Hispanic America is about to be blown away by “La Tempestad” (The Storm), the new primetime telenovela that marks the much-awaited return of superstar William Levy to TV drama.

Telenovela lovers across the U.S. have been eagerly awaiting the return of Cuban-American crossover heartthrob William Levy (“Sortilegio,” “Triunfo del Amor”) to Spanish-language television after he took a two-year hiatus to participate in ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and other projects including high-profile advertising campaigns; Mexican model and Miss Universe 2010, Ximena Navarrete, is making her acting debut in “La Tempestad.” The telenovela also features Spanish star Iván Sánchez as Levy’s main rival, plus many renowned Mexican actors, including César Évora, Daniela Romo, Laura Carmine, Jessica Coch, Diana Bracho, Alfonso Herrera, and Luis Manuel Avila.

In a thrilling story full of intrigue, adventure, and steamy romance that unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mexican Gulf coast, Levy plays the tough and sexy sea captain Damián Fabré, owner of the fishing ship La Tempestad. When the beautiful Marina Reverte (Navarrete) arrives in town to head up the successful fishery he works for, a tempestuous relationship develops between them—a whirlwind of conflicting emotions that become even more complicated thanks to the machinations of the sordid characters bent on keeping them apart. Can Damián and Marina weather the storm? Only one thing is certain: there’s lots of excitement in store for viewers before the couple can sail off into the sunset happily together.

Shot in breathtaking locations around Veracruz, Mexico, “La Tempestad” is one of Televisa’s most ambitious telenovela productions to date, spearheaded by celebrated producer Salvador Mejía (“Triunfo del Amor,” “Fuego en la Sangre,” “Qué Bonito Amor”). An enthralling storyline, spectacular exterior action scenes, an all-star cast, and the palpable chemistry between its protagonists promise to make this sensual new drama a sure-fire hit.

“La Tempestad” premieres on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (8 p.m. Central).