María José Campanario is among the cast of the second season of 'Hasta el fin del mundo', the reality competition returning to La 1. The season’s reported route covers more than 10,000 kilometres, from the historic Silk Road to the Pacific volcanic belt. It tests endurance and ability to recover, while teams race against time.
The contestants gathered at Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez-Barajas Airport to begin the journey. The competing pairs include María del Monte and Rocío Muñoz; actress Elena Ballesteros and her daughter Jimena; Borjamina and Miguel Ángel Gómez; Benita Castejón and Tony R.; actor Jorge Sanz and his son Merlín; athletes Odeia Jainaga and Fiona Pinar; and Campanario and Belinda Washington, who departed on a later flight. Campanario’s participation stands out because she is taking on the journey while living with fibromyalgia.
Campanario, who previously appeared on 'El desafío', now faces another demanding test that calls for careful management of her health. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition associated with persistent pain. She has said she does not want to be seen as a role model, while recognising the importance of visibility for people living with the illness. She hopes her participation will encourage research and support for others affected.
Before departure, Campanario received encouragement from her husband, Jesulín de Ubrique, and their children. She expressed confidence that her family would be well cared for while she was away. Her approach to the competition is cautious and self-aware, prioritising energy management over speed. Her partnership with Washington has drawn attention, while presenter Paula Vázquez has highlighted the significance of Campanario’s participation and the strength required to compete while managing a chronic illness.
The programme also featured in coverage published in October 2026. On 18 October, presenter Roberto Leal spoke about Jesulín de Ubrique and Campanario, describing them as people “with very big hearts.” Two days later, 20minutos wrote that viewers would have to wait for the programme’s broadcast to see more of “the real and approachable Campanario.”
The return follows a first season that achieved a 12.2% audience share and became La 1’s most-watched reality-competition debut since 2018. Based on the international format 'Race Across The World', the programme has earned global recognition, including a BAFTA award in 2020. The new season’s premiere date has not been announced, and viewers are awaiting the start of the journey. The show continues to attract public interest, much like other high-profile stories involving Spanish celebrities, including the financial and personal challenges faced by Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, detailed in this recent report.
Reality competitions such as 'Hasta el fin del mundo' combine entertainment with personal stories that resonate with viewers. The participation of public figures navigating challenges such as chronic illness and family separation brings those experiences into the public conversation. As the season unfolds, audiences will see how the teams adapt to the journey’s physical and emotional demands, and whether the programme can match or surpass its previous audience success.
