The 61-year-old host is entrusted with the front page’s New Year’s Eve party, with The 12 Christmas strokes. And do not sulk his pleasure after a year rich in emotion. Interview.
What year for The 12 Coups de midi. In addition to remaining a real audience success on TF1, Jean-Luc Reichmann’s game crowned a new very great Noon Master in 2021: Bruno, this thirty-something who broke all records with 252 participations and 1,026,107 euros in earnings and gifts. The host, for his part, relishes this popularity which allows him, once again, to ensure his traditional meeting of 12 Christmas shots. He confides in this happiness that he intends to share as widely as possible with viewers.
TV-Leisure : what to expect for this special?
Jean-Luc Reichmann : To a Christmas like no other! My family did the programming. [Il rit.] My children demanded McFly and Carlito, thinking they would never accept… and they responded present! My mother asked me for Mimie Mathy because I will soon appear with her in Josephine, guardian angel, and she said yes! My teens love Soprano, and he’ll be there! Lola Dubini, with whom I play in Léo Matteï, miners’ brigade, will be there too. We did not hope to be able to have Gims, and yet he will also be there. In addition, we will play for the Restos du cœur.
Playing the New Year’s Eve on TF1 is a source of pride ?
It is the ultimate family home evening. You have to think of everyone, especially the elderly who will be alone that evening. I try to cover all generations. May TF1 trust me once again, it is a mark of mutual respect and pleasure. Christmas Eve is a big responsibility.
Looking back, how do you see Bruno, absent from the prime, your biggest winner?
It’s great, because originally Bruno was too shy and didn’t want to come. He came when there was no audience, so he wouldn’t feel like he was “in an arena” – those are his words. He took his courage in both hands and pushed his limits. He is proof that, when you take risks, it can pay off.
What have you planned for the end of year celebrations?
I stay with my family, I don’t travel abroad. I’m doing a family tour of France, between Burgundy, Toulouse, the Jurassic region …
Your detective series Léo Matteï … has had a makeover for its upcoming ninth season. Who are the new players?
Lola Dubini brings freshness and rebellion, the surprising Stomy Bugsy has joined us, as has Romane Portail. My three-legged dog is there. And we will have sparkling guests. My wife, Nathalie Lecoultre, notably directs an episode on violence against children and women. Who better than a woman to put this into pictures? I’m very proud.
What do you hope for 2022?
I want to have fun, to enjoy. Right now the planets are aligned in my life. With everything we’ve been through over the past two years, we don’t know where we’re going.