Julien Lepers, a prominent figure in French television, is best known for hosting the iconic quiz show “Questions pour un champion” on France 3 for 28 years. With a background in journalism and a passion for music, Lepers carved out a niche for himself with his dynamic style and unique humor, becoming one of the most recognizable TV personalities in France. Over the years, he has also made a name for himself as a composer and performer, engaging in various television and radio projects that have solidified his presence in the French audiovisual landscape.
As he approaches the ten-year mark since his departure from “Questions pour un champion” on February 20, Lepers reflects on his exit with bitterness. He was dismissed in July 2015 after nearly three decades with the public service, a decision influenced by then-CEO Delphine Ernotte, who deemed his salary excessive during a budget reduction period. Ernotte aimed to modernize the network’s image and its game shows.
Samuel Etienne was selected to succeed Lepers, while “Questions pour un champion” continued to evolve and maintain its audience. In the wake of his dismissal, Lepers filed a lawsuit against France Télévisions, which concluded in 2020 with disappointment as he received only his final paycheck, falling far short of the €3.4 million he had hoped to recover.
Even after the passage of years, Lepers retains a palpable resentment. In a recent interview on Instagram with Kamasoumax, he openly criticized his successor, expressing sadness over the apparent decline of the show he helped elevate. He commented on the show’s diminished presence, stating, “It hurts to see this show, which I created, go down the drain.” Though he refrains from naming Etienne directly, his frustration is evident, remarking, “It’s another who took my place. But I see he has messed it up since it’s ending!”
When asked about his role in this decline, Lepers remains ambiguous, suggesting that the current host may share some responsibility for the show’s fate. While he insists on having “created” the program, it’s important to note that the format, originally developed by Australian Reg Grundy and adapted in France by Fremantle Media, was not exclusively his invention. Nonetheless, Lepers remains the iconic face of the show for nearly 30 years, and his strong emotional attachment to it is clear.
Despite the difficult emotions surrounding his departure, it remains crucial to acknowledge the impact Lepers has had on the French television landscape, and his legacy continues to provoke discussions about the evolution of game shows in the country. As viewers reflect on past seasons of “Questions pour un champion,” they are reminded of the indelible mark Lepers left on this beloved format.