Dschungelcamp 2025 has kicked off, creating buzz around its colorful contestants and the challenges they face. Alessia Herren, daughter of the late singer Willi Herren, is among the twelve participants eager to claim the coveted crown.
The show, officially titled "Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!" (I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!), premiered on January 24, 2025, and is hosted by familiar faces Sonja Zietlow and Jan Köppen, with episodes airing at 20:15 on RTL—a shift aimed to attract early viewers. The prize? A staggering 100,000 euros for the winner.
At just 22 years old, Alessia is no stranger to reality television, having previously appeared on shows like "Ab ins Kloster" and "Promi Big Brother." Her participation appears to be motivated by more than just fame; she has expressed her desire to honor her father's legacy. Willi Herren famously competed on the show's second season back in 2004, securing third place and endearing himself to audiences across Germany.
Alessia revealed during her time at Dschungelcamp, "If my father were here, he would be incredibly proud of what I, at such a young age, have already experienced and seen," showcasing the driving force behind her participation (reported by RTL). She described her time on the show as both fulfilling and challenging.
The emotional weight of her father's passing still looms large for Alessia. The loss of Willi Herren, who died unexpectedly on April 20, 2021, has shaped her life. She recalled their final embrace on April 16, just days before his death, imbuing this date with both pain and significance. "I still can't grasp the loss. I had written to him just days before he passed. The news shattered me," she shared with tears welling up as she spoke of this most vulnerable moment.
Interestingly, Alessia found solace in the mystical connection she believes exists between her father and her daughter Anisa-Amalia, born on the same day as her last interaction with Willi. "When we visit his grave, she always says 'Opa'—it gives me goosebumps," said Alessia, reflecting on how her daughter seems to recognize her grandfather, even though they never met.
Describing her time at Dschungelcamp, Alessia admitted to facing significant fears, particularly when it came to insects, noting her love for animals like dogs and cats but horror at crawling creepy-crawlies: "I love animals like dogs, cats, and lions, but insects— that's my absolute horror" (reported by RTL). Despite this fear, she's determined to test her limits and experience personal growth through the ordeal.
Having married Can Nitkewitz earlier, after he proposed during a boat trip to Istanbul, Alessia has faced public scrutiny over her romantic relationship. Speculation about their marriage arose when the couple removed pictures from social media. Clear communication relieved doubts: "We are happily married, and may God keep us together until the end of our lives," Alessia clarified, signaling the couple's unity and resilience signified by their shared experiences on the 2024 show "Sommerhaus der Stars."
Despite the heavy emotional baggage she carries, Alessia’s future seems grounded. She has plans to pursue formal work once her daughter starts kindergarten, stating her intention to train with retailer Aldi. She commented on this decision, "It may sound funny, but Aldi is genuinely a great employer. To me, it’s about leading a down-to-earth life. I take pride in cooking and managing my household, skills not all women my age possess," reflecting on her aspirations as both a mother and former reality star.
Throughout her appearances, Alessia has exhibited fiery personality traits reminiscent of her father, and her current adventures at Dschungelcamp may unearth conflicts, especially as her recent history with other contestants overlaps with her current cast. Notably, she previously exchanged heated words with fellow contestant Sam Dylan during "Sommerhaus der Stars," which could pose challenges throughout her time on the show.
Though Dschungelcamp typically serves as entertainment, it is moments like these—where emotional revelations collide with reality TV’s typical antics—that provide viewers with the rich, complex narratives they crave. Alessia Herren, balancing both the legacy of Willi Herren and the challenges of her present, continues to engage audiences not just as a contestant but as a relatable figure grappling with loss, legacy, and the quest for personal identity.
With each passing day, she faces the possibility of forging her own path, just as her father once did, even as fond memories and bittersweet experiences inform her decisions and aspirations.