Olivier Minne: "To succeed at Fort Boyrad, you must hold the spirit of your child."

How would you describe this 2023 cuvée of Fort Boyard, the 34th since its creation in 1990?

Olivier Minne: It’s a very good old time, both in terms of teams and emotionally. It’s a really well-balanced mix – not that it wasn’t like that in previous years – and it’s a pretty perfect balance. I saw a great deal of harmony between the candidates. And there is a wide variety of stories to be told from show to show. The emergence of new characters, as well as the return of recurring heroes, give audiences a dramatized direction. Fort Boyard is really a combination of several elements.

You are the guide of the teams in the castle. Did a candidate particularly surprise you this year?

There really is one. Unfortunately I can’t say who it is because it’s connected to something very special this season, which will happen at some point. I don’t want to spoil the surprise. But it’s hard to make a choice, because you might think the other candidates are not at all surprising, which is certainly not the case!

What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good participant?

I see only one fundamental thing: to be the same again. We must awaken this part of childhood that I find very important. If you succeed in this, you will experience the adventure differently and in general you will be able to surpass yourself.

Filming takes place in an extraordinary setting, a castle setting, but exposed to the weather. Have you had any problems this year?

There were times when it could rain, but luckily it didn’t last long. We always did well, there were no storms unlike some years when we had to take a break from shooting.

Do you pay attention to the comments of the viewers about the program?

Feedback from the public and fans is extremely important input. We certainly do not underestimate what he has to say as long as it is constructive. Of course, not everyone can come and play in the castle, but everyone can participate with their suggestions and ideas. We adapted things, often in conjunction with what the audience might say. This show is theirs more than ever.

Fans of the show have a real love for you, who have been in management since 2003…

Frankly, it means a lot to me, especially since these are things you can’t measure right away. It’s especially touching when that love manifests itself, especially when I meet them.

You also have a very strong bond with the film crew: Can we talk about the “Fort Boyard family”?

Completely ! In our professions, the term is sometimes overused, but that’s really the case here. There is a very important concept of time in a shoot that lasts three weeks. Over the years it has only reinforced this very special relationship we have with each other.

Fort Boyard at 21:10 on Saturday 15 July at France 2

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