Annika Ernst, the star of the ZDF series "Der Bergdoktor," has made headlines by posing nude for the February issue of Playboy, marking her debut as the magazine's cover girl. This surprising move has caught many, including her colleague Hans Sigl, off guard.
Known for her role as Dr. Johanna Angelika Rüdiger, Ernst revealed her reasons for accepting Playboy’s offer: "Weil ich sehr stolz auf meinen Körper bin, da ich mir sehr viel davon mit intensivem Training über Jahre erarbeitet habe" ("Because I am very proud of my body, which I have achieved through intensive training over the years"), she told BILD. The actress expressed her excitement about finally showcasing her hard work and dedication to fitness after previously feeling unsporty during her youth.
For Ernst, this photoshoot is not just about nudity but also about empowerment and body positivity. She elaborated, "Ich wünsche mir, dass Frauen öfter stolz auf sich sind" ("I wish women were prouder of themselves more often"), conveying the idea of celebrating one’s achievements, especially as women often downplay their successes.
While Ernst is openly thrilled about her photos, her husband, Austrian marketing expert Robert Wagner, and her daughter Luna—whom she shares with her previous partner—were equally surprised. She noted, "Beide sind mindestens so stolz wie ich!" ("Both are at least as proud as I am!"). Interestingly, only Ernst and her PR agent knew about her Playboy appearance prior to the public announcement, making it a genuine surprise for those close to her, including Sigl.
The surprise element deepens considering Sigl’s character, Martin Gruber, known for his open-mindedness. Ernst speculated on how he would react, saying, "Er hat die tolle Eigenschaft, jeden so sein, leben und machen zu lassen, wie er oder sie es für richtig befindet" ("He has the wonderful quality of letting everyone be, live, and do as they see fit"). This sentiment suggests he would support her choice, perhaps with just a smile of approval.
Reflecting on her on-screen persona, Ernst remarked her character, Dr. Johanna, would never accept such an offer. The reason? Dr. Johanna is fully consumed by her medical career and has other priorities. "Sie würde ablehnen, nicht, weil sie zu schamhaft wäre. Sondern, weil sie… den Fokus auf andere Dinge legt" ("She would refuse, not because she is too modest, but because she… focuses on other things").
Ernst's commitment to her fitness and self-care is also linked back to her role as a mother. "Ich wollte ihr vorleben, dass man alles schaffen kann, wenn man sich anstrengt" ("I wanted to show her you can achieve anything if you put your effort in"). This inspiring message has guided her since the births of her son and daughter, shaping her approach to both parenting and personal empowerment.
The February issue of Playboy is stirring buzz not just for its cover star but also for its broader message about women's empowerment and self-acceptance. Ernst hopes her appearance will encourage women everywhere to embrace their achievements and bodies, challenging the societal pressures they face.
With the magazine set to hit the shelves on January 9, 2025, fans of Ernst and "Der Bergdoktor" are eager to see the full spread of images taken during the provocative shoot.
Ernst's realization of self-acceptance embodies her transformative years, illustrating her growth and maturity as both an actress and woman. Through her Playboy debut, she not only showcases her physical transformation but also her evolution as someone who champions positivity and pride among women today.
More intimate glimpses of Annika Ernst's playboy appearance can be found within the February issue, as well as exclusive visuals released on the Playboy media site, allowing for insight beyond just the magazine cover and sharing her celebratory message with the world.