He persists and signs. Despite the withdrawal of several bullfighting towns resistant to the idea of an “Intervilles” without cows, Nagui confirmed that the new version of the cult entertainment, planned for the summer of 2025, would take place without the bovine totem of previous editions. “We don't need that. Firstly because there are no more animals in television shows today. Because we know their sensitivity to noise and crowds, their discomfort… Not to mention the risk of injury to humans in front too”underlined the usual conductor of “Don’t forget the words” in an interview with “Ouest-France”.
Stop cowhide…except in foam
To argue his point, this fervent defender of the animal cause takes the example of another game which involved the challenge of giving up on one of its key elements. “There are no more tigers in Fort Boyard and the show is still going strong…”analyzes one of the strong men of France Télévisions, who wishes to bring “modernity at this great fair with diversity, parity and respect for all beings”. An ersatz “cow” will still be present to remind you of the fundamentals of the program, but “made of foam, with someone inside”a meager consolation prize for those who call for a boycott.
The boycott of several mayors (Dax, Mont-de-Marsan, Bayonne) does not seem to upset those who fought to bring the summer game back on the air any more than necessary. “There are nearly 35,000 cities in France. I only need six of them to do my broadcasts and we have already received a lot of applications”reveals a Nagui “not worried” of the success of this format, and who will play, with his friend Bruno Guillon, one of the two hosts “hypocrites” who will defend the coat of arms of a city. The role of referee will be assigned to the TV Team journalist, Yoann Riou, while two ex-Miss France, Camille Cerf and Valérie Bègue, will also be in the arena with the public. “A casting that I like, which brings a smile and smells of laughter”he judges.
A live broadcast?
On the other hand, other historic events will appear on the program of this “Intervilles” 2.0 such as spinning, swimming, tug of war and of course the wall of champions… mixed, this time. Because women will also be able to challenge themselves with pulling movements. “It’s going to have to shine, it’ll have to rattle, it’ll have to laugh, it’ll have to surprise”promises the producer, in favor of a live broadcast. “At least everything is done for”he assures.
