In the latest season of the popular French television show Danse avec les Stars (DALS), a series of heartfelt moments have emerged, revealing deeper emotional connections and personal stories from contestants. Known for its captivating performances and surprises, this season has showcased everything from resilience in the face of bullying to sweet surprises from loved ones.
On March 24, 2025, during an episode of RTL's "On refait la télé," actor Antoine Duléry candidly shared that he had been approached twice to participate in the dance competition. However, the 65-year-old star firmly declined, humorously stating, "Ah, non, non, non ! Comme m'a dit mon copain Franck Dubosc : 'Tu travailles encore. Tu n'as pas besoin de la faire!'" Duléry expressed, revealing that his passion for acting kept him busy enough without adding dance to the mix. He further clarified that it wasn’t monetary concerns that influenced his decision—"Ils pourraient me proposer ce qu'ils veulent…" he added. Instead, he emphasized, "Je danse comme une brêle. Je n'ai pas du tout envie" (I dance like a fool. I have no desire).
Meanwhile, moments of joy abound on the show, especially during a prime episode that aired on March 21, where dancer Elsa Bois was taken by surprise by her mother. This heartwarming moment was orchestrated as the dancers were challenged to include an unexpected third participant in their choreography. When Elsa’s mother joined them on stage, the emotional reunion led to tears of joy from both mother and daughter. "J'ai accepté de lui faire cette surprise parce que je veux lui montrer que, quoiqu'il arrive, elle restera toujours ma petite fille, et qu'elle pourra toujours compter sur moi," her mother said after the heartfelt performance, highlighting the unwavering support between them. Their heartfelt dance earned the duo high praise, scoring three 9s from the judges and an 8 from Chris Marques, making the moment all the more memorable.
Amidst the emotional performances, another significant story unfolded with 21-year-old Mayane, who recently opened up in an interview with Audrey Crespo-Mara about her experiences being bullied as a child. As a contestant on DALS, Mayane revealed that her childhood was marked by unkind words from her peers. Reflecting on her past, she stated, "Ce que je ressentais, c'était de la peine" (What I felt was pain), discussing the harsh nickname 'langue pendante' (hanging tongue) given to her by classmates. However, she triumphantly remarked on her achievements, saying, "J’ai marché à 21 mois. Je sais lire et écrire et j’en suis fière" (I walked at 21 months. I can read and write, and I am proud). Mayane's story resonates deeply with viewers, showcasing her strength and determination in the face of adversity.
On March 21, another surprise emerged when Ève Gilles, crowned Miss France 2024, was caught off guard by her partner Simon Favier during the special "danseurs mystères" episode of DALS. Simon, who has stayed out of the public eye during their year and a half together, revealed that stepping into the spotlight was a significant moment for them both. "Je pense qu’elle a besoin de soutien, et que c’est une très belle preuve d’amour," he stated, reinforcing the depth of their relationship. Their heartfelt interaction during the performance was a touching reminder of love and support, further illustrating that life outside the stage can often intertwine seamlessly with the glamorous world of television.
Eve, at just 21 years old, was taken by surprise as Simon joined her on stage to share a moment of joy and support, defying the common trope of the "miss" experience often leading to breakup. In fact, their love story had sparked prior to her winning Miss France, indicating a strong bond that navigated the pressures of fame.
As DALS continues to captivate audiences, the combination of dance, emotional reunions, and stories of overcoming challenges unites the contestants and their fans. This season has proven to be about more than just spectacular performances; it’s about celebrating life’s moments and the personal journeys that shape each individual participating. As viewers tune in each week, they are treated to not only exceptional dance routines but also the poignant reminders of love, support, and resilience that lie at the heart of each story.
