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| Tonka Tomicic: Where Is the Chilean TV Host Now. |
Tonka Tomicic is gradually reclaiming her place on Chilean television after spending nearly two years away from the spotlight following the controversy surrounding her former husband, Marco Antonio López Spagui, better known as Parived. Once one of the country's most recognisable television presenters, Tonka found herself facing intense public scrutiny when her name became associated with Caso Relojes, widely known as the Watches Case.
Netflix's documentary High End: The Watch Theft Ring revisits the investigation, exploring how Parived became involved and why the television personality's financial records attracted attention. However, Tonka's story has since moved beyond the headlines. By 2026, she has returned to presenting, secured several commercial partnerships and resumed her television appearances. So, what exactly has she been doing, and how has her career developed since one of the most challenging periods of her public life?
Tonka Tomicic Faced Public Scrutiny After Her Husband Became Involved in the Watches Case
Before her name became associated with one of Chile's widely discussed investigations, Tonka Tomicic was already an established television personality. Her relationship with Marco Antonio López Spagui, popularly known as Parived, eventually developed into marriage. The couple exchanged vows on 16 April 2014 in Jerusalem, Israel, in a Jewish wedding ceremony. Reports at the time indicated that Parived had embraced Judaism ahead of their marriage. They subsequently established their home in Santiago, Chile, and became a familiar couple in the country's entertainment scene.
However, their seemingly settled life took an unexpected turn in August 2021, when reports emerged that Parived was being investigated over alleged dealings involving luxury watches believed to have been stolen abroad and subsequently brought into Chile. The investigation became known as Caso Relojes, or the Watches Case.
Tonka's name entered the discussion because investigators reportedly examined financial records, including cheques bearing her signature that were suspected of being used in transactions connected to the watch dealings. She denied knowing about or participating in the alleged activities. Being associated with an investigation, particularly one receiving extensive media attention, was hardly the sort of publicity any television presenter would put on their career wish list.
The situation escalated on 31 January 2023, when Chile's Investigative Police (PDI) searched the couple's residence in Vitacura, Santiago. Electronic devices, jewellery and other items were reportedly seized during the operation. The following month, after almost a decade together, Tonka and Parived announced their separation.
Tonka subsequently maintained that she had no involvement in the alleged activities. In March 2025, prosecutors reportedly decided not to bring charges against her, citing insufficient evidence. This marked an important development in a case that had kept her name in the headlines for years. By May 2025, she also revealed that divorce proceedings between her and Parived had begun, signalling another significant change in her personal life.
Tonka Tomicic Started Her Career as a Model Before Becoming a Television Star
Long before becoming a familiar face on Chilean television, Tonka was building her career in the modelling industry. Born on 31 May 1976 in Santiago, Chile, to Antonio Tomičić and Marija Petrić, she grew up in the La Florida district of the capital.
She completed her early education at the Argentine School of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Providencia before enrolling at the Metropolitan Technological University (Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana). There, she pursued Visual Communication Design, although she eventually left university before completing the degree.
Her professional ambitions were already taking shape much earlier. Tonka began modelling during her early teenage years after joining New Models Agency. Her appearance, confidence and ability to command attention soon opened doors to international beauty competitions.
In 1995, she was selected as Miss World Chile, earning the opportunity to represent her country at the Miss World competition. She continued collecting titles, winning Virreina Sudamericana in Bolivia in 1996 and Miss Atlántico Internacional in Uruguay in 1999. Clearly, standing in front of a camera was never particularly difficult for her.
Television eventually became her main professional destination. Tonka initially worked as a fashion commentator on the programme Pase lo que Pase, where she gradually developed her presenting skills. Her popularity increased, eventually earning her a position among the programme's principal co-hosts.
From there, she continued expanding her television career through several presenting opportunities. One of her notable projects was Bienvenidos, which helped establish her as a recognisable figure in Chilean morning television. She also explored voice acting, lending her voice to a character in the animated film Ice Age: Collision Course (2016).
Her career was built on more than appearance alone. Tonka developed a confident presenting style, combining humour, communication skills and an ability to connect with audiences. Those qualities helped her remain relevant in an industry where television personalities can disappear from public attention almost as quickly as they become popular.
Tonka Tomicic Returned to Television in 2025 and Expanded Her Career in 2026
After the Watches Case attracted widespread attention, Tonka gradually stepped away from regular television appearances. Her absence lasted approximately two years, leaving audiences wondering whether she would eventually return to the industry that had made her famous.
That return began taking shape in early 2025. In February, she appeared at the Viña del Mar Festival red carpet in collaboration with luxury boutique Sarika Rodrik. The following month, she attended Expo Patagonia, signalling that she was beginning to re-establish her professional presence.
Her commercial activities also started gathering momentum. In June 2025, she collaborated with Vichy Laboratoires and KRUPS, adding further brand partnerships to her growing schedule. By January 2026, she was once again working with Vichy, demonstrating that her commercial appeal had not disappeared during her television break.
February 2026 proved particularly significant because Tonka returned as a co-host of the Viña del Mar Festival, one of Chile's most prominent entertainment events. It was a notable opportunity to reconnect with audiences on a major stage rather than simply appearing in occasional promotional campaigns. In March, she also attended the Vendimia Festival, organised by the Municipality of Molina.
Her professional activities continued throughout the year. In April 2026, she used her Instagram presence to promote Mallplaza, while June brought another major presenting opportunity. She joined Julio César Rodríguez to co-host ¿Volverías con tu ex? 2, also known as Would You Get Back Together with Your Ex? 2.
The reality programme offered another chance to demonstrate the presenting qualities that had made her popular in the first place. Working alongside Rodríguez, Tonka returned to a format where personality, quick reactions and audience engagement are essential. After spending so much time away from regular television, it was a welcome opportunity to get back into the rhythm of live entertainment.
Her commercial schedule remained active as well. In September 2026, she partnered with Rapiditas Chile before appearing in an advertising campaign for L'Oréal Paris in October. She also continued developing her relationship with Mega TV.
As of November 2026, Tonka is rebuilding her television career through her presenting work for Reality Mega, alongside regular appearances on Radio Romántica 104.1 FM. Rather than relying on a single television project, she has been developing several professional opportunities across broadcasting, entertainment and advertising.
Tonka Tomicic Also Enjoys a Quieter Life Away From Television
Despite her increasingly busy professional schedule, Tonka appears to value the quieter aspects of everyday life. Her family remains an important part of her world, particularly her mother, with whom she maintains a close relationship.
She also has a special affection for her beloved dog, who provides companionship away from the cameras and demanding television schedules. Not every moment needs to involve a television studio, a red carpet or somebody asking another question about the latest entertainment programme.
Weekends often provide an opportunity for Tonka to head towards the beach, where she enjoys the scenery and the sound of the waves. She also has an adventurous side, with interests that include hiking towards mountain peaks and jumping from cliffs. Apparently, spending years in front of television cameras has not reduced her appetite for a little excitement elsewhere.
Horses are another part of her interests, offering her opportunities to enjoy a different environment and reconnect with herself. She also regularly expresses gratitude towards the people who have supported her throughout her professional and personal journey.
Our Opinion: Tonka Tomicic's Television Comeback Is More Interesting Than It First Appears
Tonka's return to television is an interesting reminder that a long career is not necessarily finished because somebody disappears from the screen for a while. Her association with the Watches Case undoubtedly changed how the public viewed her, but it would be unfair to reduce an entire professional journey to one controversial chapter. What makes her comeback particularly interesting is the range of opportunities she has pursued, from major entertainment events to radio broadcasting and commercial partnerships.
She is not simply attempting to recreate the career she had before 2023; she appears to be exploring different ways of remaining relevant. Of course, rebuilding public confidence takes time, and a few television appearances cannot magically erase years of headlines. Still, her return alongside established presenters and major brands suggests that the industry continues to see value in her experience. The real test will be whether she can maintain this momentum beyond the initial comeback excitement.
For now, Tonka Tomicic is back in the Chilean entertainment industry, with television, radio and advertising keeping her professional calendar busy. Her journey has certainly included some unexpected turns, but her latest activities suggest that she is focused on moving forward rather than allowing her past headlines to define every new opportunity.
Whether she eventually takes on another major television programme or continues balancing several projects remains to be seen. One thing is clear: audiences have not heard the last of her. What do you think about Tonka's return to television? Do you believe she can regain the same popularity she enjoyed before the Watches Case, or is a completely new chapter waiting for her? Share your thoughts.