Overview
- Musician Gil Ofarim is confirmed on the 2026 cast in Australia as online backlash and boycott calls continue over his admitted false antisemitism allegation.
- On RTL’s Warm-up show, Tal Ofarim warned viewers not to expect new revelations from his brother about the 2019 case.
- RTL says about 90% of trials have been redesigned and a significant rule change will be unveiled in the opening episode, with some media speculating—without confirmation—that it could mirror the UK cap on back-to-back trials.
- Reactions inside the lineup are cautious to critical, with Nicole Belstler-Boettcher labeling Ofarim’s past a “No-Go” and Hardy Krüger jr. signaling he will press for an honest answer on the issue.
- Early travel notes include Australian customs confiscating Belstler-Boettcher’s cat food, and Hubert Fella saying he will participate despite a knee tear he plans to address after the show.