Teddy Riner, the celebrated French judo champion, is branching out beyond the tatami and stepping firmly onto the television stage. The Olympic gold medalist recently showcased his versatility as he hosted the coveted ‘Gala des pièces jaunes’ on France 2, and he is set to take on the role of host for the Netflix hit ‘Love Is Blind’ alongside his partner, Luthna Plocus.
On January 28, 2025, Riner appeared on the popular talk show ‘C à vous’ where he spoke with host Anne-Elisabeth Lemoine about his unique experiences on the entertainment front. The chemistry between Riner and Lemoine brought humor and charisma to the show, especially when Lemoine playfully asked if Riner could carry her during the live segment. “Oh le kiffe,” she exclaimed as she was literally lifted off her feet, momentarily taking the audience by surprise.
Reflecting on his hosting duties at the gala, Riner admitted it was no easy feat. “À chaque fois, la régie me rappelait 'il faut y aller, on a encore 2 minutes, 30 secondes, c'est tout de suite, bon, on va faire attendre, du coup, t'es pas prêt,'” he shared, highlighting the pressure of keeping the show pacing intact. Despite the challenges, he managed to add his flair to the event, even taking the opportunity to dance during the performance, much to the amusement of viewers.
The gala itself was a star-studded affair, with musical performances from renowned artists including Katy Perry and John Legend. Riner expressed immense gratitude for being part of such impactful philanthropy, remarking, “Franchement, merci à cette équipe, parce qu'ils m'ont fait vivre déjà quelque chose d'exceptionnel [...] et vraiment, je me suis quand même bien amusé aussi.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he described the sense of camaraderie and excitement within the atmosphere, aiming to improve conditions for children's hospitalization through the charitable event.
But Riner’s newfound love for hosting doesn’t end here; he is also preparing for his role on the French version of ‘Love Is Blind’—a dating reality show where singles seek connections without seeing each other first. Riner explained why he accepted this role, asserting it felt like a natural fit due to his upbringing and affection for entertainment: “Lorsque on m'a proposé cette émission, pour moi, c'était logique à faire [comme] première chose avec ma femme.” He revealed they had discussed the idea prior, considering it as their debut endeavor together on-screen.
The idea of promoting love resonates with Riner, who reflects warmly on his personal life as well, having met Luthna during the 2007 World Judo Championships. Their shared experiences, including parenthood with their two children, add depth to his perspective as they prepare to venture together within this new role.
With excitement tinging every interaction, Teddy Riner’s move from judo champion to television host appears promising. His charisma and approachable demeanor may just be the right ingredients to captivate audiences on both the streaming platform and network television. Fans of the sport and entertainment alike are curious to see how he will weave his athletic prowess with his newfound flair for hosting on such popular platforms.
His transition is emblematic of the way today’s athletes remain multifaceted as they navigate various mediums, and Teddy Riner exemplifies this shift beautifully. Celebrated for his incredible achievements on the mat, he is now set to conquer the hearts of viewers on their screens, embarking on what could be yet another groundbreaking chapter of his illustrious career.