Overview
- Giovanni Zarrella hosted the ZDF charity special for the first time on December 4, taking over from longtime presenter Carmen Nebel.
- The broadcast reported a total of €3,669,419 in donations, topping last year’s figure of more than €3.2 million.
- An anonymous donor was announced on air as pledging €500,000, according to the show’s presenters.
- Eros Ramazzotti performed a medley and used his appearance to send warm wishes to Thomas Gottschalk following the TV legend’s cancer disclosure.
- A brief audio glitch cut Zarrella’s closing words, and viewer reaction online ranged from praise to criticism, with some calling for Nebel’s return.