A major blow: Elsa Lunghini interrupts her career to fight an illness — shock and emotion behind the scenes of French cinema
It’s an announcement that has shaken the world of French film and television: Elsa Lunghini, a beloved actress and singer, has made the difficult decision to put her career on hold. The iconic actress who plays Elsa Teyssier in ” Ici tout commence” ( Here It All Begins) – a key figure in the TF1 daily series – is currently going through a deeply personal ordeal. Battling an illness that she has chosen to face away from the spotlight, the artist has opted to temporarily withdraw to focus on her health. This sudden and emotional departure has come as a shock to fans and her fellow actors.
The announcement came like a bombshell in the press: Elsa Lunghini, known for her quiet strength and discretion, informed the production team of her decision several weeks ago. It was with deep respect and great sadness that the team of ” Ici tout commence” (Here It All Begins) agreed to let her go, fully aware of the seriousness of the situation. According to a source close to the set, the actress had begun experiencing the first symptoms some time ago, but she insisted on continuing to work until her body gave out. “She fought silently, without complaining, but the fatigue became too much,” confided a member of the team, visibly moved.
Viewers had noticed for several weeks that her character was appearing less on screen. Some thought it was a plot choice, others a simple slowing of the pace. No one imagined that behind this absence lay a much deeper battle: that of a woman determined to heal. Messages of support poured in as soon as the news was made public. Fans, devastated, flooded social media with tender words and encouragement: “Courage Elsa, we love you and we’re waiting for you,” “Your light is stronger than the disease,” read some of the messages on X and Instagram.
Behind the scenes, her fellow actors were also in shock. Clément Rémiens, Vanessa Demouy, and Frédéric Diefenthal were reportedly among the first to be informed. The atmosphere on set was deeply emotional when the actress filmed her last scene before her departure. “It was a very powerful moment,” recalls a crew member. “She thanked everyone, one by one, with her characteristic elegance and gentleness. There were tears, but also a lot of love.”
Elsa Lunghini, who has always maintained a degree of privacy around her personal life, has not specified the exact nature of her illness. Her family and friends have asked for her privacy to be respected. However, several sources suggest it is a condition requiring lengthy treatment and a period of complete rest. “She wants to give herself every chance of recovery. Elsa is a fighter; she has always faced adversity with courage. This withdrawal is not a goodbye, it’s just a temporary pause,” a close friend confided.
To understand the significance of this decision, one must remember Elsa Lunghini’s career. Discovered in the 80s with the hit song ” T’en va pas ,” she grew up in the spotlight before establishing herself as an accomplished, sensitive, and demanding actress. In ” Ici tout commence ,” she portrayed Clotilde Armand with both precision and strength, a woman who was simultaneously fragile and authoritative, a symbol of rigor and humanity. Her performance resonated with audiences and contributed to the series’ success. The idea that she might step away from filming, even temporarily, leaves a huge void in the hearts of her fans.
From a storytelling perspective, the writers of Here It All Begins had to adapt urgently. Elsa’s departure disrupted several storylines planned for the end of the year. The writers devised a temporary exit for her character: Clotilde would be called abroad for a culinary research mission, leaving behind a school undergoing significant changes. An elegant way to explain her absence without ruling out a return. “We wanted to give her an ending worthy of her talent,” explains a member of the production team. “No one wants to consider the possibility of her not coming back. We’ll wait for her as long as it takes.”
In the artistic community, many colleagues paid tribute to her. Messages poured in on social media: actors, directors, singers—all praised Elsa’s strength, generosity, and sensitivity. Vanessa Demouy shared a photo of the two of them backstage, accompanied by these words: “My friend, my soul sister. Rest now, come back to us soon.” Frédéric Diefenthal, for his part, posted a simple yet deeply moving message: “Courage sometimes means knowing when to stop. Elsa, we think of you every day.”
Despite this forced break, Elsa Lunghini remains hopeful. According to those close to her, she has already begun a promising treatment and is confident. “She is determined to heal, rebuild herself, and come back even stronger,” says a longtime friend. The artist has reportedly retreated to a peaceful place, surrounded by her family and loved ones, far from the media frenzy. There, she is taking the time to refocus, breathe, and rediscover the strength that has always been within her.
This setback serves as a stark reminder of how crucial health remains, even for public figures who dedicate so much of themselves to their projects. By choosing to step back, Elsa sends a powerful message: one of resilience, clear-headedness, and self-love. “She knows her fans are behind her. She has always been deeply touched by their loyalty,” a friend confides. “This support is her greatest source of energy.”
Through this ordeal, the public discovers an even more human side of the actress. Behind the radiant smile and the precision of her performance lies a woman who fights with dignity and courage. Her temporary absence leaves a void, but it also symbolizes a life lesson: that of quiet strength, of courage in the face of fragility, and of the necessity of protecting oneself in order to rise again stronger.
While the cameras of Here It All Begins continue to roll, one thing is certain: Elsa Lunghini remains at the heart of the project, in the minds and hearts of those around her. Her departure is not an end, but a pause on the path of an exceptional career. And when she returns, the audience will be there, more loyal than ever, ready to welcome her with all the warmth she deserves.
Meanwhile, her fans, her colleagues and the entire extended television family have only one wish: that she wins this battle and quickly regains the spotlight that she has always shared with such generosity.
