Julien Lepers. Bravo, you are a champion!
Nice-Première met him at the Monte Carlo Television Festival. However, it is true that the residents of the Azure Coast can often spot Julien Lepers on the streets of towns along the French Riviera.
This year, by hosting Intervilles, he follows in the footsteps of Guy Lux, Léon Zitrone, and even Jean-Pierre Foucault. A challenge? No, just pure pleasure!
So this summer, join us every Monday evening on France 3 to have fun with Intervilles! The ever-lasting game show that continues to thrive without losing its edge!
Nice-Première: You are part of the new team of Intervilles.
Julien Lepers: Yes, indeed, I was approached. It took a while to negotiate, but it finally happened. The team is made up of Tex, Nathalie Simon, Vanessa Dolmen, Robert Wurtz, and Philippe Corti.
N-P: How would you define this show?
J.L.: It’s a relaxing, straightforward, popular show that appeals to all audiences and generations. A holiday program that’s not complicated, and I’m going to keep it that way.
N-P: Intervilles is a well-known show; what memories do you have from the era of Guy Lux and Léon Zitrone?
J.L.: It’s funny, honestly. It’s a holiday show, as I just said. You can’t help but laugh. There are guys falling over, it’s hilarious. The little bulls chasing the contestants for one night. It’s funny, that’s it. And I want to have a laugh; we live in a world, a society where we don’t laugh often enough, and I need to laugh. I want to make shows where we can have a bit of fun.
N-P: What are the new features?
J.L.: First, we’re changing the channel. Changing channels is not a trivial matter; it’s significant. It was on channel two; now it comes to France 3. Second novelty: Live. There aren’t many live shows anymore. We have some, but very few: Fogiel, Miss France, Star Academy… there aren’t many. Live means anything can happen. It’s without a safety net. You can’t restart. We are live. If there are protests by angry farmers or others, you have to deal with them. It can be funny. I think it’s going to be funny; if it’s not, it means we’ve missed our mark.
N-P: Any new games?
J.L.: There are new games, but of course, the little bulls are inevitable. The whole team is also new.
N-P: Will you keep the “Question for a Champion” label in Intervilles, like playing the Mr. Know-It-All?
J.L.: No, no, I don’t know everything at all. (Laughs)
N-P: People see you as an emblem of correct French; will you maintain the role of the “General Knowledge” host?
J.L.: It’s incredible if people knew. I don’t know everything, you can’t know everything anyway. Knowledge is inexhaustible.
N-P: Why did France Télévision want you for Intervilles?
J.L.: Because they believe that on channel 3, I am essential for Intervilles. (laughs)
N-P: And in the fall, will we see your show “Questions for a Champion”?
J.L.: I have a big scoop to announce. I am doing “Questions for a Champion” this fall. It’s the scoop of the year! (Laughs) But there will be something new, I’m not allowed to say yet. Something is changing about the game and it’s very good. I’m very pleased.
N-P: What is the success of this show?
J.L.: It’s a question I’m often asked. It arrived at the right time when needed. People needed a program like this, a concept based on questions and answers.
N-P: What is a day like no other for you?
J.L.: It’s hard because there are no days that are the same except when I record “Question for a Champion.” Last week, I did 5 days in a row. I recorded 30 shows and now we are taped until August 12th. I’m dead tonight. I’m exhausted. (Laughs) There are no similar days. It’s true that it’s quite a pleasant life. There is no job security. I’m not a civil servant. You have to know how to swim, have a lot of flair, a lot of flair.
N-P: Is the music field still appealing to you?
J.L.: Yes, of course. I was on tour last winter.
