Cyril Féraud Named New Host of Fort Boyard – A Childhood Dream Realized

Cyril Féraud has been named the new host of the French television game show “Fort Boyard,” succeeding Olivier Minne after his 22-year tenure on the program. The announcement was made by France Télévisions, confirming Féraud’s appointment for the summer 2025 season. This marks a significant transition for the long-running adventure series, which has become a staple of French summer television since its inception.

The decision to appoint Féraud comes after months of speculation and consideration of other potential candidates, including Vincent Lagaf’ and Éric Antoine, who were reportedly approached but declined the offer. Benjamin Castaldi was also mentioned as having been excluded from consideration by the production team. France Télévisions emphasized that selecting an internal candidate like Féraud, who is already a familiar face on the network, aims to balance continuity with renewal for the show.

At 40 years old, Cyril Féraud brings extensive experience hosting various game shows for France Télévisions, including “Slam,” “100% Logique,” “La Carte aux Trésors,” and “Le Quiz des Champions.” His background in television game shows dates back to his teenage years, when he began submitting ideas to the “Fort Boyard” production team in the early 2000s. This long-standing connection to the show was highlighted as a factor in his selection, with producers noting his passion for the program dates back to his childhood.

Féraud has described hosting “Fort Boyard” as a “childhood dream,” reflecting his deep personal connection to the series. His appointment represents a full-circle moment, given his early involvement with the show’s development process. The production expressed confidence in his ability to bring energy and modernity to the program while respecting its core elements of adventure, humor, and challenge that have defined it for decades.

According to his Wikipedia profile, Féraud was born on March 15, 1985, in Digne-les-Bains, France. He has worked primarily for France Télévisions since 2008 and is known for his work across multiple platforms within the public broadcaster. In July 2024, he publicly revealed the arrival of his first child, a son named Tim, sharing this personal milestone with his audience.

The transition from Olivier Minne to Cyril Féraud marks the end of an era for “Fort Boyard,” as Minne had been the show’s iconic host since 2003. His lengthy tenure became synonymous with the program for generations of viewers. Féraud now faces the challenge of establishing his own presence while honoring the show’s legacy and meeting the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.

France Télévisions positioned the choice as strategic for the show’s future, aiming to attract younger audiences without alienating long-time fans. The network indicated that Féraud’s approach may bring a more interactive and modern tone to certain aspects of the program, while preserving the essential adventure game format that has made “Fort Boyard” a cultural phenomenon in France and beyond.