Star Academy faces major teaching staff changes

The upcoming season of the French television show Star Academy is expected to feature significant changes to its teaching staff.

Ladji Doucouré, the former world champion hurdler who has served as a sports teacher for two seasons, stated that he has not received official word regarding his departure. While media reports suggest he will be absent, Doucouré expressed his willingness to return if the production reaches out to him.

In contrast, theater teacher Alain Degois, known as Papy, confirmed he will not return for a second year. He indicated that his departure was not his own choice.

Additionally, choreographer Yanis Marshall has addressed his previous departure from the program. While official statements from TF1 and producers previously cited scheduling conflicts and personal projects, Marshall revealed in an interview with Le Parisien that he was actually dismissed due to issues including anxiety attacks and alcohol consumption during live broadcasts. He claimed he was asked to pretend his exit was due to personal projects to avoid public misunderstanding.