Nacho Abad is a name millions of Spaniards strongly associate with high-profile criminal investigations and courtroom dramas. His face is familiar to anyone who follows crime news. Combining a journalist’s tenacity with the analytical mind of a criminologist, he has built a stellar television career, rising from radio broadcasts to prime time on the country’s main channels. Yet behind the image of an expert unraveling the most intricate cases is a man constantly searching for a fragile balance between his public profession and a quiet family haven.
In a recent interview, Abad touched on one of the most challenging topics for him—balancing work and personal life. He candidly admitted that he does not consider himself an expert in this area. According to him, work often consumes all his time and energy, leaving only rare but all the more precious moments for his loved ones. This frankness paints a picture not just of a successful host, but of someone deeply aware of the sacrifices his calling demands. His children, son Alfonso and his daughter, have grown up in the shadow of their father’s fame, yet they have chosen a completely different path. Deliberately distancing themselves from the media world, they’ve shown no interest in journalism, instead leading the lives of ordinary young people. One small detail the father shared: Alfonso is a devoted Atlético Madrid fan—a touch that adds humanity to the image of the stern crime expert.
Support for Nacho amidst this whirlwind of events comes from his wife, lawyer Bárbara Royo. Their love story could itself serve as the plot for a TV show. They met over ten years ago on the set of the program ‘Rojo y Negro’ on Telecinco, where professional debates turned into personal affection. Their path to the altar was not smooth: the couple went through a serious crisis in 2016, but managed to overcome their differences and officially tied the knot in 2018. Abad describes their relationship as ‘strong,’ built on deep mutual understanding, loyalty, and admiration for each other. For him, it is the one constant that allows everything else in life to be anything it may.
Looking back, the journalist recalls his roots with special warmth. He shared the touching story of his mother, who, having been orphaned, was able to receive an education thanks to the support of the Guardia Civil, as her parents had served in the force. This gratitude to a law enforcement agency—often associated only with order—reveals its unexpected, human side. He also touched on the subject of recent loss: in March this year, his father, Victorino, passed away. Abad admitted that he still acutely feels his absence, and these words carried genuine filial grief, a reminder that behind every public figure there is a personal story of experiences, joys, and losses.
