Maximilian Cardinal In a television studio dedicated to exposing personal and professional stories, Elena Santarelli chose to recount the episodes that, in her opinion, changed the course of her career. The interview with Francesca Fagnani on Belve was an opportunity to retrace moments of hope, disappointment, and clashes with power dynamics, which the showgirl describes in a frank and sometimes polemical tone.
The story features well-known figures such as Emilio Fede , Belen Rodriguez , Leonardo Pieraccioni and Laura Torrisi , as well as comments on contemporary figures such as Chiara Ferragni and Fedez.
The dismissal from Tg4: the story of a start that was abruptly interrupted
Among the most discussed episodes is the period in which Santarelli worked as a weather forecaster at Tg4: according to her version, the experience ended quickly and without a comprehensive explanation.
The showgirl claims that the end of the relationship coincided with her refusal of a dinner invitation from a prominent figure on the network at the time, whom she openly identifies as Emilio Fede . After a few days, she never received a call back and calls the exit unfair, citing a dynamic in which her personal refusal affected her professional career.
In his story the concept of a meteor emerges , that is, a television presence that vanishes just as quickly.
Missed opportunities and the fine line between talent and opportunity
The second thread of the discussion concerns the doors that closed despite positive auditions or good impressions. Santarelli clearly recalls two emblematic episodes: a test episode of Le Iene and a series of auditions for Leonardo Pieraccioni 's film Una moglie bellissima . In both cases, the feeling was of having been close to a breakthrough, only to be thwarted by choices that favored other actors.
The episode of Le Iene and Belen's choice
While hosting an episode of Le Iene, the showgirl received compliments from the production and nurtured hopes of a long-term commitment. Despite the formal praise, the final choice for the following season fell on Belen Rodriguez , leaving Santarelli disappointed but aware that television requires more than just on-air testing. The episode raises the issue of how verbally expressed trust doesn't always translate into concrete opportunities.
The audition with Pieraccioni and the choice of Laura Torrisi
For the lead role in A Beautiful Wife , Santarelli claims to have auditioned several times and received positive feedback from his agent, even predicting an imminent signing. The final choice, however, fell on Laura Torrisi , who later began a relationship with the director. The story suggests that the film selection process can be influenced by extra-professional factors: Santarelli observes with a mix of irony and regret that people often come in "second or third."
Public controversies and private life: between criticism and complicity
In addition to work-related issues, the interview addressed personal and controversial issues. Santarelli was not without harsh words for Chiara Ferragni regarding the so-called pandoro-gate , arguing that the responsibility of someone with a large number of followers is greater and that certain excuses are unconvincing. He then commented on an interview Fedez gave on Belve in 2026, offering a critical take on the emotional and media pressure the couple faced.
The relationship with Bernardo Corradi and the reactions of her friends
The most intimate chapter concerned her marriage to former footballer Bernardo Corradi , described as a solid and close relationship, not without initial jealousies. Santarelli confessed her curiosity and shared scrutiny of her husband's past love life, jokingly recounting lengthy searches of the phone book for names and contact information. Friends and colleagues like Alessia Marcuzzi and Caterina Balivo also watched the interview in a group, reacting with jokes and applause to her confidences.
Overall, the speech at Belve painted a portrait of a professional who doesn't hide disappointments, but uses transparency to expose shady practices and expose the harshness of the entertainment world. Through rancor, irony, and family affection, Santarelli painted a map of open and closed doors, aiming to explain how sometimes luck and the choices of others can have more impact than declared merit.