Jillian Ward on being a Marian Rivera fan: 'She's just so beautiful and inspiring'

Jillian Ward is undeniably a big fan of Marian Rivera.

In an interview with GMA News Online at the GMA Gala 2024, the "Abot-Kamay na Pangarap" star revealed that Marian is her Kapuso girl crush, who also happens to be her showbiz idol.

"Five years old pa lang ako, pinapanood ko na si Ate Yanyan," she said.

She went on to express her love and admiration for Marian and described the Kapuso Primetime Queen as someone who is "beautiful" and "inspiring" to women like her.

"Kahit sa akin nagme-message siya. Sinasabi niya kung may kailangan ako, if I need anything, i-message ko lang siya," Jillian shared.

"Siya ang aking girl crush at inspiration," she added.

Jillian has been quite vocal about looking up to Marian. In fact, Jillian wants to follow in her footsteps.

In a past vlog, Jillian said she is open to portraying Marimar in the future, a role that was previously played Marian in 2007.

At this year's GMA Gala, Jillian won the Sparkling Smile of the Night award, while Marian, who graced the ball with her husband Dingdong Dantes, was among the Hall of Fame awardees.

Jillian stars as Dr. Analyn Santos in top-rating GMA Afternoon Prime series "Abot-Kamay na Pangarap."

Meanwhile, Marian is set to star in an upcoming Cinemalaya film, "Balota."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News