Nacho Abad is a name in Spain associated with the darkest and most intricate chapters of the country’s crime chronicles. For years, he has dissected brutal crimes, unsolved disappearances, and tragedies that have shattered lives, all with a cold precision on television screens. His style—marked by accuracy, directness, and a deep understanding of human suffering—has earned him recognition from both viewers and colleagues. But behind this tough professional persona lies a story he has never shared with the public. It is a personal story, co-written with lawyer and criminologist Bárbara Royo, with whom he has shared his life for more than ten years.
Their paths crossed in 2008 on the set of the Telecinco program “Rojo y Negro.” Both were experts analyzing high-profile cases. The mutual attraction emerged quickly, but their relationship was not a whirlwind romance fit for tabloid headlines. It started as a strong professional friendship that, over time, and without hurry or fuss, grew into a deep bond. Nacho and Bárbara have always kept their relationship out of the public eye. Close friends and family were aware of their connection, but the couple never used it for attention. No joint photo shoots, no exclusive interviews, and no loud statements—just real life, built on mutual respect and authenticity.
Like in any long story, they have faced their own challenges. In 2016, the couple went through a brief crisis but managed to overcome it, emerging even stronger. Two years later, in 2018, they decided to formalize their bond with marriage. The ceremony matched the nature of their relationship—quiet and modest, attended only by their closest: parents and siblings from both sides. A family friend, who served as a councilor, officiated. Abad rarely speaks about his personal life. But once, answering a question about modern relationships, he gave a short but comprehensive reply that quickly went viral. The journalist confirmed that his own partnership is very strong, and that everyone else should live as they wish. His words capture the essence of their couple. In a world where everything seems fleeting, their relationship is a safe harbor.
They also share mutual professional respect: he values Barbara for her clarity, sharp mind, and strong principles; she admires his dedication to the truth and unique analytical skills. This harmony at work seamlessly extends into their personal life. Nacho has two children—a son and a daughter—from a previous relationship. He has always kept his family life strictly private and openly admits he never mastered the balance between work and home. According to him, he’s available 24 hours a day and spends time with his family whenever possible, but when his children were young, it was hard for them to accept. He felt relieved, however, when he learned that neither of them wanted to follow in his footsteps and pursue journalism.
Despite his busy schedule, Nacho finds solace in simple things. He is a passionate supporter of Atlético Madrid, enjoys trips to northern Spain, loves the Seville Fair, and never turns down a glass of cider in good company. At 54, he proves that it is possible to be successful in a demanding profession while also having a strong emotional foundation. He and Bárbara never needed magazine covers or scandals for their story to be genuine. Only time, admiration, a sense of humor, and true love.
