The glitter and drama of Danse avec les stars (Dancing with the Stars) continued this past Friday, February 20th, as another celebrity contestant bid farewell to the competition. The popular French reality show, broadcast on TF1, saw a surprising elimination after a night filled with challenging choreography and guest judging from former Star Academy instructor, Malika Benjelloun. While the competition remains fierce, the pressure mounts each week as the remaining couples strive to impress both the judges and the viewing public. This week’s elimination underscores the unpredictable nature of the show, where even established personalities can find themselves vulnerable.
The evening’s performances were marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Chanteuse Emma, a former contestant on Star Academy, opened the show with a rumba alongside her partner Dorian Rollin, receiving a score of 37 points, a result that visibly disappointed the singer. Meanwhile, Julien Lieb was unfortunately sidelined due to an injury, preventing him from participating in the quickstep. The challenges set by Benjelloun added an extra layer of complexity to the routines, testing the contestants’ versatility and synchronization. The stakes were particularly high as the bottom two couples faced off in a tense dance-off, ultimately determining who would leave the competition. Danse avec les stars consistently draws a large audience in France, and the show’s blend of celebrity appeal and dance spectacle continues to captivate viewers.
A Demanding Night for Veteran Broadcaster Stéphane Bern
After a night of performances, it was veteran broadcaster Stéphane Bern and his partner Calisson Goasdoué who found themselves eliminated from Danse avec les stars. According to reports, Bern received a low score of 29 points, placing him directly in the danger zone. MSN France detailed how the challenge imposed by Malika Benjelloun—integrating a charleston into a quickstep while maintaining synchronization—proved particularly difficult for the pair. Chris Marques, one of the judges, acknowledged the difficulty, awarding Bern a score of just 5.
Bern and Goasdoué then faced Marcus and Marie Denigot in a tense dance-off. The public vote favored Marcus and Marie, sending Bern home. Camille Combal, the show’s host, described Bern as the “mascotte of the adventure,” highlighting his beloved status among viewers and fellow contestants. The elimination was a surprise to many, given Bern’s established presence in French media as a historian and commentator on royalty. His departure leaves a void in the competition, both in terms of personality and experience.
Challenges and Standout Performances
The evening wasn’t without its other dramatic moments. Maghla experienced a mid-performance partner switch, with Adrien Caby being replaced by Elsa Bois mid-choreography. Lucie Bernardoni delivered a captivating tango, earning a 9 from judges Mel Charlot and Malika Benjelloun. Laure Manaudou shared a vulnerable side during her rumba, while Ian Ziering received encouragement from his partner Denitsa Ikonomova’s companion, François Alu. Samuel Bambi topped the leaderboard with a score of 46 points, even receiving the first 10 of the season from Mel Charlot.
Julien Lieb’s injury added an unexpected twist to the evening. He explained that he narrowly avoided needing surgery, which could have ended his participation in the show. Voici reported that Lieb is hoping for a swift recovery and a return to the competition. The incident underscores the physical demands of the show and the risks faced by the contestants.
Previous Eliminations and the Road Ahead
Stéphane Bern is not the first contestant to leave the competition this season. TF1’s website confirms that Philippe Lellouche was the first to be eliminated on February 13th, following criticism of his performance and subsequent comments after the show. Lellouche’s elimination sparked debate among viewers and commentators, highlighting the subjective nature of the judging process and the impact of public opinion. The show was briefly paused the previous week to avoid clashing with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
As the competition progresses, the remaining couples will undoubtedly face increasing pressure to deliver exceptional performances. The show’s format, which combines professional choreography with celebrity participation, continues to attract a large and dedicated audience. The blend of dance styles, coupled with the personal stories of the contestants, creates a compelling viewing experience. The judges—Fauve Hautot, Jean-Marc Généreux, Chris Marques, and Mel Charlot—will continue to provide their expert critiques, while the public ultimately decides the fate of the remaining couples.
The remaining contestants include Emma and Dorian Rollin, Lucie Bernardoni and Christophe Licata, Ian Ziering and Denitsa Ikonomova, Juju Fitcats and Jordan Mouillerac, Marcus and Marie Denigot, Maghla and Elsa Bois, Angélique Angarni-Filopon and her partner, and Samuel Bambi and his partner. Each couple will be striving to improve their scores and avoid the dreaded dance-off, as they vie for the coveted title of Danse avec les stars champion.
Danse avec les stars airs every Friday at 9:05 PM on TF1. Viewers can find additional content, including behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews, on the TF1+ platform. The next episode promises to be another exciting installment of the competition, as the remaining couples push their limits and battle for a place in the final.
The competition will continue next Friday, February 27th, with a new set of challenges and performances. Be sure to tune in to see which couple will shine and which will face elimination. Share your thoughts on the latest episode and your predictions for the future in the comments below!