"I'm so happy that I want to shout it from the rooftops!" “It's hard to be more enthusiastic than Jean-Marc Généreux. Between two takes of a film by Michael Damion (Alias Danny, in "The fires of love") for which he provides the choreography, the historic juror of "Dance with the stars" announces that he is leaving TF1 for France 2. He will host “Spectaculaire”, a program between “the greatest cabaret in the world” and “Incredible talent” with twelve acts bringing together all artistic disciplines. “We were looking for an expert rather than a host to embody this great show,” explains Alexandra Redde-Amiel, director of entertainment for France Télévisions. Jean-Marc is a passionate, an international artist who speaks to the world of show business. We really bet on him. "
Are you the new Patrick Sébastien from France 2?
JEAN-MARC GENEROUS. How could I imagine, once in my life, to be this guy? It's impossible! He's a thousand years old… uh, big hits. I have enormous respect for him. And God knows there are dozens of wonderful conventional animators out there, but they didn't come looking for that in me, either. France 2 wants my expertise, my perspective on performing artists. They want my colors, my passions, my flavors, my energy. And also my little Hugh Jackman showman side. There is a child in me, amazed, curious, funny. There is no limit. And there it is as if I had been given the keys to a new theater. Life hasn't always been generous with me, but I feel so legitimate in this role. I'm feeling lucky. I will be a poet. It fills my plate and I'm going to binge.
Will you always be heard shouting "And this, I buy!" »When you like a number?
Not necessarily. From now on, I will ask the public to repeat after me: “Spectacular, what is it? Spectacular! It's going to be wildfire. I think I'll do the twelve numbers on my own! (laughs) What I also love is the mapping technique which will allow the performances to be sublimated with virtual paintings, as in “Dance with the stars” but for all disciplines. We are going to experience an artistic feast.
With "Spectaculaire", you will highlight artists who can no longer perform on stage now ...
That fucking crap Covid shit threw all these artists out. The spectators can no longer go to see them, in a room, in a zenith. But we are going to bring the show into the people's living room, in complete safety, with the children, with grandpa, grandma and auntie. We're all going to have fun. It really is a public service show.
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Like “Incredible talent” this week , are you worried that the Covid-19 will postpone the filming of “Spectacular”, scheduled for the end of September?
The train will leave the station in a few weeks. We hope that everyone will be on board, that everything will be fine. But we are not immune to bad news. For my part, I carried out two negative Covid tests. I wash my hands a thousand times a day, I am always with my mask in the presence of someone or three meters away. We will also take all the necessary precautions with a distance between members of the public, for example.
A show of your own, did you dream of it?
All my life I have been told: "You are different". Looking at myself in the mirror, I often told myself that I was shorter, more this, more that… I started to see all my faults. There, I am given a unique opportunity alongside other international artists. So yes, it is a dream. And I'm going to dream with both eyes open.
Does this mean that you are leaving TF1, after ten seasons in the “Dance with the stars” jury?
Yes. I do not know when will be able to return “Dance with the stars”, a spectacle with a lot of proximity. And nobody knows, even for 2021. The postponement of the eleventh season weighed heavily in my choice. Emotionally, it's hard to leave it all. But this is a new beginning.
On France 2, you will join Laurence Boccolini, also departing from TF1 ...
Yeah, I saw the news. Laurence? She is absolutely brilliant this woman. It is the champion of the champions, who juggles with the song, the comedy. She could even be a candidate for "Spectacular", hey! And if we worked together one day, we would be a wonderful couple.
Financially, you have to lose a bit, right?
I haven't even signed my contract yet. But all my life I have been respected and paid sometimes more than I expected. I've made so many sacrifices in my career that I don't do this for the money anymore. And above all, I don't need Ferraris, planes or yachts to be happy. I just want to free the artist in me.