Sophie Davant's participation in this season of Danse avec les stars has been nothing short of captivating. Over recent weeks, as the dance competition intensifies, contestants face increasingly challenging routines and heightened pressure from judges and audiences alike. With tiredness setting in and stakes rising, the participants are wholly committed to shining on TF1’s famed dance floor.
During the latest round of performances, the magic of Disney took center stage on the show. It was Disney Night, and characters from beloved animated classics brought excitement to the floor. Davant, dancing with her partner Nicolas Archambault, had the challenging role of portraying Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Yet her performance did not kick off as planned; she stumbled during the beginning, closing her eyes and shaking her head as she grappled with her steps.
“It’s horrible, because I missed the beginning. Can we restart?” Davant expressed her frustration after the dance, demonstrating her desire to perfect her craft. Yet, she was met with encouragement from judge Fauve Hautot, who praised her for regaining composure. “You panicked at first, but you managed to recover,” Hautot noted. Fellow judge Chris Marques added, “Everyone misses steps. But the way you recovered was impressive!”
Despite her rocky start, Davant and Archambault earned a score of 5 from the judges, consolidately falling within the 'zone rouge' (red zone) of the competition with a total of 20 points. After the performance, an emotional Davant rushed to hug her partner William Leymergie, who was visibly proud of her efforts.
Notably, Leymergie, 78, has been vocal about his admiration for Davant’s commitment through this process. Initially skeptical about her participation, he has since become one of her most ardent supporters. Speaking to Figaro TV Magazine, he expressed, “At first, I thought, ‘What is this thing? Is it right for her?’ But seeing her determination, I realized she has incredible willpower, one I knew she had, but she’s applying it here to something new.” Leymergie has been impressed not only by her performance but the energy she exudes during extensive training sessions, which sometimes last from 11 AM to 8 PM. “She puts so much energy and courage. It astounds me!” he commented.
Before the latest performances, the show’s format presents additional challenges for all contestants. With the recent elimination of celebrity participant Nelson Monfort, anxiety permeates the atmosphere as contestants strive to avoid the same fate. Each week, they must secure favorable scores from the judges to remain safe.
On stage, Davant has shown exceptional growth, overcoming anxiety and pushing herself to do her best. Following her poignant tribute dance to her late mother, fans saw her emotional side, fueling their admiration. Post-performance, she shared her resolve via Instagram, thanking supporters and promising to continue improving: “Thanks to all of you for allowing me to keep this adventure going! I’m going to try to do even mieux (better)!”
The love and admiration within Davant-Coupled is palpable. Leymergie continually praises her efforts, noting how she seems to gain youthful energy when dancing. “I feel like she’s 20 years younger,” he exclaimed, as he applauded her tenacity. “I’m very proud of her!”
The bond Davant and Leymergie share stretches beyond their love as partners; they have been friends for years, having met when they were both working on Antenne 2. They never anticipated their relationship would evolve to share life together. “I deeply feel I need to please him; it’s important to admire the person you are with,” she noted when asked about their relationship dynamic.
The scores from the judges can be harsh, yet they are pivotal at this point, requiring contestants to excel week after week. Although Davant’s scores haven't always reflected her hard work, she remains undeterred. During this week’s Disney Night, she performed a lively samba to “Under the Sea,” showcasing both her spirit and dedication.
Unfortunately, the latest scores left her and Archambault at the bottom of the leaderboard for the evening. Nevertheless, with the relentless support from Leymergie, fans can expect Davant to bounce back and tackle future dances with the same gusto.
Danse avec les stars takes another break next week, as TF1 will air the concert of Les Enfoirés instead, giving contestants time to recuperate. The following round will challenge all participants to come back stronger and prepared to impress both judges and viewers alike.