It’s official: she’s the host of Hello hello weekend who will replace Gino Chouinard at the helm of the popular morning show’s 36th season Hello Hello. It was a happy and moved Ève-Marie Lortie that we were able to meet backstage a few minutes before the big announcement. “I have been part of the family for 30 years. Hello Hello“, said the future host, visibly proud from the start.
• Also read: Quebec stars react to the appointment of Ève-Marie Lortie
• Also read: Here’s who would replace Gino Chouinard at Salut Bonjour
Eve Marie, how are you?
I am very happy, it is a great day and a great joy for me, I feel festive. I am happy that the Salut Bonjour family welcomes the news because it is important to me. I’ve received so many lovely messages since the announcement that it’s just a real joy.
Tell me about the selection process. Have you applied for the position?
My thoughts began a year ago when Gino announced he would not be returning as host. I officially reported in early 2023 by sending a letter of intent to my superiors. I explained that I was aware that there was a whole selection process but that I was interested in the position. Many thought that I wouldn’t want to return to Montreal since I was well established in Quebec. But I was interested in the job and told myself that I would do it when the time came to create a new life scenario for myself. I then waited for many months; It wasn’t until November 23rd that I found out I got the job. I thought I was going to show up for a regular production meeting and ended up in the boss’s office, who offered me the job.
Julien Faugere – CO
And what will the new life scenario look like?
It brings a lot of changes, but my close guardian, consisting of my boyfriend and my daughter, is with me. The idea is to keep our house in Quebec, which will be our base camp, and rent a condo in Montreal. I’ve always wanted to experience urban condo living in the metropolis, so this is the opportunity. I already rented a condo here in the summer, so I’ll be living this lifestyle year-round now. My circle of friends is mostly in the Greater Montreal area, so I’m happy to come and live here.
How do we celebrate news like this?
When I found out about this, I couldn’t really celebrate since I was working very early the next morning on Hi-Hello weekend. The following Sunday we celebrated modestly with small bubbles but without fanfare.
What does “Hello Hello” mean to you?
My career dream was to work on this show and I got a taste of it, first as a news anchor and then as host of Hello Hello Weekend. But being the host of Salut Bonjour from Monday to Friday is a big dream come true and I’m really happy. I think of my predecessors Guy Mongrain, Benoît Gagnon and Gino Chouinard, men with whom I enjoyed working and who dedicated a lot of their personalities and lives to this show. I feel ready to pick up the torch and take on this challenge. Aside from a studio change, there will be no major changes to This Morning’s format as TVA moves.
Do you find it difficult to walk? Hello hello weekend?
Yes, it’s a big heartbreak. You have to understand that the Quebec team is special, they are all people who are really committed to the show. I wish this show a long life and can’t wait to see what happens next for it and especially to know who will replace me.
• Also read: It’s official, Ève-Marie Lortie at the helm of Salut Bonjour
Ève-Marie will take over the helm Hello Hello from September 2024, Monday to Friday at 6:30 a.m., on TVA.