David Licauco (right) and Jillian Ward (left) have been cast in GMA-7’s upcoming action drama.
David Licauco, Jillian Ward via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — David Licauco is returning to action opposite former child star Jillian Ward, a departure from his usual projects co-starring with perennial screen partner Barbie Forteza.

GMA Drama announced that David and Jillian will lead an “all-star” cast of its upcoming show this year.

The two stars will take on their “most challenging roles yet,” GMA promised, in the drama with the working title “Never Say Die.”

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, David said that “Never Say Die” will replace “Sang’gre” once the latter finishes its run.

“Partner ko si Jillian Ward. Action siya na medyo may love angle. Love interest ko si Jillian,” David told Philstar.com.

“Yung story naman di nagre-revolve sa love. Action siya na pagka-thriller. Papalit sa ‘Sang’gre,’” he added.

Jillian’s last known TV project was the romantic-comedy “My Ilonggo Girl,” with Michael Sager. David, meanwhile, was last seen in the historical drama “Pulang Araw” with Barbie.

He and Barbie also starred in the 2023 TV adaptation of the 1991 film of the same title “Maging Sino Ka Man,” an action drama inspired by the film that starred Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla. — with reports from Jan Milo Severo