Bruce Toussaint, well-known for his long presence at BFMTV, is now celebrating the first anniversary of his morning show, Bonjour!, which airs on TF1. Launched on January 8, 2024, Toussaint’s transition has gained significant attention, with many eager to see how he has adjusted to this new role.
Reflecting on the past year, Toussaint expressed his delight at the show’s gradual audience growth and the support he has received from both his family and colleagues. He remarked, "I eat and sleep at fixed times. That’s the key. I sometimes cross my son when he returns from a party as I leave for work." His routine mirrors the structured lifestyle often associated with parenting, where maintaining set schedules proves beneficial.
Toussaint’s day begins early, necessitating significant changes to his lifestyle. Speaking about the pressures of waking up early, he candidly acknowledged, "I’m obsessed with the idea of not waking up. I think about it every night. My collaborators have my wife’s number just in case." The system he has developed ensures he remains punctual and prepared for each broadcast. His humorous take on his morning rituals helps illuminate the serious nature of his role; he even insists on having Coca-Cola Zero on set, displaying his distinctive personal touch.
This past year has not been solely about adjusting and acclimatising; it has also involved meeting ambitious audience growth targets. Toussaint is pleased with the show’s performance, citing, "Our show has established itself with over 300,000 viewers since the start of the season." This figure highlights Bonjour!’s success within the highly competitive morning television space, where other programs like Télématin serve as persistent benchmarks.
Support from his family is also integral for Toussaint. He mentioned how important it is for his two children to provide him with honest assessments of his performance on air. He stated, "I’m very attentive to what they tell me because they talk to me without filter," underscoring the significance of this direct feedback. Although his children can be tough critics, Toussaint appreciates their role as his sounding board, adding, "They can be hard, but I’m used to it; I’ve built up resilience." This influence from home encourages him to maintain authenticity and strive for excellence.
Looking forward, Toussaint aims high. He envisions Bonjour! not only sustaining its current success but also becoming the second most-watched morning show on French television. Despite the slow progression he anticipates due to entrenched competitors, he thrives on this challenge. He confidently reassured viewers with his motivating words, "Trying us means adopting us!"
Although there has been speculation about forming co-hosting duos, he confirmed, "No, it hasn’t been discussed for now," expressing his commitment to steering Bonjour! solo for the time being. Nonetheless, such partnerships are quite common within the industry, adding intrigue to what might happen as the show evolves.
Toussaint’s reflections during interviews not only exhibit his professionalism but also his humanity. He has embraced this intense and significant experience, summarizing it as, "Bonjour! is a strong and intense human adventure. We’re all part of it." His acknowledgment of the show’s familial dynamics embodies the spirited essence of morning television—a blend of news, talking points, and personal connections.
With his established rituals and solid support system, Bruce Toussaint stands prepared for what the future holds for Bonjour!. Will he breach the morning television elite? That remains to be seen as he continues to captivate audiences with his engaging presence, prompting many to tune in and join him each morning.