On March 14, 2025, the fifth prime of season 14 of 'Danse avec les stars' captivated audiences on TF1 with its thrilling theme of cinema and television series. This special edition featured beloved classics and had contestants stepping away from their usual routines to embrace iconic character portrayals.
The evening kicked off with a humorous parody of the Beverly Hills 90210 theme, setting the stage for unforgettable performances. Contestants, including Charlotte de Turckheim, Frank Lebœuf, and Adil Rami, donned their best acts, dancing to memorable soundtracks and showcasing their talents.
Unfortunately, the night wasn’t auspicious for Frank Lebœuf, who had to withdraw due to injury sustained during training. The former French footballer, who joked about wanting to dance to the Dr. House theme, stated, "Chaque célébrité a le droit à un forfait par saison," explained host Camille Combal. This withdrawal marked the first significant hiccup of the evening, as Frank recognized his limitations with the aid of crutches.
Meanwhile, Adil Rami astounded the judges and viewers alike. Performing the Argentine tango to the James Bond theme alongside his partner Ana Riera, Rami earned high praise, achieving scores of 8 from Chris Marques, 9 from Fauve Hautot, and reaching the coveted score of 10 from Mel Charlot. The delighted contestant couldn't help but express his disbelief and happiness: "Maman, j’espère que tu regardes ! En dictée, j’avais zéro mais là, je me suis rattrapé!”
Another significant development of the evening was Charlotte de Turckheim's heartbreaking elimination alongside her partner Yann-Alrick Mortreuil. After squarely placing last with the judge's scores, the two found themselves battling against swimmer Florent Manaudou and his partner Elsa Bois during the elimination duel. Performing to the sound of Les Bronzés' soundtrack, the audience chose to save the athlete.
Post-elimination, Charlotte delivered a poignant and far-reaching message, reflecting on her unique experience on the show. "Je me suis rendu compte que j’avais une chance incroyable de participer à cette émission. Et il y a quelque chose que je n’ai pas dit. Il y a beaucoup de femmes dans le monde qui aimeraient avoir la chance que j’ai de faire ça. Je pense aux Iraniennes ou aux Afghanes qui n’ont pas le droit de parler ou de chanter entre elles. Alors danser n’en parlons pas. Moi la vie me propose de danser à mon âge, et je trouve que c’est une chance formidable," she emphasized, highlighting the rich opportunity to express oneself through dance, something many are deprived of around the world.
The touching farewell served as both a reflection of personal and social dimensions, drawing the attention of those watching to issues many face globally. Her heartfelt remarks stirred emotions, receiving loud applause from both the audience and fellow contestants, reinforcing the notion of camaraderie young and old alike experience on stage.
Throughout this season, unlike past editions, participants have built supportive relationships devoid of competitive hostility. Past seasons left behind memories tainted with tensions, but contestants this year, including Charlotte, have become closer, encouraging and uplifting one another.
With the elimination, Charlotte leaves behind much more than just dance routines; she carries with her the invaluable lessons learned and the friendships formed along the way. Both she and her participating colleagues emphasized the importance of teamwork and support, experiences they treasured during rehearsals and performances.
Overall, the fifth prime on March 14 marked not just another elimination, but a celebration of potential, unity, and sensitivity to global women's rights. The competition has embraced the spirit of dance, evoking emotions and inspiring advocacy through Charlotte's sincere message.
While viewers will miss her performance next week, the legacy of humility and strength she created on-stage will resonate even beyond the competition's lights.