Siegen. In the latest season of the reality show, #CoupleChallenge - Das stärkste Team gewinnt, seven couples are battling it out for a significant jackpot of 100,000 euros. Among the participants are Iris Klein and her boyfriend Stefan Braun, who intended for this to be their first public appearance together. Braun, 47, originally from Olpe, took a massive step at the beginning of 2025 when he moved to Worms for love.
Before the show's start, Klein expressed excitement, stating, "We were both very thrilled about participating in CC," in an interview with the Siegener Zeitung. However, things took an unfortunate turn during the very first challenge, which saw Klein launched into the air by an XL air cushion only to land awkwardly in the water. This mishap resulted in Klein struggling for breath after an abrupt landing.
By the second episode, it became clear that Klein was significantly injured. "Nothing is broken, but I feel restricted. I can feel the pain with every breath," she told fellow participant Dilara Kruse, showing her resilient spirit despite the discomfort.
Stefan Braun echoed the seriousness of the situation, insisting that health was paramount but acknowledging the disappointment of possibly withdrawing from the show. "It would be tragic to leave out this early," he stressed.
A trip to the hospital confirmed the seriousness of the situation, with doctors diagnosing Klein with a thoracic contusion. Although counselled to continue with the support of pain medication, the medical team ultimately concluded that they could not allow the couple to continue competing.
Reflecting on the experience, Braun remarked, "We couldn’t show how well we work together because we were stopped right at the start block." After wrapping up the mishap on social media, Klein reached out to followers for support. "The contusion was incredibly painful. I was flat for two weeks. Sneezing, coughing, or laughing was a nightmare," she shared on Instagram.
Despite their premature exit, there’s a silver lining. Klein expressed hope for more TV appearances. "We’re looking forward to many new formats," she affirmed. "I’m particularly happy that people now have met my new partner – and they’ve welcomed him with open arms. I’d say we passed the fire test!" Braun mirrored that enthusiasm, stating, "I’m open to all formats... communication with different people is no problem at all," in an in-depth interview with BILD.
This season marks the first time the Couple Challenge has returned after a three-year hiatus, now available for audiences in free-to-air TV. Competing for the substantial prize are seven pairs made up of lovebirds, friends, and surprise duos. Joining Klein and Braun in this reality adventure are:
- Iris Klein and Stefan Braun
- Menderes Bagci and Rainer Gottwald
- Gigi Birofio and Luciano Corsano
- Dilara Kruse and Roaya Soraya
- Julian F. M. Stoeckel and Marcell Damaschke
- Tommy Pedroni and Paulina Ljubas
- Tobias Wegener and Sandra Sicora
Menderes and Rainer, known for their friendship initiated on Promi Big Brother, bring their camaraderie into the challenge. Meanwhile, Gigi and his uncle Luciano strengthen their familial ties in a competitive environment. Dilara Kruse and Roaya Soraya aim to clinch the title together as best friends, while Julian and Marcell make their first appearance as a couple. Tommy, a familiar face from the previous season, returns with his new partner Paulina, and Sandra partners with the notorious “Love Island” star Tobi Wegener.
As these unique pairs navigate their way through various challenges while showcasing their relationships and resilience, audiences are left eager to witness the outcomes.
The Couple Challenge sets a stage where love, friendship, and rivalry intermingle, all for the chance at a life-changing jackpot. With every episode, viewers will be captivated by the dynamics of these diverse couples and their unique approaches to competition.
The disappointment of a bitter early exit for Klein and Braun underscores the emotional and physical risks participants face on reality TV. However, their determination to grow from the experience hints at a promising trajectory in their shared journey both on-screen and off, leaving fans eager for more.
