The cult French game show Fort Boyard drew 2.12 million viewers last Saturday, with host Cyril Féraud presiding over a season that has already set a ratings record among under-50 audiences, reaching a 29.2 percent audience share. Now fans are weighing in on who they would most like to see take on the fort’s puzzles.
The publication asked readers to sketch out their ideal celebrity lineup, and the responses fell into six clear categories: athletes, comedians, TV personalities, beauty queens, singers, and internet creators.
Athletes Lead the Wish List
Readers called overwhelmingly for sporting firepower. Judokas Teddy Riner and Clarisse Agbégnénou were among the most requested names, with one reader pairing Agbégnénou with handball player Nikola Karabatic and former rugby player Sébastien Chabal. Marathon runner Anaïs Quemener, triathlon champion Cassandre Beaugrand, and sport-climbing world champion Mickaël Mawem were also put forward, as were swimmers Florent Manaudou and Léon Marchand, tennis player Gaël Monfils, and biathlon legend Martin Fourcade. One reader aged 15 said he would like to see footballer Désiré Doué shine on the fort’s grounds, and also named former national team coach Didier Deschamps.
A Healthy Dose of Comedy
Readers agreed that at least one cast member should bring laughs. Florence Foresti was among the most popular choices. One reader in her fifties argued for an all-comedy lineup featuring Jérémy Ferrari, Artus, Booder, and Jarry. A 36-year-old reader imagined his dream team as a cinema comedy poster, naming Alain Chabat, Jonathan Cohen, Éric Judor, Jérôme Commandeur, and Marina Foïs.
TV Faces and Beauty Queens
Readers also wanted familiar faces from French television. Philippe Etchebest, the M6 chef who has already appeared on Fort Boyard eight times, was the most requested TV personality. Others named included Éric Antoine, Jean-Luc Reichmann, Camille Combal, and Tatiana Silva. One 29-year-old contributor said he grew up watching the show with presenters Olivier Minne and Anne-Gaëlle Riccio, and described them as funny, knowledgeable, and capable of rising to a challenge.
Former beauty queens also featured prominently. Élodie Gossuin holds the all-time participation record with 13 appearances, ahead of Sylvie Tellier on 11. Readers called for Iris Mittenaere, Camille Cerf, and Clémence Botino. Notably, both Gossuin and Cerf are already confirmed for the 2026 season, alongside reigning Miss France Hinaupoko Devèze, who will make her first appearance.
Singers and Online Creators
Music lovers wanted a performer on the team to lead songs of encouragement. Names put forward included Charlotte Cardin, Carla Lazzari, Suzane, Vianney, Matt Pokora, and Jul. One reader called for an all-singing lineup anchored by Zaho de Sagazan, Pierre de Maere, Pomme, Tiakola, and Joseph Kamel as captain.
Finally, readers saw a place for internet personalities. Streamer Domingo recently took over the fort in the current season. Other names suggested included humorist and content creator Thomas Deseur, YouTubers Amixem and Joueur du Grenier, streamer Cocottee, YouTuber Manon Bril, and presenter and Twitch streamer Samuel Etienne.
