Overview
- RTL says the new season begins Jan. 23 with daily broadcasts on RTL and RTL+, and outlets are also citing Bild in reporting tightened camp rules such as night watch, movement limits and stricter mic use.
- At Frankfurt Airport, Nicole Belstler-Boettcher publicly condemned fellow contestant Gil Ofarim over his admitted false antisemitism allegation, saying a confrontation in the camp is not her aim.
- Stephen Dürr said on Instagram he broke the show’s secrecy contract by telling his late friend, YouTuber Tana, and he is dedicating his participation to him; he has also recently spoken about a past near-fatal alcohol episode.
- Multiple reports say Peter Klein is lined up as a replacement contestant, with partner Yvonne Woelke planning to fly to Australia if he is called in, despite rules that typically bar companions for standbys.
- Arrivals are underway on the Gold Coast, with Simone Ballack and Hubert Fella among those now in Australia; Fella says he has a torn knee he will address after the show, and his companion Patrick Mast drew notice for more than 100 cosmetic procedures reportedly costing over €100,000.