Mi Gorda Bella @ TeleFutura.

TeleFutura debuts “Mi Gorda Bella” (My Chubby Valentina), a new novela that is full of surprises and includes an unlikely heroine. It’s the story of an overweight but irresistibly sweet-natured young woman who will challenge TV viewers to appreciate her for her remarkable inner beauty instead of her physical attributes. A blockbuster hit in 38 countries around the world, this international ratings phenomenon makes its U.S. premiere this summer, Monday, July 19, 5 p.m. (4 p.m. Central).

Although everyone who knows Valentina (Natalia Streignard) loves her, people find it hard to see beyond her size. Even though she may need to lose a few pounds, she’s goodhearted, smart and humorous and has learned to accept and love herself the way she is. Away at boarding school for eight years, Valentina returns home after graduation to live with her Aunt Olimpia (Hilda Abrahamz), a bitter, mean woman who constantly humiliates her.

One day a ray of light shines on Valentina’s life when she’s reacquainted with the handsome and accomplished Orestes (Juan Pablo Raba), who sees through Valentina’s appearance to discover the wonderful person hiding within. Deeply in love, they face many difficult trials. Eventually, Valentina undergoes an amazing metamorphosis that shocks everyone. But the even bigger surprise comes when everyone discovers that, in the end, the only size that really matters is that of your heart.
“Mi Gorda Bella,” a family story that appeals to all ages, debuts July 19, and will air weekdays at 5 p.m. (4 p.m. Central) only on TeleFutura.