The co-presenter of the weekend editions of Télématin sought to overcome his fears by participating for the fourth time in Fort Boyard. He played for the benefit of the Handi’chiens association in the program on Saturday August 6, to be seen on France 2 at 9:10 p.m.
After participating in 2001, 2012 and 2015, how were you convinced to return to Fort Boyard?
Damien Thevenot: The production took me by the feelings. Since 2015, every year, she revived me… I was afraid of hurting myself. So she told me that I was going to be team captain and play for the association of my choice. As I have been a sponsor of Handi’chiens for a prime time of Do not forget the lyrics four years ago, i thought it was an opportunity to talk about the association and raise funds.
What is its action?
Handi’chiens aims to educate and provide free assistance dogs to people with disabilities. Buying and training a dog is expensive, more than 15,000 euros.
What ordeals did you have to “undergo” this time around?
I am not at all a fan of anything that takes place at height. However, I made a loop at 15 meters. Fortunately, there was no camera to film me after the event. I participated in another new event in which you have to go through a circle on fire. Everything is hyper-secure, but it’s scary! And to Fort Boyard, you don’t know in advance what test you’re going to face, even as captain.
On the occasion of the July 14 parade, we saw you board a Patrouille de France plane for France 2. Were you also scared?
I spontaneously accepted the proposal without really knowing what was going to happen. At the end of April, I made a training flight between Salon-de-Provence and Solenzara, in Corsica. I had butterflies in my eyes. And on D-Day, above the Champs-Élysées, it was spectacular, impressive. The pilots are humble and truly educational.
What conclusions do you draw from this past season Telematin the weekend ?
All lights are green! From Monday to Friday, the program is at 26.4% audience share (+ 2 points in one year), on Saturday we are at 22.8% (+ 3 points in one year), on Sunday, at 21%! We have diversified and rejuvenated the public. We are having a lot of fun. It’s motivating, even if you get up early.
What are you doing this summer?
Beach, books, evenings with friends. I’m not very ‘disco all night’. But, a few months before my 50th birthday, I recognize that the tests I carried out at Fort Boyard made me crave more extreme activities.
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