The countdown is on: On January 23, 2026, RTL will send twelve more or less recognizable faces into the Australian bush. The 19th season of “Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!” translates to “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” and, under the motto “TV Marathon of the Year,” promises 17 days full of gross-out trials, tears, and triumphs. Now the contestants are set—and the lineup packs a punch.
First and foremost, a name is stirring conversation: musician Gil Ofarim dares the camp. The 43-year-old, who most recently made headlines primarily for his courtroom appearance, apparently wants to show a different side of himself. Also on board: Simone Ballack (49), ex-wife of football legend Michael Ballack. The entrepreneur is expected to offer plenty of personal insights.
Actors and Reality-Veterans
As the network announced on Friday morning, several actors will tackle the adventure. Stephen Dürr (51), who was previously seen on “GZSZ,” and Hardy Krüger (57) as well as Nicole Belstler-Boettcher (62), known to many as Sandra Maiwald from the long-running “Lindenstraße,” are joining in. That Mirja du Mont (49), famous from “Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten,” would swap the TV studio for the hammock under the starry sky was already known.
The reality contingent is as strong as ever. Umut Tekin (28), who rose to fame through “Temptation Island,” brings drama experience. Samira Yavuz (32) and Eva Benetatou (33) are familiar to audiences from various dating formats—and they also carry a tangible dating-scandal narrative. Additionally, Ariel (22) is participating—a further reality star hoping to prove themselves in the jungle. Also TV farmer Patrick Romer (30), who looked for love on “Farmer Wants a Wife,” now hopes for the big crown.
Hubert Fella represents the LGBTQ+ community
And Hubert Fella (57)? The man is a legend among product testers and should provide entertaining, down-to-earth moments. Fella is known from several documentary- and reality-TV formats and as the partner of TV crowd-pleaser Matthias Mangiapane (42). The gay couple has, a few years ago, together taken part in the German version of “Summer House of the Stars.”
Tips for taking part could come from Fella’s ally Mangiapane, who himself has already been on IBES. “I’m not disappointed, honestly,” he said at the time after his exit. “I’m mega happy to have landed in fifth place. I thought I’d have to leave much, much earlier.”
The spectacle is once again hosted by Sonja Zietlow (57) and Jan Köppen (42). For medical emergencies, Dr. Bob is on standby—the secret star of every season. Starting January 23, the show runs daily in prime time on RTL. For those who can’t wait, past seasons are streaming on RTL+.
