The anticipation is building for the 2025 season of RTL's beloved dance show, "Let's Dance." Set to kick off on February 21, this thrilling competition will see 14 celebrity contestants light up the dance floor.
Among those taking part are well-known personalities such as actress Simone Thomalla, reality star Leyla Lahouar, and former gymnast Fabian Hambüchen. The diverse group shows just how varied the talents are this year, with participants hailing from acting, music, social media, and sports.
For the 18th season, contestants will be judged by renowned judges, including Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi, and Jorge Gonzalez. They’ll need all the talent and grace they can muster—it's not just about dancing; it’s about impressing the judges and the audience at home as well.
Simone Thomalla, known for her role on ZDF's "Frühling," follows in her daughter Sophia’s footsteps, who won "Let's Dance" back in 2010. Simone expressed her eagerness, stating, "I love challenges, and I believe this will be one of the biggest for me." With years of acting experience behind her, she’s ready to take on this new venture.
Christine Neubauer, another veteran actress, is also among the contestants. They both bring extensive television history, with Christine's fame rising from her role on the series "Löwengrube." At 62, her charisma and stage presence are expected to shine.
On the musical front, Jeanette Biedermann brings her charm as both singer and actress. With years of entertainment experience, her performance is highly anticipated. She humorously shares, "Every dance will be like performing on stage. I’m both excited and nervous!"
Osan Yaran, the comedian with Turkish roots, hopes to use his humor to entertain as he steps onto the dance floor for the first time, bringing fresh energy to the mix.
Meanwhile, influencer Sandra Safiulov, known as selfiesandra, will showcase her quirky personality and online charm before the audience on "Let's Dance." She admits, "I’m used to being in front of the camera but dancing is entirely different. It’s definitely outside my comfort zone!"
One of the youngest contestants this season is Diego Pooth, the son of TV star Verona Pooth. At just 21, he has expressed concern about living up to his family's legacy, stating, "I will have to step out of their shadow and prove myself on stage. For me, this is just as much of an athletic competition as it is about dancing."
Taliso Engel, renowned for being a Paralympic swimmer, is also aiming for the stars on the dance floor. Having won multiple gold medals, he brings determination and talent, hoping to inspire others along the way.
Social media sensation Paola Maria will also participate. Having built her fame as one of Germany’s leading content creators, she speaks candidly about her previous struggles, stating, "I can’t quite describe it yet. I used to watch this show with my mom, and now I'm part of it!" Her excitement is palpable as she takes on this physical challenge.
Not just focused on dancing, Leyla Lahouar, currently engaged to reality star Mike Heiter, shares her thoughts on relationship dynamics as she prepares for the show. She remarked, "Mike tends to be jealous at times, especially during the more intimate dances, but I find it sweet. He’s very supportive, even if he might get possessive!"
Every aspect contributes to the unique chemistry of this year's competition. Ben Zucker, with his rich musical background, and Marc Eggers, known as both model and entertainer, add even more layers to the diverse cast.
Fabian Hambüchen, already well-established as one of Germany's top athletes, has transitioned to engaging television roles post-retirement. His participation will surely draw fans both old and new from the gymnastics community.
The stage is set, and everything is ready for "Let's Dance". Each Friday at 20:15 on RTL, the contestants will face off, seeking to impress not only the judges but also the viewers, who have long cherished this iconic show.
A heady mix of anticipation and pressure awaits all the stars taking part—muscle fatigue and emotional ups and downs are just part of the experience. Who will emerge as the “Dancing Star” this season? Each contestant undoubtedly aims to create memorable performances—only time will tell who can secure the title!