Since her arrival in the public service in 2014, Léa Salamé has established herself as one of the major figures of France Télévisions. As a columnist, the latter first proved herself in the show We are not in bedhosted by Laurent Ruquier. A role which allowed him to make himself known to the general public and to assert his position in the French audiovisual landscape.
Léa Salamé: her rise alongside Laurent Ruquier
In 2021, their professional relationship takes an unexpected turn. Léa Salamé is promoted to co-presenter alongside Ruquier in We are live. A cohabitation which quickly turns sour, as both personalities recognized. Frustrated at no longer being alone in charge, Laurent Ruquier then decided to leave the show, now taken over by the 45-year-old journalist, supported by Christophe Dechavanne in What an era!broadcast on France 2.
Léa Salamé clarifies her relationship with Laurent Ruquier
Faced with questions about their current relationship, Léa Salamé spoke candidly during an interview with RTL in September 2023. Without hard feelings, Raphaël Glucksmann's partner shared her vision of this delicate period and wanted to re-establish the truth : “We were never friends, but we had real respect.
We have a history together, I was his columnist then I was his co-presenter. He wasn't happy, he left, I'm not going to revisit the episode but I wish him the best at BFM.”she confided.
If the collaboration was not the most harmonious, Léa Salamé remains marked by Ruquier's departure from the public service:
“It gave me a bit of a shock when I read that he was leaving the public service, because he really is an image of public service.”she admitted. Words imbued with respect, which testify to the host's admiration for the man who has long been her senior in the profession.
Not resentful, Léa Salamé extends her hand
Despite this “media divorce”, Léa Salamé shows herself to be full of kindness. Aware that time heals wounds, she assured that she had turned the page: “I think we’ll talk again.
Time calms things down, I think time has already calmed things down.“she declared on RTL. A proof of maturity and wisdom, which she supports with an elegant declaration: “You will never hear a bad or evil word from me about the person of Laurent Ruquier, because he is someone that I carry in my heart.”
But Léa Salamé does not stop there. With a touch of optimism, the journalist reaches out to her former colleague:
“I would love to receive Laurent Ruquier. If he wants to come on Saturday evening or come back to talk about his show, he is welcome and it would be a real pleasure for me. I would be very happy if he came.” If their collaboration was not always easy, Léa Salamé today maintains a positive image of Laurent Ruquier. Where others could have cultivated resentments and tensions, the journalist, who spoke out against Tony Estanguet, chose appeasement and respect. An attitude to his credit, which, perhaps, will elicit a response from the host now installed on BFM TV.
