Cristina Ciobănașu and Cătălin Gheorghe Join the Cast of Antena 1’s New Original Series Undercover Heart
Intense stories, complex characters, and twists that can change destinies — all of these are part of Undercover Heart, the new original series created by Ruxandra Ion, which will bring a star-studded cast to Antena 1, including Cristina Ciobănașu and Cătălin Gheorghe. With artistic experience spanning television, film, theatre, and music, the two actors bring to life characters who are essential to the development of the story: Lizzie, Ilinca’s best friend and confidante, played by Cristina Ciobănașu, and Mircea Barbu, a father who would do anything to protect his daughter, portrayed by Cătălin Gheorghe. Two very different characters, united by strong bonds and decisions that could change everything, in a story about love, loyalty, family, and sacrifice.
A graduate of the Dinu Lipatti Music High School and the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) in Bucharest, Cristina Ciobănașu later pursued further studies in acting, completing a master’s degree in Interpretative Techniques in Performing Arts at the University of Sibiu. She made her television debut in 2008 in the series Îngerașii, and subsequently joined the casts of productions such as Aniela and Iubire și onoare. A defining moment in her career was her role as Anca Anghel in Pariu cu viața, a project that brought her widespread recognition and allowed her to showcase both her acting and musical talents as a member of the band LaLa Band. Over the years, the actress has further strengthened her experience through productions such as Când mama nu-i acasă, O grămadă de caramele, Fructul oprit, Sacrificiul, and Adela, demonstrating her versatility by portraying a variety of characters.
In 2016, Cristina made her debut as a TV presenter on Happy Channel, where she hosted shows such as Happy Day, CoulTOUR, and Happy Café. Her career also includes appearances on the big screen, as well as voice-over work. In 2025, Cristina Ciobănașu returned to the spotlight by taking part in the show Te cunosc de undeva!, where she once again showcased her musical abilities and stage presence.
In the original series Undercover Heart, Cristina plays Lizzie, Ilinca’s (Maria Țăpușă) best friend and confidante. Despite having limited financial means, Lizzie is always by Ilinca’s side, offering her support whenever she needs it most.
“Lizzie is a lively, playful girl who can be a little cheeky when the situation calls for it. She is extremely empathetic, courageous, and very talkative. She is a true ball of energy, ready to infect everyone around her with her zest for life. She is bubbly, but also a fighter when she needs to stand up for the people she loves. She would do anything for Ilinca, her best friend, whom she loves like a sister, even though they are not related by blood. Their friendship means the world to her and is one of the most beautiful aspects of her character,” reveals Cristina, who adds: “I really wanted to create an authentic Lizzie, a character defined not only by her energy and humour, but also by her sensitivity, vulnerabilities, and the way she experiences everything that happens to her. I hope people will connect with her and understand her, even in moments when she does not make the wisest decisions. Above all, I hope they will grow to love her exactly as she is, with all her strengths and flaws. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring her to life, and I sincerely hope I will live up to the expectations of those who created her. I can’t wait for the audience to meet Lizzie, discover her story, and, I hope, fall in love with her energy!”
The creator of the original series, Ruxandra Ion, also shares her thoughts: “I was delighted when Cristina accepted the challenge of playing Lizzie. Together with Maria Țăpușă, she has built a wonderful friendship between Lizzie and Ilinca. Lizzie is always there for Ilinca, supporting her and giving her courage, even though she has her own battles to fight and faces some very difficult choices herself. Cristina has succeeded in bringing to life a character who is both effervescent and deeply sensitive and tender, making every one of these facets feel completely believable.”
Soon, viewers will also be able to see Cătălin Gheorghe in Antena 1’s original series, an actor whose artistic career spans theatre, film, and television. Having graduated from the acting programme at InLight Theatre School and completed a master’s degree in acting at Hyperion University in Bucharest, the actor has portrayed characters such as Ivan in The Party, Smirnov in The Bear, and Mica in The Belgrade Trilogy. In 2022, he brought the title character to life in Kcezyow (Woyzeck), and in 2024, he played Hamlet in the production Grand Hotel Denmark. Both productions were staged by the UnfortunateThespians company. His film credits include Crai nou (2021), in which he played Erwin, Dampyr (2022), in which he portrayed Milos, and the short film Der Verlorene Sohn (2020). He also appeared in the international series Django, playing the bartender at Lotus Bunkhouse, and viewers have already seen him in Antena 1’s original series Iubire cu parfum de lavandă.
In Undercover Heart, Cătălin will portray Mircea Barbu, a successful real estate developer. An intelligent and charming man, Mircea knows exactly which doors to open and when, what levers to pull, whom he absolutely needs to befriend, and whom he should stay away from. Ruthless in business, Mircea has one major weakness: his daughter, Ilinca, for whom he is ready to do absolutely anything, at any time. So, when his daughter’s health and life are in danger, he resorts to an extreme measure that completely changes the course of the story.
“Mircea is a powerful real estate tycoon and a single father who loves his child very much. He is not a conventional antagonist driven solely by malice. He is good at lying and negotiating, but every now and then, you also get to see his human side through small, sensitive gestures towards his daughter,” reveals the actor, who admits that he has very little in common with his character: “Only this immense love for his daughter. I am a father myself, and I understand extremely well what that means.”
Speaking about working with him, the creator of the original series, Ruxandra Ion, says: “I first worked with Cătălin on Iubire cu parfum de lavandă, and even then, I was impressed by his professionalism, discipline, and extraordinary enthusiasm for his work. He is a very versatile actor who can convey so much with just a glance and who constantly strives to understand his character beyond what is visible on the surface. Cătălin approached his character with great patience and managed to take an antagonist who could have remained a conventional archetype and give him much greater depth, adding nuances, emotions, and feelings that viewers might not expect. I am convinced that audiences will be in for many surprises as they watch him!”
More details about the cast, storyline, characters, and premiere of the series will be announced in the coming period.
