Flavie learned she had cancer while filming the show

TELEVISION – Her life was turned upside down as she returned from her stay on the farm. Flavie, Valentin's suitor in season 19 of Love is in the meadow learned she had cancer while filming the show. A first for the program hosted by Karine Le Marchand. The disease will be discussed in the episode broadcast Monday November 11, already available on the M6+ platform for subscribers since Monday November 4.

In October 2023, Flavie consulted a dermatologist for a cyst on her right shoulder. The doctor advises her against the operation, which she decides to do anyway. “for comfort”. In February 2024, a few weeks before the show, the 21-year-old woman underwent surgery. The surgeon, who was supposed to call her back three weeks after the operation, did not contact her again until two months later, when she had just finished most of the filming of Love is in the meadow.

“I had sarcoma [une tumeur cancéreuse maligne qui prend naissance dans les cellules des tissus mous du corps]. I collapsed,” tells the pretender Parisian. “The oncologist immediately told me that there would be chemo. I had a PET scan [un scanner]which fortunately revealed nothing more”, she reassures.

Devastated, Flavie receives support from her family before breaking the news to Valentin. “I told him that I had been diagnosed with cancer and that I would understand if he was afraid of the situation. We had only been together for a week.” she says.

The candidate's response is immediate: “I won’t let you down, I’m not like that.” » The farmer claims not to have asked the question. “We always have tough times in life, we have to get over them. Flavie was strong,” assures the 26-year-old young man. A relief for the candidate, who warned the production of Love is in the meadow to speed up the rest of the filming where the farmer had to meet his loved ones.

Chemotherapy started two days after filming

“When Flavie told me the news, I fell off the chair. She was panicked and I didn't know what to do. I will remember this phone call all my life.” is moved by Gabriella Mather, producer of the show, in the columns of Parisian. The couple continues Love and in the meadow according to Flavie's wishes, and the farmer meets my friends and the parents of his new partner in a good atmosphere.

But just after filming, a return to reality for Flavie who begins her treatment. “I was taken care of in Rennes. I was in the fight, there is no choice. In this situation, you listen to what the doctors tell you and you go for it,” explains the contender, who specifies that Valentin came on the first day of his chemo.

Production also wonders how to approach such a heavy subject in a show used to a lighter tone. An interview between Flavie and Karine Le Marchand is organized in Paris, where the candidate presents an assessment of her illness “just in case” it is no longer there when the broadcast ends. On site, the host ensures that the young woman is pampered.

“It’s a show that isn’t written, the blows of life fall on us, the nicest and the least. And we adapt,” assure Gabriella Mather. « This story is a life lesson for everyone that deserves to be told. And Flavie gave it. She is incredibly strong. »

An invitation to medical prevention

Back at Valentin's in Normandy, Flavie chooses to shave her hair: “I was tired of seeing them fall, of having them in my hand”. If she confides that her partner had “No more pain at that point and that’s normal,” the candidate decides to go all the way.

Once again, the production turns the filming of the traditional romantic weekend upside down. “We filmed near Paris, in a spa, the Etangs de Corot, where the staff was wonderful. We didn’t want to take any risks, without leaving France”explains the producer of the show. A psychologist is made available, without being requested by the lovebirds.

Flavie, who has since been waiting for results to formalize a possible remission, returned to her job as a saleswoman after the end of her treatment. “And I’m fine!” Why waste away when I'm in good shape and not too sick? Nothing changes except that I no longer have hair. »

For the revelation in Love is in the meadowshe wanted to announce it herself: “In my own words, not someone talking about it for me on social media.” Flavie, who “counteracts” possible criticism, hopes today that his story will have “a vocation of prevention » and encourages you to consult a doctor if in doubt. “Even young, no one is safe,” she concludes in The Parisian.

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