Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 8 hrs ago
Raphaëlle Ricci returns to Star Academy after 18 years
Raphaëlle Ricci returned to Star Academy’s château in Dammarie-les-Lys on Sunday, 18 years after leaving the show.
The former performance coach reviewed the contestants’ performances and gave direct feedback on singing, expression and stage presence.
She had coached contestants from 2001 to 2008, and viewers remembered her for her blunt style.
Ricci said she had been portrayed as a very strict teacher, and previously described receiving threats over her role on the programme.
Her return was a temporary replacement for current coach Lydia Bouchard during a week featuring visits from former show figures.
The next broadcast is set for Friday, 6 November, and will bring together winners from different seasons.
The schedule was moved forward because a France-Fiji rugby match will air on Saturday.
Raphaëlle Ricci returned to the Star Academy château on Sunday, 1 November, after 18 years away.
The former performance coach reviewed the contestants’ performances from the previous night’s show.
She temporarily replaced current performance coach Lydia Bouchard for the debrief.
Ricci gave frank criticism but also praised the contestants and said she was surprised by their level.
The return followed an announcement by presenter Nikos Aliagas during the Saturday broadcast.
- Who
- Raphaëlle Ricci, a former Star Academy performance coach, returned to meet the contestants.
- What
- She reviewed their performances in a debrief, temporarily replacing Lydia Bouchard.
- When
- Sunday, 1 November 2026.
- Where
- The Star Academy château in Dammarie-les-Lys, France.
- Why
- She was invited to lead the debrief as part of a week featuring former figures from the programme.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Presenter Nikos Aliagas announced that Raphaëlle Ricci would lead the next day’s debrief.
Ricci returned to the château and reviewed the contestants’ performances from the previous night’s show.
Season 12 winner Marine visited the contestants and asked them about Ricci’s return.
- Return
- 1 November 2026
- Time away
- 18 years
- Venue
- Star Academy château, Dammarie-les-Lys
- Former role
- Performance coach
- Temporary replacement
- Lydia Bouchard
- Career span on show
- Six of the first seven seasons, from 2001 to 2008
4 sources
"Elle me faisait un peu peur" : Marine interroge les élèves de la Star Academy sur le retour de Raphaëlle Ricci au château
Raphaëlle Ricci a fait son retour dans la « Star Ac » 18 ans après et n’a rien perdu de son piquant
« Une prof iconique »… Raphaëlle Ricci fait son retour ce dimanche à « Star Academy »
"Star Academy" : Surprise ! Raphaëlle Ricci, professeure "iconique", fera son retour dès demain dans l'émission
What people are saying
The debrief tomorrow will be led by an iconic teacher who had not returned to the château since the time when she helped make the show a success.
I hope I haven’t shocked you and that I haven’t gone too far. I’m very surprised by the good level. Thank you very much.
There are times when I had a little blood coming from my ears.
She used to scare me a little... You know, when you watch the clips again, she was a bit harsh.