French reality star Clémentine Jullien is returning for a fourth time to "Koh-Lanta," joining 18 emblematic former contestants for the "All Stars" edition that begins Tuesday, August 25, on TF1 and TF1+. In a surprise twist at the start of the game, she has been paired with Yassin, a man she has described as her "favourite rival" from two previous seasons.
The new season, filmed on the Pearl Islands archipelago in Panama, marks 25 years since "Koh-Lanta" first aired in France. The programme is hosted by Denis Brogniart.
Jullien, from Lyon, was a finalist on "Koh-Lanta" in Cambodia in 2017 and has since taken part in two "All Stars" seasons, in 2018 and 2021. Known for her strong personality, she is nicknamed "Clem la rage."
A tough decision to return
Jullien said that when producers first called her about the new season, she initially thought it was a joke. She said she told them she had just had a baby and could not believe she was being asked to go back on "Koh-Lanta." She said the decision to join previous "All Stars" editions had been far easier, but this time she spent three months going back and forth before finally agreeing.
She said her appearances on the show are "parentheses" in her life rather than something that has transformed it, aside from bringing her some public recognition. She said she loves her normal life and remains herself regardless of her television appearances, adding that what draws her back is not television itself but the adventure.
Paired with her 'favourite rival'
Jullien said she and Yassin respect each other enormously, having already shared two previous "Koh-Lanta" adventures together. She said she admires his strength and his performance in physical challenges, as well as the way he conducts himself on camp, calling him excellent at survival skills.
She said the pair would need to be careful, however, since they do not always get along, describing their history together as somewhat turbulent. She said she believes they are more than capable of rising above their differences and focusing on their respective strengths as teammates.
The hardest part this time
Jullien said the most difficult part of this latest experience was being separated from her young daughter and having no news of her during filming. She said the level of the physical challenges this season was extremely demanding.
On the survival side of the game, including hunger and hardship, she said she coped better than in her previous appearances, since the experience has become familiar and no longer frightens her in the way it once did. She said that even so, a person needs to be somewhat masochistic to take part in "Koh-Lanta" four times.
Asked to confirm that assessment, she agreed emphatically, saying she loves difficulty and that this is precisely why she keeps returning to the show.
Her bond with Denis Brogniart
Jullien said she is very fond of host Denis Brogniart, describing him as a fellow competitor who understands her mindset. She said she sometimes speaks to him sharply during filming, but only because his commentary during challenges puts her under pressure.
She gave the example of him narrating that she was being caught up by rivals on both sides during a challenge, which she said stresses her in the moment and leaves her briefly annoyed with him. She said Brogniart always knows how to provoke the contestants, but that she appreciates him enormously overall.
