The Grand Cactus team's recent adventure on the beloved game show Fort Boyard fulfilled all their hopes for laughter and excitement, even if it came with some unexpected fears. This Sunday evening, December 29, viewers across Belgium tuned in to witness the antics of the band of merry-makers who took on the iconic challenges of the fort.
Comprised of stylist and commentator David Jeanmotte, chronicler Livia Dushkoff, comedian Martin Charlier—known as 'Kiki l’innocent'—TikTok humorist Tamara Payne, also known as 'Stacy Star,' and actress and comedian Isabelle Hauben, the team was determined to tackle the physical and mental challenges the show has become famous for.
Speaking before the show aired, Jeanmotte, the team captain for the evening, described the experience as complicated yet extraordinary. "I still have anxiety. And Livia (Dushkoff) has her legs all bruised," Jeanmotte told Adrien Devyver during the last Grand Cactus broadcast of the year. He continued, "Luckily, Olivier (Minne) was there, otherwise I think I would have left quickly."
Viewers tuned in to underline the essence of his experience when he recounted what he felt was the worst sequence for him: being catapulted high up in the air by two bungee cords. "I have vertigo and fear of speed, Livia can tell you, especially when I’m with her in the car!" Jeanmotte recalled. He shared how the machine was stuck initially when he entered what he described as "a black coffin," adding, "They tried four to five times and it didn’t work. I was left there thinking, 'I'm going to die!'"
Hauben, who was imprisoned at the time, encouraged him, shouting, "David, get out of there!" The comedian admitted feeling genuine fear as the experiences unfurled, declaring, "Fort Boyard is dangerous. I was scared." When asked if he would participate again, he emphatically stated, "Never again! Even if they offered me a fortune, even if they offered to have sex with Olivier Minne!"
The show, airing on Tipik, not only entertained but offered insight to the high level of preparation and mental fortitude needed to tackle Fort Boyard’s challenges. Following the victories of two previous teams, this episode aimed to contribute to the cause of 'Viva for Life.' It was clear from the onset of their adventure, they were buoyed by adrenaline. "When they ushered us onto the small boat taking us to the fort, we transformed ourselves from mere mortals to warriors, ready to face whatever lay ahead," Jeanmotte explained.
They soon discovered, though, their physical limits. Each challenge became a test pushing their boundaries. For example, Jeanmotte spoke of his initial hesitance when confronted with the plummeting booth. For him, the idea of entering the telephonic eject booth required him to overcome deeply rooted fears of heights. "When I was asked to head to the ejection booth, I immediately panicked," he confessed.
What followed was borne of bravery inspired by the poignant stories of those who had faced their fears before him. Inspired by the champion of Drag Race, who bravely undertook fear-inducing stunts, Jeanmotte chose to step out of his comfort zone. "I walked backward, my eyes closed, pleading to be strapped down tightly. I didn’t open my eyes until the ordeal was over. I felt like I was inside a coffin almost, barely comprehending the riddle posed by the Father Fouras," he said.
Just when it seemed all too overwhelming, the booth, which had stalled upon launching, surprisingly shot out with the ferocity of a rocket, leading Jeanmotte to emerge trembling and teary-eyed.
"When I came out, I cried from the mix of stress, the relief of having completed the challenge and my fear welling up. Having asked myself whether I would do it again, I responded instantly: Never, even for vast sums of money!" he reiterated, cementing his resolve. The episode promises to be one for the books, filled with both humor and heart-stopping moments, showcasing not only challenges but also camaraderie and personal growth.
Olivier Minne, the show’s long-serving host, guided this crew through their experiences with humor and charm, promising more entertaining moments yet to come this season on Fort Boyard Belgique. Be sure to tune in at 20:30 on Tipik to witness this whirlwind of antics, challenges, and heartfelt interactions. It’s bound to be both riveting and amusing, just as Jeanmotte and his crew hoped.