INTERVIEW – The France 2 host confirms her popularity acquired last year and maintains her place as the French's favorite TV personality. She talks about the unique bond she has forged with the public over the years.
TV MAGAZINE.- You are the favorite host of the French for the second time in a row according to the annual reference survey by Figaro TV Magazine. Is this confirmation as beautiful as your victory last year?
Faustine Bollaert.- It's almost more precious to keep this place because this year, I had everything to lose. Last year, I was flattered, super happy but also very surprised because I didn't expect it at all. This year, thinking about this survey, I felt more stress because I really wanted this confirmation.
How did you receive this “gift” from the public?
I take it as something emotional and very tender, a bit like the bond I have forged with this audience for whom I have a real emotional commitment. You know, it's a very strong emotion to feel loved and recognized for your work… And there is also a form of appeasement because I know that one day, I will no longer be number 1. And this day – there, I will be very happy to send a message of congratulations to whoever takes my place. Because I now know how powerful and comforting this recognition is.
With this first place in the hearts of viewers, has your status changed since last year?
By listening to a lot of people and investing myself emotionally, my mental health could have been weakened, particularly by the time and energy I devote to my work. I always face what people give me: the worst and the best. Nothing slips past me, but I also feed on it in my shows by pursuing this quest for meaning. I get more involved, I take positions, I get a little more angry, my anger goes away more too… In fact, I'm more myself! And the result of this survey also validates this change in my career as an animator.
Your status as the French's favorite presenter even prompted the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, to ask you to interview him before the legislative elections last July…
This request was flattering and gratifying, especially when your sense of interviewing, your listening skills and your human curiosity are recognized. But the confidence that I gained over time, and also thanks to my title of favorite presenter, allowed me to listen to myself and say no. I wasn't afraid to refuse even though many in my professional circle told me that we couldn't say no to the President of the Republic!
Why did you finally say no to Emmanuel Macron?
Because I feared being used and I found that it was not my place. I have a curiosity for Emmanuel Macron as a man, but not necessarily for politics. I also thought that I would not be up to the task of an interview which would, in any case, have become political in the context of the legislative elections. I told him that I would very much like to interview him outside of a political context. And when I told him I refused, he was very understanding and very cordial.
Nikos Aliagas comes second, behind you. What do you think of this result?
With Nikos, we have known each other for over 20 years! I interviewed him in Athens for TV 7 daysthe magazine where I worked at the time. We saw each other grow and I saw the incredible bond he built with the audience. He is someone dear to my heart and we have a lot of affection for each other. We meet regularly because I often take my children to the set of Star Academy.
And what do you think of Karine Le Marchand who completes the podium in third place?
Last year, Karine left me a lovely message after the survey where I came first. Few people from competing chains have this elegance. Karine and I knew each other a long time ago and I have often cited her as a model because she is a generous woman who deeply loves others. I admit that I am very proud to be associated with her in this survey. Besides, as for Nikos, I find that we have a lot of common values. All three of us have a sincere curiosity about people and I think the public loves us first for our personalities, even before our work as hosts.
You are two women on the podium, a first in the history of our survey. But then you have to go down to 21st place to find another woman and there are only 18 of them out of the 50 favorite TV personalities. Is there still a way to go on this side?
This clearly means that there is still work to be done! It's difficult for a woman to stand out in animation because there aren't many opportunities. I find it easier for them to provide information. Because moreover, there are almost no major unifying prime time shows presented by women! However, it is this type of format that could allow them to express their talent as hosts… I also find it a shame that too few women present game shows. But things are moving forward all the same, especially when we see Babeth Lemoine or Léa Salamé being a hit with their talk shows.
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