In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing clash between Natasha St-Pier and Inès Reg continues to capture public attention, more than a year after their infamous altercation on the popular dance show, Danse avec les stars. This past Friday, April 25, 2025, the show's 14th season concluded with Lénie emerging as the champion, watched by nearly 3.5 million viewers. However, the shadow of the previous season's conflict looms large, as Anthony Colette, a former partner of Inès Reg, openly criticized her for allegedly exploiting the feud for personal gain.
The clash between St-Pier and Reg was not just a fleeting moment; it turned into a sensational saga that gripped audiences throughout the previous season. A heated exchange during rehearsals escalated into a public spectacle, leading to a significant drop in the show's image. Yet, according to reports, the drama may have inadvertently boosted viewership. The 2024 season averaged 3.8 million viewers per episode, with a notable increase in key demographics, including a 38% market share among women under 50, a vital target for advertisers.
In a recent interview on Sud Radio, Anthony Colette expressed his disdain for Inès Reg's handling of the situation, suggesting that she and her dance partner, Christophe Licata, are capitalizing on their past conflict. "What’s really happening is that they’ve decided to use this situation to their advantage, especially since they didn’t win. They’re trying to profit from it," Colette stated. He further accused Licata of trying to ride the wave of publicity with the release of his book titled 'Révélations,' which coincidentally discusses the altercation.
Colette's remarks came just as Inès Reg integrated the conflict into her new comedy show, a move that he criticized as a blatant attempt to monetize their past drama. "In my show, I will make jokes about Natasha to lighten the mood, but I will use it as my anchor point because I know it will generate buzz," he mentioned, highlighting the strategic marketing angle Reg appears to be pursuing.
Meanwhile, the 14th season of Danse avec les stars has been marked by a stark contrast in atmosphere compared to the previous year. This season focused on fostering a sense of community among contestants, with the production team emphasizing the importance of camaraderie. Reports indicate that the contestants enjoyed a summer camp-like experience, as noted by eliminated participant Julie Zenatti, who described the bond formed among them as magical. "I met amazing people. It felt like a summer camp because we all accepted being completely vulnerable on this show," Zenatti shared.
Despite the drama of the past, the current season has maintained strong viewer engagement, averaging 3.30 million viewers, slightly down from the previous year but still a significant number. The production has worked diligently to erase the memory of last season's controversies by showcasing the positive interactions among contestants, with various segments highlighting their friendships and teamwork.
In a bid to shift focus away from past conflicts, the show has featured numerous segments that portray the contestants enjoying each other's company, sharing meals, and supporting one another. This strategy appears to be effective, as evidenced by the ratings and the positive feedback from viewers regarding the atmosphere on set.
As the dust settles from the 14th season, it remains to be seen whether the ongoing feud between St-Pier and Reg will finally come to a close. Natasha St-Pier, who has recently commented on the situation, expressed a mix of feelings about the ongoing attention the conflict receives. She noted, "I think it’s great for my song, for the authors and composers who earn royalties every night. But it’s sad that this conflict is what people remember from Inès’s show." Her remarks reflect a deeper sentiment about the nature of fame and the sometimes uncomfortable intersection of personal disputes and public entertainment.
In the meantime, the competition continues to thrive, proving that even amidst controversy, Danse avec les stars has managed to secure its place as a beloved fixture in French television. The show’s ability to adapt and evolve, while maintaining strong viewer interest, is a testament to its enduring appeal.
As for Anthony Colette, his criticisms of Inès Reg and Christophe Licata may stir further debate, but they also underscore the complexities of reality television, where personal conflicts can quickly become public spectacles. The question remains: will this ongoing drama eventually fade, or will it continue to be a talking point in the entertainment industry?
