Rumors of romance are swirling as swimmer Florent Manaudou and dancer Elsa Bois continue to capture the spotlight during the 2025 season of Danse avec les stars (DALS), which kicked off on February 21, 2025. This season, fans are not just watching for the choreography but are increasingly captivated by the alleged chemistry between the pair.
The buzz around this duo intensified following their salsa performance to "The Time Of My Life" on February 7. The combination of Manaudou, an accomplished Olympic champion, and Bois, a talented dancer, has led spectators to speculate that their connection may go beyond simple camaraderie. As they rehearse for each weekly performance, the media and fans alike have taken a keen interest in their interactions.
On March 18, Jean-Marc Généreux, a judge on the show, acknowledged the speculation during an interview, expressing frustration at the public’s assumptions about the couple. He remarked, "Very often, it’s fantasies. People think there must be this or that… But they spend eight hours a day together. It’s normal that they look at each other and share little glances." This statement summarizes the tension surrounding the pair, highlighting how their daily interactions are often misinterpreted.
The narrative surrounding their relationship intensified following Bois's recent breakup with her former partner, Michou, a popular YouTuber. A joint statement released by the former couple in early 2025 confirmed their separation after a lengthy reflection, setting the stage for speculation regarding Bois and Manaudou’s association. They articulated, "We think it’s time to clarify the situation. As you noticed, we haven’t been seen together for a while; the reason is that we mutually decided to separate after a long period of reflection."
Despite denials from Manaudou regarding any romantic involvement with Bois, saying in a segment on 50' Inside, "This is not the case at all. It's true that it’s a special show because we have to dance very close. We spend a lot of time together; it’s a very cool moment, but for those around us, it can be a bit different," the speculation continues to spiral.
A particularly telling sign of the media's focus on the couple is their omission from a recent promotional interview featuring all other contestants. On March 21, 2025, on the official TF1 account, all dance duos participated in an interview except for Bois and Manaudou. This absence has fueled even more intrigue, with many interpreting it as a deliberate strategy by TF1 to stifle the gossip surrounding them. However, the decision may have inadvertently fanned the flames of speculation regarding a hidden romance.
The mounting public scrutiny is not limited to comments on social media. Fellow contestants have rallied around Bois, who seems to be struggling under the weight of the allegations. One dancer affirmed, "It’s a young woman who is amazing, kind, and has a big heart. Her personal life is just that, personal. Breakups happen to everyone, known or not; it is part of life." There has been a noticeable outpouring of support for her amidst the swirl of negative commentary.
While the speculations rage on, the show progresses. During their rehearsals, the duo faces the added pressure of delivering strong performances amidst these swirling rumors. As they now prepare for a contemporary dance to the poignant song "SOS d’un terrien en détresse" by Daniel Balavoine, Manaudou’s anxiety is evident. In a rehearsals video, he states to Bois, "You don’t do [the choreography], you only look at me, and that put pressure on me," showcasing how the public narrative has seeped into their artistic expression.
As Danse avec les stars continues to unfold, the future of Manaudou and Bois' partnership—both on and off the dance floor—remains uncertain. With three contestants already eliminated, including Nelson Monfort, and a sixth prime about to introduce a surprise mystery guest, all eyes will be on them. Will the rumors dissipate, or will they become further ingrained in the show's history? Sensing the urgency, the couple appears to tread carefully, juggling their performances while navigating the tumult of public opinion and media scrutiny.
This 2025 season seems destined to leave a lasting impact—not solely for its dazzling choreography but also for the riveting, ongoing narrative intertwined with the romantic implications surrounding Florent Manaudou and Elsa Bois. As they prepare to dance tonight, the audience waits with bated breath, eager to see both the elegance of their routine and whether the whispers will evolve into something more substantial.