Dorothée: The Secrets of Her Return

Dorothée in front of a screen

Dorothée, icon of French television in the 80s and 90s, returns to the spotlight. This Friday, January 24, TF1 broadcasts Merci Dorothée !, a tribute show hosted by Nikos Aliagas, retracing the golden years of Club Dorothée. A rare opportunity to see this emblematic figure of youth programs, now a young septuagenarian, and to explore the memories, successes, and controversies that marked her career.

An unmatched career: the legacy of Club Dorothée

Leading host, Frédérique Hoschedé, alias Dorothée, marked generations with shows like Récré A2 on Antenne 2 and Club Dorothée on TF1. From 1987 to 1997, the latter became the must-watch youth program, broadcasting cult series like Dragon Ball Z or Les Chevaliers du Zodiaque. The Club gathered up to 60% market share, a record that remains unmatched.

However, this popularity also attracted criticism. Some, like Ségolène Royal, accused the program of promoting violence through its Japanese cartoons. Dorothée responds today with serenity: "These criticisms hurt, but they allow for reflection. Ultimately, mangas have marked cultural history."

Dorothée on stage in 1992, at the height of her fame. That year, she performed a series of concerts at Bercy, setting a record of 12 consecutive shows for a female artist. Fun fact: her shows were so popular that children slept in line with their parents to get tickets
Dorothée on stage in 1992, at the height of her fame. That year, she performed a series of concerts at Bercy, setting a record of 12 consecutive shows for a female artist. Fun fact: her shows were so popular that children slept in line with their parents to get tickets

A touch of nostalgia: Nikos, Lorie, and palpable emotion

In Merci Dorothée !, celebrities like Julien Doré, Amir, and Lorie testify to the impact of the host on their childhood. Dorothée was touched by these tributes, notably Lorie’s, who was moved to tears during rehearsals. "She saw me and cried like a child. It was overwhelming, but also a beautiful recognition," confides Dorothée.

Interviewed last Thursday on the show Quotidien on TMC, Dorothée humorously corrected Yann Barthès: "Collapsed? Let’s not exaggerate! She was very moved, but I supported her."

Private life and discretion: marriage to Vincent Gaudel

Known for her reserve about her personal life, Dorothée surprised by revealing her marriage to Vincent Gaudel, a former fan turned assistant. United since 2011, the wedding took place discreetly in Cabourg, away from the spotlight. This intimate chapter reflects her need for simplicity and anonymity after years in the limelight.

The end and renewal: a bitter departure

The abrupt end of Club Dorothée in 1997 remains a bitter memory. TF1 decided not to renew her contract, marking the end of an era. Dorothée then stepped away from the scene, pursuing some musical and film projects, but without regaining past success. Despite this, she maintains a positive approach: "If a proposal pleases me, I’m ready to return. But it has to match who I am."

Dorothée in 2008, at the Paris Book Fair. After more than a decade away from the spotlight, she timidly returned to the forefront to meet her fans. A funny anecdote: during this event, a fan presented her with an original copy of
Dorothée in 2008, at the Paris Book Fair. After more than a decade away from the spotlight, she timidly returned to the forefront to meet her fans. A funny anecdote: during this event, a fan presented her with an original copy of “Dorothée au pays des chansons,” signed by Cabu, which triggered a wave of nostalgia in the host

A still beloved figure

Dorothée continues to observe the current television landscape. She describes herself as a "television addict", enjoying documentaries and crime shows. She admires hosts like Nikos Aliagas or Cyril Hanouna, whom she praises for their boldness live on air.

Despite changes in youth programs, she laments the lack of "human connection". "In our time, we were a link between children, their families, and school. Today, it’s just continuous cartoons. It’s a shame."

With Merci Dorothée !, TF1 offers a true madeleine de Proust to the host’s fans. An evening rich in memories and emotions, reminding us why Dorothée remains a living legend of French television.

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