Mélanie Maynard Steps Away From Holiday Special After Her Mother’s Death

Mélanie Maynard will miss the holiday special of Enfants de la télé, with comedian Ève Côté taking her place alongside André Robitaille. The report says Maynard’s absence comes after a difficult loss, although no direct connection between her bereavement and the change in the show’s hosting lineup has been confirmed. On November 5, 2026, Maynard announced on social media that her mother, Denise, had died. The host had often shared affectionate memories with her mother, giving followers glimpses of a close relationship and of the important role Denise played in her life. To mark the loss, Maynard posted a video of the two women putting together a jigsaw puzzle, set to Ingrid St-Pierre’s song “Ficelles.” In a heartfelt message accompanying the clip, she described her mother as someone who continued to give the family treasured memories even as she faced the loss of loved ones. Maynard also wrote that she hoped Denise would be reunited with her partner and her first daughter, and thanked her for everything she had given the family. The article reports that Denise had Alzheimer’s disease, a subject Maynard had also touched on in memories shared with her online community. The special itself is planned as a two-hour holiday gathering revisiting festive traditions, with Robitaille and Côté joined by guests including Boucar Diouf, MC Gilles, Joël Legendre, Yves Lambert and Bianca Gervais. The report offers no further details about Maynard’s return to the program.