Garance Pardigon, a prominent journalist on TF1's morning show "Bonjour!", bid farewell to her viewers on Thursday, April 17, 2025, as she prepares to embark on her maternity leave. The 33-year-old journalist, who is eight and a half months pregnant with her second child, received a heartfelt send-off from her colleagues, particularly from the show's host, Bruce Toussaint.
During her last appearance, Pardigon presented the morning news, which included various topics such as extraordinary snowfall in the Northern Alps, recent attacks on the prison administration in France, and the ongoing silence from the Vatican regarding allegations of sexual abuse against Abbé Pierre. She also touched upon the peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, the upcoming strikes at the SNCF, and the celebration of Flixbus's tenth anniversary.
As the show came to a close, Toussaint expressed his admiration for Pardigon's ability to balance her demanding role as a morning journalist with her impending motherhood. He presented her with a bouquet of spring flowers, saying, "I wanted to say in front of all of France how impeccable you have been during these months, because it’s difficult to reconcile the job of a morning journalist and this happy event." The applause from the audience and crew echoed his sentiments.
In a light-hearted moment, Pardigon responded with a playful declaration, stating, "I have a little impression that we have already made a child together, you and me, you know why? Because: we haven’t slept, we’ve lived through intensely crazy moments, and in the end, despite all this difficulty, we are proud and happy, and we will meet again!" The exchange brought laughter to the studio, highlighting the camaraderie between the two journalists.
Pardigon has been a staple of "Bonjour!" since its inception on January 8, 2024, presenting news segments every morning from Monday to Friday. Her departure marks a significant change for the program, as viewers will need to adjust to her absence for several weeks. In her place, Solenn Riou will step in as the new presenter starting Friday, April 18, 2025, at 7 a.m.
Riou, 31, hails from Nantes and has a strong background in journalism. She graduated from the Centre de Formation des Journalistes de Paris (CFJ) and holds a Bachelor's degree in communication from Sam Houston State University in Texas. Her professional journey includes stints at Non Stop People and BeIn Media Group, as well as working on iTélé (now known as CNews) from 2015 to 2021.
In 2022, Riou served as an international reporter for LCI, covering significant events such as the Ukrainian crisis, the American presidential campaign, and the conflicts in Israel, Morocco, and Armenia. Her experience makes her well-equipped to handle the fast-paced environment of "Bonjour!" during Pardigon's maternity leave.
On social media, Pardigon shared her feelings about her upcoming leave, stating, "We cannot defy the laws of physics forever… It is time for me to take time!" She expressed gratitude towards Toussaint and her team for their support, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of her departure.
"This is always, I think, a special moment for a future mother. Between the relief of finally being able to rest and the flood of questions about what comes next," she wrote. Pardigon is already a mother to a four-year-old son named Joseph and is preparing to welcome a daughter into the family.
Her husband, Mathieu, has also been supportive during this transition. Pardigon shared that he expressed happiness about her taking a break, saying, "I am glad you are stopping for a bit." This sentiment underscores the importance of family support during this significant life change.
As Pardigon prepares for the joys and challenges of motherhood, she looks forward to returning to her role on "Bonjour!" after her leave. "To us, soon, the wave of love and life as a family of four. For me, right now, the much-needed rest," she concluded in her Instagram post. "You will miss me!"
As viewers adjust to the change in presenters, they can anticipate Riou's dynamic presence on the show. Having already filled in for Pardigon earlier this month, she is familiar with the format and audience, ensuring a smooth transition for the program.
Pardigon's heartfelt farewell and the introduction of Riou mark a significant moment in the ongoing journey of "Bonjour!" as it continues to evolve and adapt. The show remains committed to delivering timely news and engaging content to its audience, even as it navigates these personal milestones within its team.
