Jacques Legros, a beloved figure in French television, is set to bid farewell to the 13h news on TF1 after nearly 27 years of dedicated service. Known for his role as the substitute presenter, Legros has been a familiar face for viewers, stepping in for Jean-Pierre Pernaut and Marie-Sophie Lacarrau during their absences since 1999. His last live broadcast will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the end of an era for the channel and its audience.
As Legros prepares for his final appearance, he expressed a mix of emotions, revealing on Sud Radio that he anticipates a challenging farewell. “The last might be quite bad. I feel a certain emotion rising. I will try to steel myself. And I know there are little things that will happen too,” he said on May 7, 2025. His apprehension is palpable as he reflects on the significance of this moment in his career.
The choice of date for his last broadcast was not entirely in his hands. Marie-Sophie Lacarrau, who has been on vacation, set the timing for his departure. “This date was imposed on me by Marie-Sophie Lacarrau, who wanted to take a week off at that moment. Naturally, I replaced her. It could have been the following week or the week before; it would have been the same. I didn’t choose May 9. However, I chose to stop here,” Legros explained.
Legros, who has always been passionate about journalism and his role at TF1, emphasized that he did not want to overstretch his time on air. “I don’t want to do the news report too many times, so I’m not taking risks. I love TF1, this news, and the team. I’m not tired, but it’s time,” he stated, showcasing his deep connection to the network and its staff.
During his last week on air, which began on May 5, 2025, Legros has received heartfelt messages from colleagues and viewers alike. Marie-Sophie Lacarrau shared her appreciation for him, stating, “I want to thank you for everything you have brought to the 13h news [...] Personally, there’s a tradition that I will miss. It’s ours, when we used to leave little notes on each other’s desks [...] I’m thinking of you very much.”
Despite his long tenure, Legros has not shied away from new experiences. In 2024, he participated in the popular show Mask Singer, where he was unmasked in the first episode. Reflecting on this experience, he humorously remarked, “I had forgotten one detail. You can’t move with little paws like that and little hands. Compared to those who danced next to me [...], I was like a fool in my costume where it was 100 degrees!”
As he approaches his final broadcast, Legros has shared his concerns about the surprises his colleagues might have planned for him. “It’s complicated; it’s a somewhat paradoxical feeling. On one hand, I want to go, and on the other hand, I’m afraid to go,” he confessed during an interview. He is particularly anxious about what his friends at the station might have prepared for his farewell. “I know they’re preparing a nasty surprise,” he added, hinting at the camaraderie and playful spirit that has characterized his time at TF1.
Looking ahead, Legros is not stepping away from the spotlight entirely. He has expressed openness to new opportunities, stating, “I’m open to any new adventure.” He will be replaced by Isabelle Ithurburu, marking a significant transition for the channel. “I’m happy to see two women from the south succeed two men from the north,” he noted, acknowledging the changing dynamics at TF1.
Legros has also shared his plans for the future, which include accompanying his wife, Valérie, to Sacramento, California, where she will teach at a university for six weeks. He plans to stay in California for two to three weeks, potentially enjoying some family time with their son, Gabriel, who may join them.
As he prepares to say goodbye to the viewers who have welcomed him into their homes for nearly three decades, Legros reflects on the emotional weight of his departure. “I will miss the appointment with the viewers and working with my team that I have known for so long. TF1 has been a home for me, and I have a lot of affection for it,” he said, underscoring the deep connections he has formed with both colleagues and the audience.
In the lead-up to his last broadcast, Legros has been careful about how he wants to address his audience. He has stated that he does not wish to prepare a grand speech, preferring instead to speak from the heart. “I want it to come from the gut and the heart,” he emphasized, indicating his desire for authenticity in his farewell.
As the clock ticks down to his final appearance, Jacques Legros is poised to leave a lasting legacy at TF1. His blend of professionalism, warmth, and humor has resonated with viewers throughout his career, and while he may be stepping away from the news desk, his influence will undoubtedly remain. The farewell on May 9 promises to be a poignant moment, not just for Legros, but for all those who have followed his journey over the years.
