Stéphane Blancafort removed from TF1’s ‘Ici tout commence’ after assault on Catherine Davydzenka

On July 17, a violent altercation occurred in a bar in Saint‑Laurent‑d’Aigouze, Gard, between actors Stéphane Blancafort and Catherine Davydzenka, who are a couple and star in TF1’s daily drama “Ici tout commence”. Blancafort is alleged to have attempted to strangle Davydzenka and to have issued death threats, after which Davydzenka was taken to hospital and given a five‑day “incapacité totale de travail” (ITT).

Blancafort was placed in police custody and later held in garde à vue for suspected domestic‑violence offences. TF1 announced that, as a precautionary measure, he was removed from the series. The network said it would continue to air already‑recorded episodes while protecting staff. An investigation was opened by the Nîmes prosecutor’s office to determine personal and reciprocal responsibilities, including possible property damage. Blancafort’s lawyers claim he acted in self‑defence, asserting he was insulted and struck on the face.