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Matthieu Delormeau returns to the spotlight with an intimate and raw story. In his autobiographical book, he talks about his addictions, his downfall, and then his gradual reconstruction with crucial support. Encouraged by a promise from Cyril Hanouna, the host and friend of Loana, he now reveals what helped him endure. He also describes a journey marked by choices and regrets.
A career divided between ambition and setbacks
In “Addictions: It Only Took Once…”, Matthieu Delormeau candidly reflects on his beginnings in the audiovisual landscape. He admits starting late, particularly with Marc-Olivier Fogiel, on “On ne peut pas plaire à tout le monde.” Quickly, he accepts all opportunities. However, this choice is not without consequences. He acknowledges himself: “As I started television very late […], I said yes to everything.” This strategy, driven by the desire to succeed, gradually distances him from his initial aspirations focused on talk shows. Gradually, the pursuit of fame overtakes career coherence.
This evolution is accompanied by increasing pressure. He admits that “the hunger for fame and money is the strongest.” Thus, he piles up shows, from “Les Anges de la télé-réalité” to “Touche pas à mon poste.” Yet, behind this visibility, an imbalance sets in. When he leaves Cyril Hanouna’s show, no new opportunities follow. This lack of prospects exacerbates his fragility. In 2023, he hits rock bottom, as he now confesses. His journey then illustrates the possible pitfalls of a career without a clear guideline, where immediate opportunities overshadow a long-term vision.
The crucial role of ignored support and warning
Facing this descent, Matthieu Delormeau identifies a decisive turning point: the support of Cyril Hanouna. In his book, he mentions a strong promise, one of a return to the screen conditionally on being sober. This pact acts as a driving force. In an interview with Le Parisien, he expresses his gratitude: he “sings his eternal thanks” to an employer who “has sometimes been very tough.” He adds: “I know he had to fight with the channel to bring me back,” highlighting a rare commitment in a demanding industry where “no one dares to hire a recovering addict.” However, this downfall was not completely unforeseen. From the start, Marc-Olivier Fogiel had warned him with clarity. “Sort out your problems before appearing on television, otherwise the camera […] spots the tumor and makes it grow,” he had advised. In hindsight, this statement resonates strongly. Matthieu Delormeau implicitly admits that he did not listen to this warning. Today, he relies on this experience to explain his journey. Between past mistakes and rebuilding, he now seeks to turn this ordeal into a prevention message.
