Nobody saw this wedding coming, yet to those who’ve followed the arc of this heartwarming love story—patience, sincerity, and a dash of Fort Boyard magic—it all seems wonderfully inevitable. An iconic figure from one of television’s most enduring adventures has turned a new chapter, with life, love, and TV all crossing paths in just the right measure.
The Meet-cute: When Fort Boyard Meets Fate
It all began back in 2009, away from the fortress’s enigmatic walls but not the world of fans. Anthony Laborde—known to legions as Passe-Muraille on Fort Boyard—met Gaëlle Dassy during a signing session. While the crowd buzzed, their encounter stood out, instantly clear and meaningful. The setting was far from trivial; it was the stage for the shared journey that lay ahead. This was no flashy tabloid love at first sight, but a connection born away from the limelight, even though the television set always lingered in the background.
In 2014, Anthony recounted that fateful day on « Toute une histoire, » describing their meeting as refreshingly genuine—no glitz, no game, just the right person at the right moment. His honesty set the tone, standing apart from the usual celebrity anecdotes, proving that sometimes television’s magic doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling.
Building a Quiet Life, Not a Headline
From the start, Anthony and Gaëlle have had a simple compass: sobriety. Each has kept their bearings, their daily lives organized around straightforward values:
- Respect
- Trust
- Consistency
Fort Boyard remained an affectionate echo in their story, never just a brand or a trophy. Those close to them highlight a reassuring solidity, built on steady routines and concrete gestures instead of TV drama.
And their journey wasn’t rushed. In 2013, they solidified their partnership with a civil union. In 2019, their son arrived, anchoring their priorities ever further outside the spotlight. Most recently, in January of this year, Anthony made his official proposal—a moment captured simply, without grandstanding, but brimming with visible emotion and honest words.
« One Yes for Life »: The Wedding and a Subtle Family Tangle
On September 27, 2025, at La Ferté-Bernard, their promise became official. The joy was apparent; discreetly shared images radiated warmth and elegance. No over-the-top poses here—just a gentle pride and reserve that spoke volumes. Not long after, Anthony summed it all up in a clear, heartfelt message: « One Yes for life. » No unnecessary embellishments, just the essentials.
At 43 years old, the man behind Passe-Muraille continues to shelter what truly counts. He embraces the spotlight, but it never overwhelms him. The public sees the man behind the character; the TV backdrop remains at a respectful distance—a comforting reference, never intrusive. This balance between measured presence and sincere emotion hasn’t gone unnoticed among Fort Boyard’s loyal followers.
Gaëlle, 34 and from Bergerac, has matched this approach step for step. Those around them describe it plainly: their choices refine over time, their routines offer reassurance and strength. Years haven’t caused stagnation, but a deepening of commitment.
As fate would have it, Gaëlle is the daughter of Patricia Dassy, now the partner of André Bouchet— Fort Boyard’s very own Passe-Partout. Their pairing? Brought about thanks to Anthony and Gaëlle’s own story, one more gentle twist in a family circle that grew naturally, without calculation. Life and Fort Boyard, inseparable yet distinct, echo each other like a discreet hyphen.
A Symbol That Lasts, Beyond the Cameras
This union isn’t upending anyone’s world; it’s confirming what’s already strong. It signals a couple that endures, a family that organizes itself thoughtfully, a bond that withstands the change of seasons—in life and on television. The public smiles, friends and family applaud, and Fort Boyard remains a tender landmark at just the right distance: supportive, but never overwhelming.
So, for those who dream of love that quietly strengthens over time, perhaps there’s a lesson here—sometimes, the biggest surprises grow out of the slowest, steadiest steps. And if you ever bump into Passe-Muraille off-set, don’t be surprised if the real treasure is his sincerity.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
