Bruce Toussaint wrapped up 2024 by presenting his final episode of the morning show "Bonjour!" on TF1, airing on December 20, 2024. The popular host announced his much-deserved break with humor, saying, "I’m going to take a few days off" at the beginning of the broadcast. Toussaint added lightheartedly, "I have a busy schedule: implants, cosmetic surgery, we’re changing all my blood. There will be surprises when I return!"
His team on the last show included familiar faces such as Ange Noiret, Maud Descamps, Julien Arnaud, Candice Mahout, Élizabeth Martichoux, Christophe Beaugrand, Benjamin Müller, Garance Pardigon, and Alba Ventura, all of whom contributed to making the final episode special. The show featured segments including a cooking demonstration with chef Pierre Chomet, where they prepared langoustine tartare, as well as tasting sessions with celebrated pastry chef Christophe Michalak.
Before signing off, Toussaint excitedly shared some good news for his audience: "The show will continue live during the holidays," he proclaimed. "Even on the 25th, even on January 1st: the info soldiers will be here!" He jokingly acknowledged, "Not all, there are some we will liberate," indicating the playful spirit of the holiday break.
After the weekend, on December 23, 2024, "Bonjour!" will return at 6:55 AM, under the leadership of Christophe Beaugrand, who had previously served as Toussaint's stand-in during his summer vacation. Following Beaugrand's engagement, Maud Descamps will take over hosting duties, ensuring the show maintains its usual rhythm and viewers are still kept entertained.
Despite having garnered 279,000 viewers and achieving about 8.7% market share during his last episode, Toussaint's "Bonjour!" remains behind "Télématin," which dominated the morning slot with 705,000 viewers, equaling 23.7% market share. The competition is fierce, but "Bonjour!" has steadily made its mark since it launched on January 8, 2024, intending to rival France 2's "Télématin."
With Toussaint’s planned return on January 6, 2025, there’s anticipation building among fans of "Bonjour!" as they look forward to his comeback after the festive season. This transition reflects the typical ebb and flow of the television scheduling year, as hosts and shows adapt to seasonal breaks and audience expectations.
Engagements like Toussaint's shift to holiday recess highlight the television industry's dynamics during festive periods, with hosts stepping back and new faces appearing to keep content fresh and entertaining for loyal viewers.
