Spanish television presenter Mercedes Milá has revealed that her 1997 divorce from television producer José Sámano was caused by work stress and domestic inequality.
Speaking to host Marc Giró on an upcoming episode of the Spanish public television talk show Me meto en un jardín, Milá explained that running a joint television production company alongside their home life ultimately led her to hate her former husband.
The interview, which returned the veteran journalist to the broadcast lineup of Spanish public network Televisión Española for a single day, was recorded as Giró and Milá walked through picturesque towns and scenic spots in Catalonia. Although the episode has not yet been broadcast, a promotional trailer featuring her comments about the marriage has generated widespread attention.
Milá and Sámano began their relationship in the mid-1970s and remained together for two decades before officially signing divorce papers in 1997. Sámano was one of the major loves of her life, but Milá said the combination of domestic living and professional collaboration became unbearable.
Workplace stress and domestic roles
The presenter explained that the couple would leave the office of their shared production company together at the end of the day and return home together. However, once at home, Sámano would expect everything to be done for him.
Milá noted that she had worked the exact same hours in the office as her husband, yet he expected to be catered to without taking on domestic responsibilities. She recalled questioning why he would not share household tasks equally, adding that she was never able to make him understand her perspective.
The persistent disagreement over daily household routines caused the couple to drift apart gradually. Giró observed during the interview that he had not experienced such friction in his own marriage, suggesting that such dynamics often stem from traditional female roles in cisgender heterosexual relationships. Giró added that in his own household, tasks are shared equally and neither partner imposes duties on the other.
Milá is one of Spain's most prominent media personalities, having hosted landmark interview programmes and sixteen editions of the reality television series Gran Hermano. Sámano was an established television and theatre producer who collaborated with Milá on numerous successful television projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Grief after unexpected loss
Sámano died unexpectedly on October 5, 2019. Following his death, Milá shared her grief, explaining that she had only learned the day before his passing that he was seriously ill.
She had spoken with Sámano relatively recently before his death, when he mentioned he was sick. However, she said she had no idea he could pass away so rapidly and severely, leaving her deeply saddened.
Reflecting on their two decades together, Milá said that news of his death brought back memories of their life together and caused her great pain as she wondered if he had suffered. She added that anyone watching would understand the lasting impact of losing a former partner, even after many years of separation.
