A Nicer Life: “I consistently assumed that Javad would be back at the end of the series,” confides David Bayot

AlloCiné: You are part of the jury for the 2022 edition of the TV Fantasy Festival, chaired by Sandrine Bonner. Were you honored by this proposal?

David Bayot : Yes, first of all it was a surprise, because I did not expect it at all. And it’s a great honor because it doesn’t happen every day. And now that I have met the jury, I am completely delighted. So many different personalities, it’s great. And at the same time we managed to create a kind of sympathetic nucleus, with well-defined and different opinions.

What kind of president is Sandrine Boehner?

He is very caring and listens. And he loves to debate and knows everyone’s opinion. He manages to bring everyone together under his presidency. It’s nice to live this experience with him.

What do you look for in a work of art?

As an actor, of course, I’m going to be a little more attached to the role, the character, the actor, or the actor who will make me fall in love with that story, more so than the piece of music, the production, or the light. It is a sensitivity that allows me to express my opinion in any case. But it’s true that with this role as a juror I have to focus on something else outside of my acting.

Is there any fiction that already stands out?

What I saw is a lot of beautiful things, yes. Now we will have to intend and fight to prove our wishes and decide the winners (laughs).

It has been a long time since I returned to La Rochelle, the last time was in 2012 with So be they, and it is a very nice gift for me to be part of such a rich and diverse jury. It’s really good fiction. And the fantastic ones we don’t expect.

You return to Plus belle la vie for an event ark called “Evasions”. Was it clear to you before the end of the series to play Javad?

For the end of the series, yes, I consider Javad’s return consistent. I was offered to return several times and I refused because I did not consider it justified. But there, as the series was ending, I said to myself “yes, my character can come back after 5 years”.

How about this arch?

Not so much (laughs). I don’t want spoilers. But what I can say is that I will also be in the final prime airing on November 18th. With a beautiful wedding dress (laughs).

Even if you left the series for a few years, how did you react when you heard about the end of Plus belle la vie?

I was sad, of course. It’s an 18-year adventure with a family that’s been built up over the years. And while all good things come to an end, it must come to an end one day. And there are a lot of good things that will come out of it for everyone, I think.

Will it remain a very important adventure in your career?

of course. Plus belle la vie was a kind of laboratory for me. The series gave me the opportunity to train, learn to improve my game, work. And I met some wonderful people. I think about my cast mates, Elodie Varlett, my best date on the show, all the technicians we met. We lived together every day, it was very strong.

By the way, I just had my last day of filming with them and it was pretty sad. But I had a chance to really say goodbye to them, because five years ago I left on a whim, without telling anyone. And there I was able to thank them, because thanks to them I am here.

You’ve been on great adventures like So Be It and Glitter Shrimp. Which project remains your favorite at the moment?

Glitter shrimp I think. It’s a great adventure, we managed to make two films, what more could you ask for. But it’s hard to choose because So Be It was a great series. When it was offered to me on Plus belle la vie, I could only do it: a series on Arte, on religion. And I just did Exterminate All the Brutes with Raoul Peck and Josh Hartnett, which was another great experience.

Could there be a third part or a series version of Glittery Shrimps?

Honestly, I don’t think so. The second film was not enough. The first one was a hit, but 2 came out at a time when we were barely coming out of Covid. And people must have thought they had seen the first and the second would just be a repeat.

But we are very happy with this sequel. We are very proud, we should not be ashamed or blush. It is an important film that goes further. Maybe it will show in time, hopefully.

Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

I filmed an episode of The Art of Crime with Nicholas Gobb, my partner in Prawns. Also in La Stagiaire with Michel Bernier, whom I adore. Not in the season that will air on France 3 in a few days, but in the next one that has already been filmed.