Jillian Ward’s personal journey through 'Never Say Die'

For Jillian Ward, stepping into the world of Never Say Die was more than taking on another lead role—it became a deeply personal journey toward healing.

During the show’s recent media conference, the Star of the New Gen spoke candidly about the emotional weight of portraying Joey Delgado, a character whose fractured family life closely mirrors her own. Asked about the biggest emotional risk she took for the role, Jillian did not hesitate to open up.

“Siguro na medyo malapit sa akin ‘yung story ni Joey. Nag-separate kasi ‘yung—medyo spoiler—nag-separate kasi po ‘yung parents ni Joey dito. So, somehow, medyo naalala ko din ‘yung mga times na pinagdadaanan ko ‘yun with my parents,” she shared.

Jillian had previously revealed that her own parents separated in 2024, making Joey’s story hit especially close to home. While revisiting those emotions was painful, she said the experience ultimately became therapeutic.

“Pero I think also Joey has helped me sort of overcome talaga ‘yung mga lingering pang pain na nararamdaman ko from that situation. So, hindi naman ‘yun risk, more of healing siya for me,” she said.

Beyond the emotional depth, Jillian admitted she was caught off guard by the sheer scale and polish of the production. Seeing the finished material for the first time gave her a new sense of pressure—one she didn’t feel while cameras were rolling.

“Hindi ko ine-expect na gano’n pala kaganda ‘yung show. Kasi during the filming po ng show, hindi ko alam ano ‘yung itsura ng mga eksena… hindi ko lang po inexpect na as in sobrang ganda pala niya. And gano’n kalaki ‘yung project,” she said.

It was only after watching the trailer, with the premiere fast approaching, that reality truly sank in.

“Ngayon ko po na-feel ‘yung pressure. Kasi during shooting days po, hindi ko kasi talaga alam kung ano ‘yung kakalabasan ng show. So, shoot lang nang shoot,” Jillian admitted.

“Pero confident naman ako kasi sobrang galing po ng mga directors namin and lahat po ng mga kasama ko.”

“Never Say Die” marks the first-ever team-up of Jillian Ward and David Licauco, who plays investigative journalist Andrew Dizon. Joey, the daughter of a disgraced police officer, finds her path crossing with Andrew as they chase truth in a world where corruption, drugs, and betrayal infect even the most trusted institutions.

The action-packed drama features a powerhouse ensemble that includes Richard Yap, Kim Ji Soo, Raymart Santiago, Angelu de Leon, Winwyn Marquez, Analyn Barro, Raheel Bhyria, Ayen Munji-Laurel, and Gina Alajar, among others—each portraying characters entangled in a dangerous web of power and secrets.

Produced by the GMA Entertainment Group and airing on GMA Prime, “Never Say Die” promises high-octane action, intense emotional stakes, and a story that refuses to back down from the truth.

The series premieres on 2 February 2026, at 8:55 p.m., after Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, on GMA Prime and Kapuso Stream—with a delayed telecast on GTV.