Cyril Hanouna and his iconic show, Touche Pas à Mon Poste (TPMP), bid farewell to viewers of C8 this Thursday evening, marking the end of 12 years of programming as the channel faces closure. With C8 ceasing broadcasts due to regulatory decisions not to renew its TNT frequency, the final episode promised to be filled with emotional farewells and revelations about Hanouna's future.
The fate of the widely popular host remains uncertain as speculation bubbles about his next steps. Will he remain within the Canal group or discontinue his association with C8 and transition to M6? Earlier this week, Hanouna's complicated relationship with fellow television personality Karine Le Marchand became the focal point of discussions surrounding his future.
On the final episode of TPMP, Hanouna made headlines when he extended apologies to Le Marchand, acknowledging past conflicts. He stated, "I recognize we held sometimes and often unjustified comments about her. False information had been circulated involving her, and I am conscious of the harm it has caused. I have read her interviews, and I know it impacted her family." Such statements suggest possible reconciliation as Hanouna declared, "I will no longer speak about her, whether on another channel or if I join the M6 group.”
Le Marchand, who previously threatened to quit if Hanouna joined M6, showed some signs of easing tension. Speaking on France Inter shortly before the final episode, she shared her concerns but also her willingness to accept his public apologies. "I’ll stay vigilant; I often say it’s easier to open one’s mouth than to extend one’s hand," she remarked. Despite her earlier fierce opposition, she confirmed, "He will not be part of M6, at least not on our channel," indicating at least for now, there’s peace, if not perfect harmony.
The finale of TPMP featured various surprises for fans and team members alike, including emotional tributes and memorable moments. Hanouna entered the final show riding a motorcycle and performing Johnny Hallyday's classic, "Allumer le feu", setting the stage for what he termed as a 'historical evening.' Before the episode climaxed, he gifted his longtime and emotional colleague Kelly Vedovelli with the opportunity to sing alongside her idol, Priscilla Betti.
Vedovelli was clearly overwhelmed when Betti made her surprise appearance during the show, leaving her visibly moved. "I’m still shocked!" she exclaimed. They sang together, creating one of the memorable moments of the evening. Hanouna remarked on their uncanny matching outfits, adding to the excitement and joy of the finale.
Hanouna’s antics didn’t end there. He proposed the spontaneous idea of creating a remix with Vedovelli and Betti, declaring, "Let’s do it tomorrow!" This moment encapsulated Hanouna's affinity for showmanship and his relationships with colleagues, standing out even as the network winds down.
With C8's closure looming, the atmosphere was bittersweet for many of the show's contributors. While Hanouna's future remains uncertain, his legacy on the channel is firmly cemented. Throughout the week, various other figures from C8 took their own goodbyes to the audience, reflecting on years spent at the network.
William Leymergie, notable for his emotional farewell during his own final broadcast, echoed the sentiments of many staffers—an era has come to end for C8, and the impact it has had on its viewers and personnel cannot be understated.
While the mystery of Hanouna’s next move intriguingly continues, he maintains the goodwill of at least some of his erstwhile opponents, alongside poignant moments from Thursday’s farewell. Fans and critics alike eagerly watch to see just where the influential host lands next. M6 remains on the horizon as both Hanouna and Le Marchand, along with the public, await what’s next, settling for apologies and the excitement of the final TPMP show.