As the sun rises over France, viewers tuning into France 2’s morning show, Télématin, will notice a familiar face taking the helm. Louise Ekland, alongside Jean-Baptiste Marteau, has stepped in to replace Flavie Flament and Julien Arnaud for a brief stint from May 5 to May 8, 2025. This isn’t Ekland’s first time in the spotlight; she previously filled in during the summer of 2024 for the Paris Olympic Games, showcasing her adaptability and charm.
Ekland, who was born in Liverpool and became a French citizen in July 2024, expressed her delight at being part of the Télématin team. "I didn’t expect it at all. It was a phone call out of the blue, as we say in England. But it was a good surprise, and I immediately accepted! I see it as a gift," she shared in an interview with Télé 7 Jours when she first joined the show.
The dynamic duo of Ekland and Marteau is set to engage audiences for four days, a temporary arrangement that has sparked curiosity about Flament’s absence. According to a press release from the communication agency Chupa Renié, Flament will return to her hosting duties on May 12, 2025, after taking a short break.
While stepping into the role of a joker can be demanding, Ekland seems to thrive in this environment. She manages to juggle her responsibilities as a co-host with her own production company, Team Ekland, which she has successfully operated for the last seven years. "I’m very involved, and it’s going well," she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to her ventures outside of television.
Despite the challenges that come with early morning broadcasts, Ekland does not seem frustrated with her role as a substitute. "I’m absolutely not frustrated. Télématin is a life apart. I’m very happy with my role as a joker, and I’d like it to stay that way," she stated, demonstrating her contentment with the current arrangement.
Her co-host, Jean-Baptiste Marteau, also brings a wealth of experience to the show. After the departure of Thomas Sotto, Marteau had hoped to transition from a joker to a main host but was ultimately passed over in favor of Julien Arnaud. "When you learn news that isn’t what you hoped for, how can you react? Like everyone else. But I never look back; otherwise, you become bitter," he explained in a previous interview.
Marteau’s commitment to Télématin remains unwavering, even as he adjusts to the demands of early morning television. He has adopted a new lifestyle to accommodate his responsibilities, waking up at 3:40 AM to prepare for the show. In an interview with Télé-Loisirs, he shared, "With Télématin, my life has changed. When I invite people over for dinner, we sit down at 7:30 PM, and by 9:30 PM, I send the signals for them to leave!"
As Ekland and Marteau take on this week’s hosting duties, viewers can expect a fresh and engaging experience, enriched by Ekland’s previous experience and her vibrant personality. The Franco-British journalist has carved a niche for herself in French television, having worked on various formats for France Télévisions for over 15 years. Her ability to switch seamlessly between English and French has made her a valuable asset to the network.
While the show’s regular hosts take a brief hiatus, Ekland’s presence is a reminder of the talent that exists within the realm of French morning television. Her journey from a surprise phone call to a prominent role in Télématin reflects her dedication and passion for the medium.
As the week progresses, fans of Télématin will be keen to tune in and see how Ekland and Marteau navigate the morning news cycle. With her infectious enthusiasm and Marteau’s seasoned experience, the pair is poised to deliver a week of lively discussions and engaging segments.
Looking ahead, the question remains: will Ekland ever transition from her joker role to a permanent position on the show? For now, she seems content with her current arrangement, focusing on her production company and family life, which includes raising her two sons.
While the future of her role on Télématin remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Louise Ekland’s charm and professionalism are sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers during her time as a co-host. As she embraces this opportunity, the audience can look forward to a week filled with warmth, humor, and insightful discussions.
The return of Flavie Flament on May 12 will undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm, but for now, Ekland and Marteau are ready to bring their unique flair to the show. With a blend of experience and fresh perspective, Télématin continues to be a staple of morning television in France, engaging viewers and keeping them informed as they start their day.
