Maureen Louys has her head full of projects. “I want to further develop my brand and do dog behaviorist training. And, to carry out all these projects, I had to devote myself only to that. TV required a lot of work and energy. I’m not saying that I’m completely closing the door to television, but at some point you have to know how to make choices.”
Thunderclap at RTBF: an emblematic presenter announces her departure
Did becoming a mother (she gave birth to little Achilles in 2021, Editor’s note) influence your choice to leave TV?
“My little boy is one of my priorities, that’s for sure. But, I have always managed to combine my professional and private life. I don’t really know if that influenced my choice or not. Honestly, I don’t think so. I just found it interesting to focus on other things. When I retire and look back, I don’t want to have any regrets. You have to live your dreams.“
Did you feel like you were lacking challenges or going in circles at RTBF?
“Not really. I never felt tired or routine even though I was hosting recurring programs. I take the example of The Voice Belgium. Every season was different because the cast was different. So I never experienced the same thing.“
If you had to remember only one moment from your career at RTBF, what would it be?
“I have a lot of them! I had so much fun. I still did The Voice Belgium for 10 years and The Voice Kids Belgique for 2 years. It marks a career. When I was offered the program, I accepted directly. I was already a fan of Star Academy so I jumped at the chance. I also think of the show There is no worse driver which marked my journey but also the viewers.“
In 22 years, you have also met some great people…
“A lot ! There is my meeting with Jean-Louis Lahaye. He is from Liége like me and yet, I think we would never have met if we had not both worked at RTBF. With him, it’s hours and hours of TV and radio. He became my friend. I’m taking it back in my backpack! Then, there is also David Antoine with whom I started and who is no longer at RTBF today. He is my friend still today. He is one of the people who listened to me and advised me when I mentioned the idea of devoting myself to my brand. They told me: “Listen to your heart” and that’s what I did!“
Its dog accessories site “Who’s that dog”
