On March 16, 2025, the couples special episode of "Grill den Henssler" aired, delivering both culinary excitement and emotional moments. This marked the first time the cooking show dedicated its format to celebrity pairs, featuring TV star Cheyenne Ochsenknecht and her partner Nino Sifkovits, RTL presenter Katja Burkard with her husband Hans Mahr, and 'GZSZ' actress Chryssanthi Kavazi alongside her partner Tom Beck. All the action took place on the Vox channel at 20:15.
The evening kicked off with enthusiasm as Laura Wontorra, the host, expressed her excitement for this unique format. "This is the first time we have such special episode" she remarked. The featured couples took to the kitchen, ready to demonstrate their culinary prowess, but the atmosphere turned emotional when Wontorra opened up about her own private struggles.
Previously married to footballer Simon Zoller, Wontorra shared her feelings about being the only single contestant during the couples special, which struck a chord with both her audience and the participants. "Why is she always so mean to me?" Detlef Steves quipped when Wontorra’s frustration became apparent during one of the cooking tasks, where contestants were challenged to present their dishes appealingly. Yet, it was Wontorra's musing, "I’m here alone at the couples special," tearfully acknowledging her recent separation, which truly tugged at the heartstrings.
Comfort came unexpectedly from Henssler’s assistant Zivi Howan, who quickly stepped forward to hug the emotional host. He is known for being the jovial component of the show, even managing to elicit laughter from Wontorra and the audience with his whimsical charm. "You know what, every competition is fun and makes us grow as individuals," remarked Chryssanthi Kavazi, highlighting the weekend’s camaraderie.
The culinary competition was nothing short of exhilarating. Ochsenknecht and Sifkovits, who challenged Henssler's Teriyaki expertise, boldly stated, "We make our own Teriyaki sauce and have tried Steffen's, which is not good," initially catching the host off guard. The playful exchange continued as Henssler, unphased, responded, “What interests the oak if the pig rubs against it?”
Henssler, cooking alongside Steves, humorously referred to their pairing as “a small handicap” to lighten the mood amid friendly rivalries, leading to non-stop amusement throughout the episode. The skilled chef and reality TV star Steves, known for his candid critiques of the industry, let his thoughts fly as well. He shared, "It’s so much of a sport. Whoever is the loudest, the vilest, is seen as the best." His remarks drew laughter and nods of agreement from viewers, showcasing his desire for more meaningful content on reality TV.
Competitions between the couples played out, with highlights during the Impro-Gang, where the Henssler-Steves duo triumphed over the other pairs with their exceptional cooking skills. They scored 22:16 against their celebrity rivals, adding to their team spirit. The competitive nature of the show drove excitement as each group endeavored to impress the jury.
The show’s jury consisted of renowned culinary figures Christian Rach, Jana Ina Zarrella, and guest juror Bruce Darnell. Their feedback was often humorous and insightful, adding another layer of entertainment to the cooking show as dishes were evaluated and critiques shared.
Henssler and Steves also claimed victories during the Hauptspeise round, scoring 28:26 against Burkard and Mahr. The pressure was palpable as the dish showcased Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad and cucumber salad, providing moments of tension when contestants struggled or thrived, depending on their performance.
While the main dish concluded, emotions ran high as the contestants eagerly awaited the dessert results, leading to memorable moments and endearing reactions. The professionals delivered extravagant dishes, renowned among the jury for elegance and creativity.
By the evening’s end, Steffen Henssler and Detlef Steves concluded successfully with an overall score of 109:102, leaving both Henssler and viewers delighted with their culinary efforts and banter. Excitement for the next installment of the show mounts, keeping audiences on their toes for more gastronomic adventures. Laura Wontorra closed the show on a jubilant note, exclaiming, "That’s never happened before!" referring to the extraordinary responses from the jurors for the final dishes. The camaraderie, competition, and emotion encapsulated this exceptional evening, setting the stage for what’s next on "Grill den Henssler."