Herlene Budol is set to make her much-anticipated return to GMA Afternoon Prime lineup with the upcoming series ‘Binibining Marikit,’ following the success of her previous drama ‘Magandang Dilag.’

In an interview with Lhar Santiago for ’24 Oras,’ Budol expressed excitement over portraying her new character, Ikit, while also admitting she feels the pressure of the new role.

“Na-e-excite po ako mas kilalanin si Ikit, at may kaba, may pressure, Titlo Lars, kasi from ‘ Magandang Dilag,’ ibang-iba raw talaga ‘to pero natatakot ako na ‘Kaya ko bang tapatan ‘yung ginawa ko last time?” Budol shared.

The series will see Budol reuniting with her ‘TiktoClock’ co-host, award-winning comedian Pokwang, who plays her mother in the show. Budol revealed that Pokwang was the one who broke the news of their on-screen pairing.

“Siya pa ho ang nagbalita sa’kin na ‘O, ‘nak, ready ka na ba?’ sabi niya. Sabi ko, ‘Bakit?’ ‘Bakla ka, ako nanay mo sa palabas mo.’ Siya po ang nagbalita sa’kin so parang ako, ‘Ha? Hindi nga?’ Ganu’n ‘ yung reaksyon ko,” she recalled.

One of Budol’s leading men in ‘Binibining Marikit’ is Tony Labrusca, marking his debut project with GMA Network. Budol admitted she feels thrilled to work alongside Labrusca, especially as they’ve spent time together socially.

In addition to Labrusca, Budol will also have a foreign leading man, adding another layer of excitement to her role.

Teasing the storyline, Budol asked, “Ito ‘yung tanong diyan e: Pang-ano ba ‘ko? Pang Pinoy o pang AFAM? Nasaan ba ang future ni Ikit?”

When asked about her preference between a Filipino or foreign partner, Budol humorously replied, “Kasi minsan na’kong nasaktan ng Pilipino, ba’t ‘di natin subukan ang AFAM?”

The official cast of ‘Binibining Marikit’ was introduced during the story conference on October 11, which included Cris Villanueva, Almira Muhlach, Thea Tolentino, Dr. Rob Walcher, Ashley Rivera, John Feir, Jeff Moses, and Migs Almendras. Directed by Jorron Lee Monroy, ‘Binibining Marikit’ is produced by the GMA Entertainment Group and will air soon on GMA Network.