Jacques Legros bids farewell to his long-running show "13 heures" on TF1, after serving as its jester for 26 years
Farewell to a Veteran News Presenter: Jacques Legros Bids Adieu to TF1’s "13 heures"
For over two decades, Jacques Legros, 74, has graced TF1's "13 heures" news, but on Friday, he bid his adieu, handing over the reins to Isabelle Ithurburu. With tears brimming in his eyes, Legros expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "Thank you for these magnificent years together, and to you dear viewers, for your loyalty and camaraderie."
Sharing the stage with the newcomer who'll carry on his legacy, Legros said, "Thank you for the warm welcome, thank you for the kindness... You've forged a remarkable bond with the French." Ithurburu, equally emotional, reciprocated, "I appreciate your generosity, your kindness... You've left an indelible mark."
Isabelle Ithurburu, like Legros, is a woman from the South, who follows in the footsteps of two men from the North. Legros himself is a native of Pas-de-Calais.
Back in 1999, Legros donned the anchor role for Jean-Pierre Pernaut during his vacation. He commenced his television journey on LCI, TF1's news channel, and delved into journalism after embarking on a media career in 1994. Prior to LCI, Legros worked for Radio France and RTL, among others.
During his final broadcast, Legros touched upon various topics such as the election of Pope Leo XIV, the weekend weather, Russia's commemoration of its victory over Nazi Germany, and the coveted title of France's best sandwich (rightfully won by Metz).
TF1's "13 heures" attracts an average of 4.4 million viewers daily, according to the Médiamétrie ratings. Rival channel France 2 offered a friendly salute to Legros, with "13 heures" presenter Julian Bugier sending him "best wishes for fair winds and a plethora of beautiful things in the future."
Legros may be leaving TF1, but he isn't ready to hang up his journalistic hat yet. He intends to remain active in television, radio, or writing, with ambitious plans like penning a book on the horizon.
Jacques Legros: A Stalwart of French Journalism
Legros, born on January 17, 1951, in Lapugnoy, Pas-de-Calais, embarked on a captivating journalistic journey. After publishing his first article in La Voix du Nord, he moved to Paris and worked in various journalistic roles before his radio and television debut. Significant stops on his journey include Radio France Vaucluse, France Inter, RTL, and, of course, his long-standing stint at TF1.
Legros's remarkable career is marked by his resilience and adaptability in a dynamic media landscape, acting as a reliable and trusted figure in French journalism. His retirement in 2025 signifies a period of transition for TF1, with Legros being succeeded by Isabelle Ithurburu. Despite this change, Legros's influence will continue to resonate in the world of French media.
Jacques Legros, in his farewell speech, expressed gratitude towards his viewers and his successor, Isabelle Ithurburu, saying, "Thank you for your loyalty and camaraderie, and thank you for the warm welcome and kindness." Ithurburu, in response, appreciated Legros's generosity and kindness, stating, "You've left an indelible mark."
In his journalistic career, Legros has interviewed a variety of celebrities, including covering the election of Pope Leo XIV and the coveted title of France's best sandwich. Post his retirement from TF1, Legros intends to remain active in television, radio, or writing, with plans to pen a book.
Jacques Legros, born on January 17, 1951, in Lapugnoy, Pas-de-Calais, began his captivating journalistic journey after publishing his first article in La Voix du Nord. His remarkable career includes stops at Radio France Vaucluse, France Inter, RTL, and TF1, where he served as a reliable and trusted figure for over two decades.
The retirement of Legros, a stalwart of French journalism, signifies a period of transition for TF1, with Ithurburu taking over. However, Legros's influence will continue to resonate in the world of French media.
