Faustine Bollaert began her career in journalism with Télé 7 jours in 2002, later transitioning to television, where she gained fame on shows like Vivement dimanche prochain and Dilemme. She has hosted various programs on M6 and France Télévision, and in 2024, she was named the favorite personality of the French for the second consecutive year. Faustine reflects on her growth in the industry, emphasizing her emotional connection with the audience and her evolving on-air presence.
Faustine Bollaert: A Journey Through Journalism and Television
Faustine Bollaert embarked on her professional journey in journalism after completing her studies, starting her career in print media with the magazine Télé 7 jours in 2002. She made her television debut as a columnist on Côté vacances, a show hosted by Alexandre Devoise on France 3. Over the years, she produced various columns across multiple channels and joined Europe 1 and the celebrity magazine Closer in 2004. Her big break came in 2005 when she appeared on Vivement dimanche prochain with Michel Drucker on France 2, propelling her into the public eye. In 2010, she transitioned to the M6 group, where she remained until 2017.
During her time at M6, Faustine hosted several popular shows, including the reality program Dilemme on W9 and Accès Privé on the sixth channel. She also presented 100% Mag from 2012 to 2014 and was involved in Rising Star in 2014. Faustine’s versatility shone through as she also appeared on Le Meilleur Pâtissier. In 2015, she made her mark on radio with the show Je suis d’où je viens on France Bleu. In 2017, she made a comeback to France Télévision, taking the helm of Ça commence aujourd’hui on France 2. Additionally, she has hosted Il était une fois on France 4 and La Boîte à secrets on France 3 since 2019, and she can also be heard on the podcast Héros on RTL.
The Mystery of Faustine Bollaert’s Salary
Understanding the salaries of television hosts can be quite challenging, as channels typically do not disclose this information, and most presenters prefer to keep it private. Faustine Bollaert has been quite discreet about her earnings, although she has hinted at earning less now than during her time at M6. In an interview with Sud Radio Médias, she reflected on her past, stating, “I had a golden opportunity,” highlighting the comfort of having 25 prime time slots per year.
Faustine also recounted an interesting anecdote regarding her departure from M6. When she informed the group’s vice president of her decision, he was skeptical, thinking she was negotiating for a better salary. She explained, “Le meilleur pâtissier was very successful, and it still is, so I think they didn’t take me seriously.” However, she emphasized her satisfaction with her current position on television, stating, “Today, I am lucky to have found my true place on television.” In 2023 and 2024, her popularity soared as she was voted the favorite host of the French people, surpassing renowned figures like Nikos Aliagas and Karine Le Marchand.
In 2024, Faustine achieved the remarkable feat of being named the favorite personality of the French for the second consecutive year. She shared her thoughts with TV Mag, expressing her surprise at the previous year’s win and the added pressure to maintain her top position. “I take this position as a testimony of affection from the public with whom I have a real emotional commitment,” she said.
Faustine also discussed her evolution on air, acknowledging a shift in her approach. “By listening and investing emotionally, I became vulnerable in my mental health,” she admitted. She highlighted the importance of engaging with her audience and allowing her emotions to surface. “I engage more, I take positions, my anger comes out more, and the result of this survey validates this change in my career and the fact that I become even more myself!”