Overview
- RTL keeps the established lineup, with Victoria Swarovski and Daniel Hartwich hosting and Motsi Mabuse, Jorge González and Joachim Llambi returning to the jury.
- Professional dancer Mikael Tatarkin bows out days before the premiere with a biceps‑anchor tear, and Alexandru Ionel joins the cast on short notice.
- Training has kicked off with long group rehearsals in Cologne, with contestants describing eight‑to‑ten‑hour days and early emotional moments on social media.
- Contestant Vanessa “Nessi” Borck will compete in a female‑female pairing, only the second such match‑up in the show’s history.
- Pre‑show podcasts from former participants Senna Gammour and Valentina Pahde have reignited criticism of production, judging and the ambitions of some professional dancers.