Touche pas à mon poste, the beloved French talk show hosted by Cyril Hanouna, is nearing its end as the C8 channel prepares to shut down on February 28, 2025. The emotional atmosphere was palpable during the episode aired on February 24, as Hanouna welcomed back former host Benjamin Castaldi, who had left the show back in June 2023.
On this special episode, the set was charged with nostalgia and camaraderie. Among the returning faces was Kelly Vedovelli, who expressed her heartfelt emotions about the impending closure of the show, saying, "I approach this last week with nostalgia. Seeing Casta with us... it warms my heart because these are people we love so much and who have been missed." Her words captured the essence of what many of the show’s fans feel: the sense of community built over the years.
Hanouna, addressing his colleagues, spoke about the significant changes on the horizon for all the crew members—roughly 400 people dependent on the network. "At this moment, really, I have not made any decisions about my future," he candidly stated, indicating uncertainty about what’s next for him. He reassured fans and colleagues alike, declaring, "Whatever happens, the next show will be consistent with what you love." His commitment to maintaining the spirit of the show was evident as he navigated through discussions about its ending.
The return of Castaldi seemed to provide relief and joy to the crew. Kelly Vedovelli’s emotional response came at the right time—she managed to lighten up the atmosphere by singing Priscilla's song "Toujours pas d’amour." When she sang pointedly, "Always no love, always no love," it drew laughter and bemusement from Hanouna, whose discomfort underscored the long-standing rumors about his relationship with Vedovelli. This playful event was just one example of how the show is tapping its nostalgic roots even as it faces closure.
The episode also served as a platform for Hanouna to announce future plans, explaining, "On Thursday night, at the end of the show, I will take a bus with my colleagues. There are four options for my next steps, and we will head to the headquarters of the option I choose live. Even my colleagues won’t know, not even I will know before then!" This live reveal added to the excitement surrounding the last episodes of the show.
During the discussions, Hanouna also expressed admiration for Sandrine Arcizet and Élodie Aregon, whom he hopes to collaborate with after Touche pas à mon poste. Their recent farewells from viewers added another emotional layer to the closure of this prized program. "If I do something else, I will definitely give them a segment with animals, because they are exceptional," he remarked, illustrating his desire to keep the dynamic alive.
Throughout its run, Touche pas à mon poste has been more than just a television show; it has served as cultural commentary and entertainment for millions. Hanouna has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the show’s spirit and the bonds formed through years of camaraderie with colleagues. Viewers will undoubtedly miss the lively discussions, the inside jokes, and all the moments which have come to define the show.
To celebrate their legacy, C8 plans to dedicate the final day before the channel's closure to Touche pas à mon poste, allowing fans to relive the highlights and celebrate what made it special. Hanouna's ability to navigate the emotional landscapes of his show has endeared him to followers and may eventually shape the path he takes next.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of both Hanouna and his crew, one thing is clear: the sentiment around the last episodes of Touche pas à mon poste serves as a reminder of the magic created through honest television and genuine connection.