The iconic French television show Le Bigdil is making its grand return on RMC Story, set to premiere on January 2, 2025, nearly twenty years after its original run concluded. Hosted by Vincent Lagaf, this nostalgic revival promises to replicate all the charm and magic of the original series, evoking fond memories for long-time fans.
Vincent Lagaf's enthusiasm for bringing back Le Bigdil is palpable. Having been approached multiple times to revive the show, he previously declined due to various reasons including lack of proper funding or the right vision. But when Antoine Henriquet from Ah! Production called him with viable plans to reclaim the rights to the show, Lagaf jumped at the opportunity. 'I said, let's do it!' Lagaf recalled, reflecting on the excitement of returning to such beloved territory.
The atmosphere during the recent recordings has been nothing short of electric. Lagaf remarked on the overwhelming reception from the audience when he first greeted them, feeling akin to walking onto the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. 'I received five minutes of standing ovation before I could even say hello,' said Lagaf, reminiscing about the warmth still present from the show's fans.
The revival will also see the return of several familiar faces, most prominently Gilles Vautier, who will again don the suit of Bill, the beloved extraterrestrial character. Vautier, who has been portraying Bill since the show began on TF1, shared his sentiments about stepping back onto the set, stating, 'It’s reassuring to return like this. The technique remains the same as it was back in 1998, though now I have less equipment to deal with.' Now equipped with wireless sensors and relying on facial recognition technology from his smartphone, Vautier can create the same magical Bill character, replete with expressive features such as eyes, mouth, and eyebrows.
Despite this modernization, Vautier admitted there is much nostalgia tied to the original show. With fond memories of the first time Lagaf introduced him to the public, he said, 'I was engulfed as people clamored for autographs—something I hadn't expected at all. It was the only time I experienced full-blown panic; it was overwhelming!' Such emotions signal the lasting impact of Le Bigdil on its viewers and its significant place within the French entertainment industry.
Although some elements of the original cast won't be returning, such as Ramuncho (portrayed by Hervé Budin), the essence of the show remains intact. The duo of Lagaf and Vautier is, according to Lagaf, 'indivisible from this program.' Their connection dates back to their first meeting at the Carré Blanc cabaret, where mutual respect and camaraderie were born through playful banter.
Vautier reflects on this friendship, noting how magical it felt to be involved with someone who was 'a little famous' at the time. They quickly connected through their shared love of entertainment, and as Vautier asserts, this dynamic is what has made their collaboration so successful over the years.
With the essence and techniques of the original show preserved, Lagaf and Vautier are gearing up to bring back all the fan-favorite elements from the original broadcasts, including the catchphrases and signature style of humor. For Lagaf, the emotional connection with the viewers is what he treasures most about this revival.
RMC Story’s new version of Le Bigdil is not just about reviving ratings; it's about rekindling those heartfelt connections to memories from childhood. Vautier revealed, 'Whenever I meet fans—many of whom are now adults—and they recognize my voice, they often get emotional. There are kids who come up to me even now and say with tears welling up, “Is it really you?” When I speak as Bill, it transports them right back to their childhood.'
Fans eagerly await the return of the original format, the familiar faces, and the nostalgic atmosphere as Le Bigdil prepares to entertain audiences once again. It embodies the spirit of its original 1998-2004 run, distilled through the lenses of modern technology and retained through the enduring friendship of Lagaf and Vautier.
With laughter expected to once again flood the screens, the countdown to January 2 has begun. The excitement surrounding Le Bigdil is palpable, and for many, it marks the return of cherished memories and beloved television moments.