanic television in the United States. Born in Azua, Dominican Republic, she rose to fame after winning Nuestra Belleza Latina in 2015, a contest that opened the doors of Univision. Since then, she has developed an outstanding career as an actress, host and television personality, being part of projects such as Despierta America and Tu cara me suena.
Her authenticity, sense of humor and closeness to the public have earned her a special place among viewers. Her return to the screen, after several months of absence, represents not only the end of a stage of motherhood, but also the beginning of a new professional chapter.
Despierta América ‘s production has also expressed its enthusiasm for the return of Francisca, who is considered a fundamental pillar of the team. Although Univision has not revealed details about her first return program, it is expected that the broadcast on Monday, October 20 will be dedicated to a warm welcome.
With her usual charisma and positive energy, Francisca is preparing to reconnect with the audience that has accompanied her for almost a decade. Her return not only marks a reunion with the audience, but also a celebration of motherhood, personal balance and the passion for television that has always characterized her.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
