It’s official, Netflix’s hit show Elite has been renewed for an eighth season, stretching its plot one more time for it to perennially cement itself as the American streaming service’s longest-running fictional series on Netflix Spain.
Created by Carlos Montero and Jaime Vaca, the critically-acclaimed series, which premiered in 2018, follows a group of working class students as they navigate life with their wealthier classmates in one of Madrid’s most prestigious schools, Las Encinas. Through murder cases, love triangles, and secrets, the record-breaking show, which still ranks amongst the most-viewed non-English language series on the platform six-years after it initially hit our screens, has managed to build a community of devout fans, captivating audiences way beyond the borders of its native Spain and the Spanish-speaking world, thanks to convolutely woven plots and compelling character developments.
In addition to the news of its renewal, it has also been revealed that several new characters are set to join the crop of controversial high-schoolers, including Ane Rot from Killer Book Club and Nuno Gallego from UPA Next, while others are expected to make a hotly-anticipated comeback, such as Moroccan actress Mina El Hammani, who will return to reprise her role as Nadia, to the delight of Elite’s day one fans.
Earning her praise for her nuanced performance and the depth she brought to the character, Nadia’s evolution throughout the series has been a real focal point in the series, defying societal expectations and tackling various challenges that all range from Islamophobia, fitting in among her wealthier classmates as a scholarship student, and exploring the realm of faith and religion as a teenager in an environment that is not necessarily the most pious.
Central in the first few chapters of the show, her role was made redundant following the fourth season, but as she is about to make her exciting comeback and add her twist to the already intricate web of relationships and drama at Las Encinas, we have decided to celebrate her return by listing all there is to know about El Hammani and her incredible journey as Nadia in Elite.
She’s of Moroccan descent
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Although El Hammani was born and raised in Madrid, her parents immigrated from Morocco to Spain. The star is vocal about her roots, and reveals that it is something she is proud of. In a 2020 interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, El Hammani said, “My parents are from Morocco and since I was little, the Moroccan culture has been present daily. I’ve breathed it… and abroad, it has been the Spanish [side of my culture]. It has been the best thing that could have happened to me, having that double culture and being able to enjoy it.”
Sorry dogs, she’s a cat person
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El Hammani is the proud owner of a cat named Makki. Her feline companion was gifted to her by a friend, who got him from a farm in Murcia after his mother was poisoned. If you follow the actress on Instagram, you’ll probably have already seen her adorable furry friend, who occasionally makes a cameo on her page.
She made her on-screen debut at 21
In 2014, El Hammani made her first steps on the small screen, appearing in not one but two Spanish productions simultaneously. Her debut was in an episode of the documentary series Centro médico, followed by several appearances in the second season of thrilling drama El Príncipe.
She is also a director
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The actress also has some experience behind the camera. She directed and produced the 2022 short film, Treinta Segundos (“30 Seconds”), which stars Helena Lanza, Rosa Marti, and Elena Matateyou. She also executive produced the 2023 short, Rubio Cobrizo.
She shares a special role with Angelina Jolie
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The 29-year-old was chosen as an ambassador for luxury French beauty label Guerlain’s Abeille Royale skincare line, KissKiss lipsticks, and Aqua Allegoria fragrances. She joins other famous Guerlain house muses such as Angelina Jolie and Michelle Yeoh.
