“My dear Patrice”: Laurent Romejko’s tribute for the last of “Numbers and Letters”

The end of an era. After more than 50 years of broadcasting on France Télévisions, the cult show “Des chiffres et des lettres” finally bowed out this Friday, September 13th on the occasion of the show “Merci Patrice!”. Broadcast in prime time on the public service channel, it was both a tribute to the essential game show but also to the man who was its host and producer for many years, Patrice Laffont, who died on August 7th.

Laurent Romejko, a major player in the program he had hosted since 1992 on France Télévisions, was at the helm for this final show, which he was originally supposed to co-present with his friend Patrice Laffont.

At the end of this final show broadcast after 52 years of existence, Laurent Romejko wanted to pay tribute to the man who was the first presenter, from 1972, of the timeless program that has spanned generations, before becoming its producer in 1989.

“Did he have a feeling?”

“Patrice and I called each other and wrote to each other very often. On July 14, Patrice sent me a text message about preparing for this show and he slipped into his message: My Lolo, I have a real friendship for you that I perhaps have not shown enough during all these years. », ” says the presenter at first, on the verge of tears.

“I have read and reread this text message in recent days because it has taken on a very special meaning since August 7. Did he have a presentiment? We will never know,” he continues, before thanking him one last time.

“Patrice, don’t worry, our friendship is without doubt and it is this modesty that I also loved in my friend. I hope that we have demonstrated the affection that we had for you my dear Patrice and one last time, we say to you: Thank you Patrice! ».