French television personality Géraldine Maillet is stepping into a new role as host of a poker tournament television program broadcast on W9 and M6, according to reports from Télé-Loisirs. The production focuses on the Main Event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and marks a shift for Maillet, who is widely known for her regular appearances as a panelist on Cyril Hanouna’s talk shows.
Production Details and Broadcast Schedule
According to Télé-Loisirs, the poker program hosted by Géraldine Maillet airs weekly on Saturdays at 00:45 on W9, with the final two episodes scheduled for broadcast on M6. The programming block runs from July 25 to August 15. Maillet developed the concept for the show following a trip to Los Angeles, after which she secured the backing of television host Cyril Hanouna and the M6 group. Maillet stated to Télé-Loisirs that Hanouna, who frequently discusses poker topics in a casual format on his programs, supported her initiative and helped her pitch the project to M6 executives, who provided full production backing.
Co-Hosting and Personal Background in Poker
Géraldine Maillet shares a long-standing interest in poker with her partner, journalist and radio host Daniel Riolo. Riolo has built a prominent media profile in the discipline, having hosted RMC Docteur Poker since 2012 before the show was rebranded as the RMC Poker Show in 2014. Maillet explained to Télé-Loisirs that Riolo introduced her to the card game years ago, leading her to become an active player. Despite Riolo’s extensive expertise as an amateur player and broadcaster, he is not co-hosting the W9 and M6 program. Maillet told interviewers that while she would have loved to work alongside him, his exclusive professional commitments to RMC prevented him from participating on the competing network’s broadcast.
Collaboration with Pierre Calamusa
Instead of Daniel Riolo, professional poker player Pierre Calamusa joins Géraldine Maillet on the television set. Calamusa competes on the international tournament circuit as a member of the Team Winamax roster. The pairing brings a blend of television presentation and professional poker insight to the WSOP Main Event coverage on M6 and W9.
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