This is the first in a new series of blog posts about what I call "Closet Francophiles". These are famous people who have a less famous trait in common: they love the French language and culture.

We start the series with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Blair is considered one of the most eloquent leaders in modern history. You knew that, right? But did you know that his gift for communication also includes a mastery of French?

Well, here he is congratulating Nicolas Sarkozy on his recent election as President of France. Although his accent is not perfect and could certainly benefit from a telephone lesson or two (!), it's not bad. Ecoutons.