“We heard a lot. Good, bad, indifferent. It didn’t affect us.” With this attitude, Elpida Iakovidou and Tzoni Kalimeris gave their first joint TV interview to Tasos Tryfonos on Saturday, December 27, on ALPHA Cyprus.
The couple shared openly about how they met, Tzoni Kalimeris’ health issues, and their age gap. “We met through mutual friends during a holiday. At our first meeting, I called him Mr. Kalimeris. I love being with him and I’m happy he’s in my life. For us, age is just a number,” she said, ending any related talk. After their wedding on July 19, they stepped out of the spotlight and traveled to Paros. “We just wanted to be together without a schedule,” they said, describing a peaceful and genuine summer.
Elpida Iakovidou talked about moving to Athens, saying she always knew it would happen. “It wasn’t strange to me. It felt familiar. I studied in Athens; my friends knew I’d return,” she shared. As for negative comments? “They don’t bother me. Anyone who complains probably has nothing better to do,” she said frankly.
Elpida was clear about her career plans when Tasos Tryfonos asked her. Tzoni Kalimeris mentioned he sees her not on a panel but maybe hosting a show or game show alone. She added, “I want to return to television but not just because I’m his wife.”
“I am dedicated to entertainment.”
“It still worries me that she left the job she loved so much, to come here. Being my wife only helps in some initial meetings; it might not even be good for her,” Tzoni Kalimeris added.
Tzoni Kalimeris expressed his admiration for his wife: “I see her in a game show. She’s multi-talented,” he said. Talking about his own career, he explained how he went from being a simple salesman to directing a major private channel. “I didn’t know television. I learned it on the job,” he revealed, adding that his experience in Los Angeles helped him reach managerial roles at big private channels in Athens.
When asked about memorable moments in Greek television, he recalled: “The ‘Aparadektoi’ had another title. I changed it. If I had waited 20 minutes to respond, the series would have gone elsewhere,” he shared. About ‘The Three Graces,’ he was honest: ‘In every success, there’s also a failure.’ And ‘To Retire’?; ‘I never thought it would become such a big hit.’
Elpida Iakovidou and Tzoni Kalimeris had a lively chat with Tasos Tryfonos during their first joint TV interview.
When the talk turned to major TV figures, both answered easily: “The biggest star is Eleni Menegaki,”. As for smart women? “Eleni Menegaki and Mimi Denisi,”, added Tzoni Kalimeris. To wrap up, Elpida smiled and said: ‘2025 was full of events. I cherish the beautiful moments and stay optimistic.’. And Tzoni Kalimeris saved the best for last: ‘Yes, we will see her on television again.In 2026.’
