A dramatic turn of events The 12 Coups de MidiOn Thursday, September 9th, on TF1, the reigning champion Cyprien announced that he would voluntarily leave the show after his 212th appearance, scheduled for April 19th, unless he is eliminated before then. The announcement, made in front of host Jean-Luc Reichmann, marks a rare turning point in the history of the daily midday game show.
An unprecedented decision in the game since Xavier's departure
By choosing to end his run himself, Cyprien is reviving a scenario the show hadn't seen since 2013, when Xavier also decided to withdraw. Jean-Luc Reichmann immediately emphasized the exceptional nature of this decision on air, given that the contestant was still among the program's greatest champions.
A well-considered choice to prioritize his studies and musical projects.
This announced departure is no impulsive decision. Twenty-two-year-old Cyprien explained that he wants to get back to his university studies and artistic pursuits. A musicology student, he also conducts an orchestra, a balance he now wishes to prioritize. The contestant wants to focus on his studies and his end-of-year projects, while other sources confirm that music remains his priority despite his television success.
A considerable sum of money was already raised before April 19th.
At the time of his announcement, Cyprien boasted a prize pot exceeding €830,000 in winnings and gifts. TF1 Info specifically mentioned €838,827, while other media outlets reported a total exceeding €833,000 after he reached the symbolic milestone of 200 appearances on April 7, 2026. Joining the show on September 19, 2025, he established himself as one of the biggest winners in the history of the program hosted by Jean-Luc Reichmann.
Cyprien hopes to leave undefeated, but the outcome remains open.
Even though its release date is now set, the suspense remains. Cyprien himself reminded everyone that, in The 12 Coups de MidiNothing is ever guaranteed from one episode to the next. His catchphrase, used by several media outlets, sums up the spirit of the game: everything can still change before the 212th appearance. In other words, the champion could just as easily be eliminated before April 19th as pass the torch himself at the end of his run.
A shared prize pool of over one million euros is up for grabs for one lucky viewer.
One of the major issues in the coming days also concerns the audience. TF1 Info reports that the shared prize pool, which now exceeds one million euros, will be awarded to a viewer during Cyprien's final appearance. This detail further enhances the significance of the show scheduled for April 19, 2026, which promises to be a pivotal moment for both the contestant and the show's loyal viewers.
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