Sophie Davant: A New Challenge in the Spotlight

Sophie Davant in front of a sunset

Sophie Davant is one of those familiar faces in the French audiovisual landscape. At 61, she is about to take on an unexpected challenge: stepping onto the dance floor of Dancing with the Stars. The fourteenth season of the program will begin on February 7, 2025 on TF1, marking a new stage in her career.

A bold choice for this Bordeaux native with a well-filled trajectory. "I want to have fun! I thought that trying the adventure at sixty could inspire other women.", she confides. A sincere commitment, carried out with seriousness, but without taking herself too seriously.

A career built between rigor and boldness

Graduated from the IUT of Journalism in Bordeaux in 1985, Sophie Davant took her first steps on television the following year, joining the editorial team of 19/20 on FR3. In 1987, she joined Antenne 2 and became one of the emblematic faces of the weather. Very quickly, her ease and closeness with the public opened the doors to hosting.

She co-hosted Fort Boyard with Patrice Laffont from 1990 to 1992, before establishing herself through shows like C’est au programme and Toute une histoire on France 2. These programs placed her close to the concerns of the French people. This popularity also earned her some enmities: in 2010, Stéphane Guillon attacked her violently, sparking the indignation of her audience.

Known for her straightforwardness, Sophie Davant has never been afraid of criticism. When she left
Known for her straightforwardness, Sophie Davant has never been afraid of criticism. When she left “Affaire conclue,” she faced a wave of mixed reactions. Her secret to staying on course? Never let others dictate your choices

A response to age-related stereotypes

By joining Dancing with the Stars, Sophie Davant defends a cause close to her heart: showing that age should not be a barrier to challenges and ambitions. Her commitment goes beyond mere competition. She embodies a modern and uninhibited vision of the "sexygenarian", as she likes to say.

The TF1 program also offers her the opportunity to surprise. Her image as a serious journalist and host contrasts with the physical and artistic demands of such a competition. A challenge she takes on with enthusiasm.

Unwavering support from William Leymergie

In her personal life, Sophie Davant shares a discreet but solid relationship with William Leymergie, former host of Télématin. Their complicity dates back more than thirty years, but it was only in 2024 that they made their relationship official. The couple, fulfilled, is considering new projects. A wedding? The rumor is growing, but the host prefers to keep an air of mystery.

A notoriety between admiration and criticism

A well-liked personality, Sophie Davant also attracts her share of criticism. On social media, some judge her as "pretentious" or "haughty". An image that does not correspond to her, according to her. "It hurts me when people say I’m disdainful or arrogant. I myself come from a working-class background. I have a real closeness with people.", she confides.

Her career is also marked by decisions that divide. In 2023, she left Affaire conclue to join Europe 1, provoking mixed reactions. Her absence is regretted by some viewers, while others applaud her boldness. The rumor of preferential treatment given to Cyril Hanouna behind the scenes fuels controversies.

A future full of promises

Between her involvement in Dancing with the Stars, her relationship with William Leymergie, and the gossip that accompanies her, Sophie Davant remains an essential figure in the French media landscape. Her journey demonstrates a rare ability to reinvent herself without denying her authenticity. At 61, she proves that it is never too late to take on new challenges.

The next dance? Surely surprising.

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