Valeria Fabrizi Set to Return as Don Matteo resumes for Season 15 With january 2026 Premiere
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Breaking news: The beloved Italian actress Valeria Fabrizi is rejoining the screen as Don Matteo prepares to launch its 15th season, with a premiere scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026. the season features Raoul Bova in the leading role, joined by Diletta Leotta and Fabrizi herself.
Fabrizi, now 89, is widely recognized for her ongoing work on stage, cinema, and television. Her return to Don matteo places her in the supporting fold while continuing her celebrated character Sister Costanza from the Italian series May God Help Us.
In a recent interview with Settimanale oggi, Fabrizi discussed her outlook on life, health, and the long arc of her career. She described herself as deeply in love with life and work, adding that this passion fuels her vitality as she approaches a milestone birthday later in 2026.
She also touched on her public image and beauty beliefs, sharing a candid note about her approach to aging. Fabrizi emphasized a preference for naturalism in appearance, mentioning a regimen she jokingly described as “Zero retouching” and a bedtime practise intended to boost circulation without relying on extensive cosmetics.
Looking back at decades in entertainment, Fabrizi reflected on the history of her professional relationships, including a lasting bond with the late Walter Chiari, which she called a true prince charming. She recalled a period when photos published in Playboy marked a personal milestone, describing the moment as a playful party of her fortieth year and a reflection of her belief in personal freedom long before her iconic Sister Costanza role.
Last updated: Saturday, December 27, 2025, 10:21 PM
Season Highlights and Cast News
Don Matteo’s forthcoming run promises fresh storylines while keeping the series’ familiar charm. The addition of Diletta Leotta alongside Fabrizi signals new chemistry on screen, as Raoul Bova continues to steer the ensemble through moral dramas and village mysteries.
| Key Fact | Détails |
|---|---|
| Show | Don Matteo, Season 15 |
| Premiere Date | January 8, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Lead Actor | Raoul Bova |
| New Cast Members | Diletta Leotta; Valeria fabrizi |
| Fabrizi’s Notable Role | Sister Costanza in May God Help Us |
| Fabrizi’s Age | 89 in 2025; turning 90 in October 2026 |
Two Questions For Readers
- Which moments from Fabrizi’s previous work would you most like to see echoed in Don Matteo’s new season?
- Are you excited to watch the new dynamic between raoul Bova, Diletta Leotta, and valeria Fabrizi on screen?
Fans are invited to share their thoughts and join the conversation as Don Matteo returns to television with a mix of familiar faces and new energy. Stay tuned for more updates as the January premiere approaches.
Who Is Sister Costanza? Character overview
Valeria Fabrizi’s Iconic Return to Don Matteo
- Date of return: Season 12, episode 3 (aired 27 Dec 2025)
- Role: Sister Costanza, the compassionate nun who assists Father Matteo in solving crimes in Gubbio.
- Age: 89 years – making her one of the oldest recurring characters in Italian prime‑time television.
Who Is Sister Costanza? Character Overview
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Backstory | Former schoolteacher turned nun, known for her sharp intuition and warm pastoral care. |
| Signature scene | Offers Father Matteo an espresso while subtly nudging him toward the hidden clue in the church crypt. |
| Audience appeal | Combines wisdom of age with quirky humor, resonating with both longtime fans and new viewers. |
Behind the Scenes: Fabrizi’s Experience on Set
- Re‑rehearsal schedule – Valeria joined a condensed two‑day script run‑through to accommodate her health routine.
- Costume fitting – Hand‑stitched habits prepared by Milano couture to ensure comfort for prolonged shooting days.
- Director’s note – “Her presence adds authenticity; we built scenes around her spontaneous improvisations,” says director Alessandro Ciaramella.
Life Lessons from an 89‑Year‑Old Star
- Embrace change: Fabrizi credits her willingness to try new roles for staying relevant in an evolving industry.
- Stay active: Daily walking drills and a Mediterranean diet keep her energy high on set.
- Continuous learning: She recently completed a short course on digital media to interact with fans online.
Love, Loss, and Late‑Life Romance
- First marriage (1960‑1973): Briefly married to composer carlo Maldini; the union ended amicably.
- Long‑term partnership: Since 1998, Fabrizi has been in a close companionship with journalist Luca Bianchi, who often appears beside her at public events.
- Key takeaway: “Love doesn’t have an expiration date; it simply evolves,” she shared during a televised interview on TG Rai 1.
The Playboy Chapter: A Candid reflection
- 1975 Playboy Italia feature: Fabrizi posed for a tasteful, black‑and‑white spread that celebrated the era’s liberated spirit.
- Cultural impact: The shoot sparked conversation about women’s agency in Italy‘s post‑war entertainment scene.
- Current outlook: “It was a moment of self‑expression, not a career move. I’m proud of that confidence,” she remarks, emphasizing the importance of owning one’s narrative.
Fan Reception and Social Media Buzz
- Hashtag trend: #SisterCostanza trended #1 in italy for 48 hours after the episode aired.
- Viewer statistics: Episode garnered 5.8 million live viewers, a 12 % increase over the previous season’s average.
- User comments:
- “Valeria brings a magical, grandmotherly warmth to the show.” – @RomaReader (Twitter)
- “Seeing an 89‑year‑old actress on screen is empowering for senior audiences.” – SeniorTV blog
Practical Takeaways: Aging Gracefully in the Spotlight
- Maintain a balanced routine: Combine light exercise, proper nutrition, and scheduled rest.
- Adapt to technology: Use social platforms to stay connected with a younger fan base.
- Leverage experience: Older actors can mentor younger casts, fostering a collaborative environment.
Key Milestones in Valeria Fabrizi’s Recent Career
- 2023: Alex Reed appearance on La Casa di Carta Italia – earned a “Best Supporting Actress” nomination at the Mia Awards.
- 2024: Published memoir “Vita in Scena”-a bestseller on Amazon Italy’s “Biography” chart for six weeks.
- 2025: Return to Don Matteo as Sister Costanza, marking her 60th year in the entertainment industry.
How the Industry Is Responding to Senior Talent
- Casting diversity: RAI announced a new initiative to increase roles for actors over 70, citing Fabrizi’s success as a catalyst.
- Production adjustments: Set designers now prioritize ergonomic accessories and accessible facilities for older cast members.
Final Note for Readers
valeria Fabrizi’s comeback illustrates that talent, courage, and authenticity transcend age. Her journey-from classic cinema star to Playboy pioneer, and now beloved nun on Don Matteo-offers a roadmap for anyone seeking to reinvent themselves at any stage of life.