The popular German reality show "Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!" has kicked off its 18th season, known colloquially as Dschungelcamp 2025, with much fanfare and considerable controversy. Premiering on January 24, 2025, at the new prime time of 20:15 on RTL, this year’s program not only promises the same mixture of celebrity antics and challenges but also raises the stakes with the introduction of luxury items contestants can bring to the jungle.
This year, the lineup includes famous faces such as Lilly Becker, ex-wife of tennis legend Boris Becker, and Yeliz Koc, known for her dramatic history on reality television. The show will run for 17 episodes, culminating in the grand finale on February 9, 2025. The familiar hosting duo of Sonja Zietlow and Jan Köppen retains their roles, ensuring viewers will once again get their fix of humor and excitement.
Contestants are permitted to bring two luxury items, which, as one might expect, has yielded some truly unique choices due to the mix of practicality and personal sentiment. For example, Lilly Becker, the highest-earning participant with at least 300,000 euros, chose to bring along a stuffed bear and moisturizing cream, showcasing both her glamorous side and practical wellness needs.
Another contestant, Yeliz Koc, made waves with her selection of items as well. A former reality star with significant media presence, Koc brought along what she called her "Pinkelhilfe" (urinella), allowing her the convenience of urinating standing up - quite useful for the show’s challenging conditions. She also packed her own sleep pillow, expressing her desire to maintain some comfort during her time on the show.
Anna-Carina Woitschack, yet another star participant, opted for the classic earplugs (Ohropax) and tinted cream, emphasizing her commitment to peaceful rest during the show's intensive demands. Meanwhile, actor Timur Ülker shifted his game plan when he learned his designer outfit choice violated camp rules. Instead, his chosen items became fragrant body spray and a makeup palette--a subtle nod to maintaining his appearance under duress.
Of course, not all the stories coming from the Dschungelcamp have been lighthearted. Yeliz Koc faced scrutiny when it was revealed she smuggled a vape pen past producers, hiding it cleverly under her hygiene products. "Ich hatte so Angst, dass diese Vape in meiner Mumu explodiert," she recounts, illustrating the tightrope participants walk between entertaining television and personal mishaps.
The reality show also brings discussions of financial motivation to the forefront. The gossip surrounding contestant earnings has revealed some staggering figures. Latest reports suggest Lilly Becker's initial salary of over 300,000 euros has set the bar significantly higher than previous seasons. Anna-Carina Woitschack and Jürgen Hingsen also reportedly command favorable fees, approximately 220,000 euros and around 200,000 euros, respectively.
Confessionals and interactions among participants leave viewers chattering with engagement; the dynamic on-screen is pivotal as contestants confront both physical ordeals, such as critters and rank conditions, and the psychological strains of competing against each other. Reality TV fans delight as these personalities struggle and maneuver, with even the tension at the camp's restroom becoming fodder for humorous headlines.
For some, such as former GZSZ star Nina Bott, the stakes are more emotional—she brings along customized jewelry inscribed with her children's names, keeping her loved ones close even amid chaos. "Auf den Anhängern meiner Kette sind die Namen meiner Kinder eingraviert, so habe ich sie alle immer bei mir," she expresses, tying herself toward familial bonds as the challenges mount.
With Dschungelcamp 2025 only just underway, scenes are ripe for drama, laughter, and unexpected twists, ensuring viewers are glued to their screens. From the planned weekly eliminations to the inevitable ups and downs of camp life, the anticipation builds leading up to the upcoming finale. Crowds continue to interact on platforms, allowing opinions to flourish, and bets to build on who may take home the coveted Dschungelkrone—the crown of camp champions.
Conversely, as exciting as the drama and luxury item lists are, the backstories and lives of these contestants illuminate the core of reality TV lore. They come from various backgrounds—from sport to music to previous relationships—showing the myriad paths leading them to this point. Each week, as their personalities blend and conflict, the audience is left wanting more.
While the first episodes of Dschungelcamp 2025 present initial insights, viewers can only wonder what surprises and challenges lie on the horizon. One thing is for sure, though: this year's batch of contestants is shaping up to provide drama and entertainment befitting their luxurious presence and individual stories.