Emilien is making headlines as he continues to impress both fans and critics alike on the popular French game show Les 12 Coups de midi. His remarkable performance, marked by integrity and impressive knowledge, places him among the top contestants in the show's history. Just over a year and fifty-six episodes after his debut, Emilien has become not only the show's most successful contestant but also the talk of the town due to recent events surrounding his character.
Since joining the program on September 25, 2023, Emilien, 22, has amassed staggering winnings exceeding €2 million, along with numerous gifts, including cars. By March 17, 2025, he had participated 536 times, delighting viewers with his vast cultural knowledge. Many attribute his success to hard work and strategic thinking, but others point to moments of humility and honesty highlighted on air.
Recently, Emilien faced scrutiny when he refrained from answering questions after hearing answers whispered from the audience. On February 28, during one of his episodes, he opted to skip his turn instead of relying on external help. This decision did not go unnoticed; host Jean-Luc Reichmann praised Emilien for his exemplary behavior, emphasizing the importance of integrity on the show. “I wanted to tell you about Emilien's honesty. It doesn’t happen everywhere,” Reichmann remarked, underscoring the integrity Emilien displayed during the episode.
On March 15, Emilien appeared alongside Reichmann on the talk show Quelle époque!, hosted by Léa Salamé, where the two discussed his meteoric rise and showed how fans both admire him and gossip about his life off the set. Reichmann reflected on Emilien's casting process, recounting how the young contestant was initially considered too introverted by the show's producers. Despite this, Reichmann advocated for Emilien, stating, “I told them, 'You know my opinion on difference... what matters to me are similarities.'” His supportive words have undoubtedly played a role in Emilien's success.
Despite his fun and relaxed demeanor on-screen, Emilien has had to handle some unexpected challenges. The presence of his girlfriend Jessica, who sometimes visits the set, adds warmth to his television persona, but their time apart has not been without strain. Emilien and Jessica regularly communicate through phone calls and texting, and she assists him with beneficial information to help him excel on the game, showing her unwavering support.
During the televised talk show, Léa Salamé initiated fun challenges to test Emilien's knowledge, challenging him with questions about Reichmann’s career. While he was quick on most topics, he stumbled over one question about a program Reichmann had declined to host. Such moments of honesty endear him to the audience, as evident from the love and encouragement he continues to receive.
The fascinating part of Emilien's time on Les 12 Coups de midi lies not only within his unique style of gameplay but also the moments of integrity he showcases. For example, on March 3, 2025, during another challenge, Emilien heard the answer being suggested from the audience but chose to abstain from answering. This kind of restraint is rare and garnered admiration from both the host and the public. On social media, Reichmann shared his delight, noting, “It’s the first time I’ve seen this after 30 years.” His words highlight the rarity of such behavior on reality television, showing Emilien's exceptional standard.
Fans anxiously await the next episode, excited to see the conclusion of recent changes announced by Reichmann. On March 17, it was revealed during the show, caused by the events of the day, the show would undergo significant changes — “Mister Maboule” was present to modify the set, announcing, “Tomorrow, we’re changing the decor.” The audience looks forward to the revamped look of their favorite game show, which demonstrates their dedication to keeping the program fresh and engaging.
Even through these transitions, Emilien continues to shine as the show’s beacon. His diligence and grace under pressure captivate viewers, as they root for this rising star. The spotlight largely remains on him; everyday viewers reflect on the importance of integrity, intelligence, and humility—traits which Emilien embodies beautifully.
All things considered, Emilien’s unexpected rise to fame not only showcases his stunning knowledge and quick thinking but also paints the picture of a grounded and sincere young man. No matter the challenges of fame, his commitment to honesty, both on and off the screen, is what continues to resonate most strongly within the hearts of the audience.
