The beloved French television series Plus Belle la Vie, which airs on TF1, experienced significant emotional moments during its recent episode on February 21, 2025, with the departure of Kilian, portrayed by Tim Rousseau. This decision, one filled with both excitement for new ventures and melancholy for loyal fans, marks the end of Kilian's time at the Mistral.
Kilian's exit was poignant. Rather than making intimate farewells to his family and friends, he left behind a selfie on the table at the Mistral before heading off to Australia to join Emma and Baptiste. This silent departure adds a layer of mystery and leaves viewers wondering about the emotional dynamics at play within the series.
The reasons behind Rousseau's departure were made clear months prior, when he expressed his feelings to Diverto, stating, "I have had enough of living through Kilian on screen... I need to take risks and explore new opportunities as I do not want to confine myself to this role."
Notably, his sentiments do not arise from dissatisfaction but rather from a yearning for personal and professional growth.
Rousseau's co-star, Laurent Kérusoré, who has played Thomas Marci for over two decades, reflected on Kilian's leaving. Emphasizing their strong off-screen camaraderie, Kérusoré said, "It would be misleading to say he isn't sad... It really gets him down to know the little guy he has worked with for four and a half years is leaving." Their connection, built through years of shared experiences, resonates deeply with fans.
Despite the sadness surrounding Kilian’s departure, Kérusoré was supportive of Rousseau’s move. "I’m disappointed because we have fun working together, but I can only encourage him on his path. Leaving something comfortable to re-enter the job market is brave, and I believe he will succeed. He is missed on set daily," Kérusoré noted, signifying how much Rousseau’s presence enriched the filming atmosphere.
With Kilian gone, how will Thomas cope with the emotional turmoil? Kérusoré highlighted his character’s struggle, saying, "Thomas is quite lost without his brother nearby. He has always valued family and friends above all else." This reflects the broader theme of family connection which resonates through the series.
The show has undergone various changes since returning to TF1, and Kérusoré feels positive about the character development Thomas has experienced. "It feels like the writers have really found interesting ways to evolve my character this past year," Kérusoré stated, indicating his satisfaction with how the narrative is progressing.
Though the show’s storyline may not depict Thomas sinking too deeply due to Kilian’s absence (there are still plenty of other arcs and unexpected developments on the horizon), fans can expect to see him grappling with his new lonely chapter. Thomas is also facing his own personal challenges, having recently undergone a divorce and dealing with separations from family.
There was speculation on whether Kilian’s departure would allow Thomas to embrace new responsibilities, perhaps considering fostering or mentoring younger characters as he did for Baptiste. Kérusoré expressed, "Those decisions are up to the writers, and I've learned to trust their creative process, which has always proven rewarding for my character."
Rousseau, meanwhile, is not completely stepping away from the spotlight. He hinted at potential future appearances, “It’s possible I might return for a story arc, but for now, I’m focused on exploring other projects,” he mentioned, keeping fans hopeful for his eventual comeback. For those eager to see him again, his next venture features him alongside Florent Peyre and Chantal Ladesou in the upcoming series Le Fil d'Ariane, set to premiere on March 3, 2025.
While Rousseau pursues theater and production, he mentions the desire to grow as both an actor and director, aiming to present authentic slices of humanity through his work. “I want to make films highlighting human flaws, experiences, and the true essence of character,” he passionately stated.
Rousseau's courageous departure from Plus Belle la Vie signifies not just the closing of one chapter, but also the opening of new possibilities, both for him and for the narrative paths of the show itself. Fans can celebrate the memories of Kilian’s impactful storylines, even as they look forward to what’s next for both Rousseau and Kérusoré's Thomas.