After years of alternating between public affairs and acting, Ahron Villena is officially back on the teleserye scene—this time under GMA Network’s Sparkle Artist Center and starring in the afternoon drama Akusada.

Ahron, who rose to fame as the 2004 grand winner of ABS-CBN’s TV Idol Ur D’Man, expressed his gratitude for returning to scripted television. “To be honest, yes—namiss ko gumawa ulit ng serye,” he shared. “I’m really thankful to GMA and the production team of Akusada for trusting me with the role of Gian.”

While adapting to the taping grind was initially a challenge, Ahron said he eventually got into character. “Medyo nangangapa pa ako nung una, pero nung nakarami na ng taping, nakuha ko na kung sino si Gian.”

Ahron is known for playing both charming protagonists and edgy kontrabida roles, something he welcomes. “Hindi ako namimili ng role. Basta maganda ang character at alam kong tatatak sa audience, go ako,” he said, adding that he hopes to land more “good guy” roles as well. “Character actor talaga ang gusto kong tahakin.”

Though he's long been recognized for his physique, Ahron says he now wants to be appreciated beyond that. “Gusto kong mapanood nila ako bilang actor, hindi lang bilang ‘sexy guy’ online,” he said. He revealed that he now finds a healthier balance through badminton, which he plays three to four times a week when not filming.