Fort Boyard – Elsa Esnoult: "I was traumatized by cockroaches"

You have already joined the adventure in 2019 and 2020. What memories do you have from your previous visits here?

Elsa Esnoult: Lots of emotions! Every time I step on the cobblestones of the castle, the stress takes over me and my heart beats at 100 per hour! As if it was the first time. But in the end I always leave proud and smiling…

Getting ready to come to Fort Boyard?

From my point of view, no. What’s the purpose ? You never know which sauce to eat! Worst of all, I tell myself I’m going to scream to death once again. But that’s the game!

Nobody forgot the panic attack you had with cockroaches in the phone booth in 2019. did you overcome

Not always! I have been traumatized by these creatures and have feared them even more since then. My fear was to relive this nightmare.

What is the thing that makes you sweat the most?

Life. When they put a seat belt on me, I immediately said: “No, no, it’s not me! I’ve already made the angel’s leap! Alas, another ordeal awaited me… Worse yet! I’m standing on a giant trapeze 15 meters high. And I’m rocking higher and harder and harder. Fear ! Still, I’m a fan of the craziest amusement park rides. There, there is nothing to see. I’m alone, above the void…

Are there any other great emotional moments?

Despite all my phobias, I am a good customer for Fort Boyard! Production should be happy with that. They know I’m scared to death of bugs. All right, back off! We’ve been selected to compete with Aldebert (singer, editor’s note) in the Chief Seeker event: a track filled with animals. Flies, cockroaches, maggots fall on us. Pigeons too. It gave me another major panic attack. On the other side of the cell, our captain Philippe Etchebest encouraged us. It doesn’t matter if you’re scared for him, you have to go. And he does! He gave his all. I don’t know if he has a phobia. In any case, he took care not to show them to us.

Will you come again next year?

It’s hard for me to tell you today. I did not hesitate to come and play for the benefit of the solidarity firefighters. But if I am invited for the fourth time, I would like to fight for SPA and APA (Animal Protection Action, editor’s note), because the cases these associations defend are close to my heart.

How is your character Fanny in The Mysteries of Love (TMC)?

It rolls for him. Just like me, he returned from Nashville in the United States where he recorded an album. In October I will perform at the salle Pleyel in Paris, as well as in Nantes, Lyon and Charleroi in Belgium. I can’t wait to get back on stage!

Fort Boyard: Saturday, July 16, France 2 at 9:10 PM

Interview Caty Dewanckele