Unmasked during the first episode of Mask Singer season 4, this Tuesday August 23 on TF1, Frédéric Diefenthal returns for Télé Star on his adventure under the mask of gingerbread.
Télé Star: Why did you choose to take part in the show?
Frederic Diefenthal: I wanted to have a little fun, to see what it was like. From time to time, you have to know how to try, play the game. I thought it would be stupid not to do it and it was now or never. In 10 years, I don’t know if I could have lasted that long in the costume (laughs). It was very hot in there!
Were your loved ones surprised to see you on a show like Mask Singer?
A lot, especially since some people watched without knowing I was in it. They were pleasantly surprised. It must be said that I am not a regular customer of television programs or shows of this kind.
You revealed to be claustrophobic. Weren’t you afraid that this phobia would cause you problems?
I wouldn’t say I’m claustrophobic, just that I don’t like being locked up. In fact, I did not realize before that it could be a problem. I discovered it while trying on the costume. They put my feet on, then my body, and it was fine, but the moment they put my head on, I was like ‘Oh shit’ (laugh). I needed a little time to adapt but it got better.
You were hiding under the gingerbread. Did you choose this costume?
I was made several proposals, but yes, my choice quickly fell on gingerbread. It’s quirky, childish, greedy and very simple at the same time. I like it.
What memory do you keep of this adventure?
I loved going behind the scenes of the show. It’s exciting for someone like me, for whom it’s not a job. I’m used to filming, but on a show like that, there’s a whole machinery behind it. It’s incredible. And then the fact of having to hide my identity behind the scenes gave the adventure a little spy film side! (laugh)
Jeff Panacloc didn’t take long to unmask you. Did you think it would be so fast?
I hadn’t thought of it before the show, but when I saw Jeff Panacloc pronouncing my name so fast, I wasn’t surprised. I thought it was obvious. He has a very sharp ear.
Have you ever met in life?
Not at all. We know each other through our respective works. Besides, I’m a big fan of Jeff. He is a very talented young man and it makes me very happy that he has seen my films.
Are you disappointed not to have gone further in the adventure?
It would have amused me to play the game longer, but I’m already very satisfied with the moment I had. It was a very strong moment, very intense. The filming with the public, the rehearsals, it’s quite intense, to the point that I had even completely forgotten the competition. So maybe there’s a little frustration compared to the other songs I had prepared, but no disappointment. I took the moment.
Speaking of songs, you chose to perform “Ça plane pour moi” by Plastic Bertrand. Why this title?
It’s a timeless, dancing, always modern title. Everyone knows her, has her in mind. Even though it came out a long time ago, it is still up to date. After all, the 1970s and 1980s are still here, just see what happens with Stranger Things and the Kate Bush song. It’s incredible. And then I just love this song!
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