RTLzwei has announced the cast for the Halloween edition of the “#CoupleChallenge.” Six couples will compete for up to €66,600, including Sam Dylan (35) and his partner Rafi Rachek (36). Also in the race are the trans contestants Giuliana Farfalla (30) and Valencia Stöhr (31) from “Battle of the Reality Stars,” who will participate as a friendship pair.
Additionally, reality veterans Jasmin Herren (47) and Patricia Blanco (54) as well as Umut Tekin (29) are on board. The “Bachelorette” contestant will participate in the first couple-format with his girlfriend Lena Goldstein (24). Also taking part are the “Love Island” twins Jenny and Vanessa Graßl (25) and the “Are You The One?” colleagues Jerry (31) and Chris (28).
The show kicks off on October 9 on RTL+ with two new episodes each week. On linear TV, the season will be shown at a later date according to the broadcaster.
Old Feuds With Sam Dylan
The camp could prove to be a gauntlet for Sam Dylan in particular. Four of the five competing couples still have a score to settle with the former Jungle Camp contestant. He himself remains clueless about what to expect: “I’m a mystery egg; I don’t know what to expect myself!”
Most intense likely clashes will be with Umut Tekin. On “Summer House of the Stars,” he, Sam, and Rafi clashed to such an extent that security had to intervene. The dispute continued on “The Reckoning” and “Night Fever.”
The women in the cast have also had run-ins with Sam. Jasmin Herren was once close friends with Rafi; the end of that friendship even caused tension between the two men. Since last year, her relationship with Sam has been strained. Her teammate Patricia Blanco engaged in a public clash with him after “The Reckoning.”
Jenny Graßl clashed with Sam on “The 50,” Giuliana Farfalla on “Battle of the Reality Stars” even more than once. According to the network, Giuliana in the camp will turn the head of a very particular man. Who that is remains to be seen for now.
Controversy Ahead of Airing Over Alleged Trans- and Homophobia
The Halloween special of the reality show had already made headlines in August because, according to media reports, Patricia Blanco was ousted from the show due to transphobic remarks against Valencia Stöhr (TheColu.mn reported). The daughter of Roberto Blanco is said to have also not received the agreed fee of more than €10,000.
Sam Dylan also announced after filming that he filed a police report against a reality TV colleague (TheColu.mn reported). Allegedly this person had made homophobic remarks toward Sam. RTLzwei has not confirmed either incident yet.
The latest regular season of “#CoupleChallenge” aired in the spring. The spin-off retains the core concept: mistakes and botched tasks cost prize money, and in regular nomination rounds the couples send two teams into an exit challenge. New are so-called rituals that cast curses over the camp. These are said to have far-reaching consequences for the participants. (spot)
