On January 24, millions of reality TV fans finally got what they had been waiting for—the 18th season of "Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!" (I'm a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!) kicked off from the Australian bush, hosted once again by Sonja Zietlow and Jan Köppen. This year's lineup promises plenty of drama and excitement as the contestants forgo all luxuries to face challenges like no other.
The cast of this season is as star-studded as ever, featuring actors, musicians, and reality TV personalities fighting for the coveted jungle crown. Among those vying for the title are Timur Ülker, Nina Bott, Yeliz Koc, and Edith Stehfest, who is entering the show following her husband Eric’s notable stint on the 2022 season, where he finished second. With the hopes of success, Eric is cheering for Edith from their hotel room, sharing their experiences and excitement on social media.
On the very first day, Eric celebrated by hosting a pizza party with close friends and their children, capturing their family moment online with pride. “I can’t wait to see Mom on TV and be just so damn proud,” he remarked, demonstrating his unwavering support. His social media activity doesn’t stop there, as he creatively organized "Edith’s Jungle Bingo" for their viewing experience, inviting friends to keep track of topics and themes Edith discusses throughout the show.
The newcomer Edith will face particularly tough challenges on her way to conquer the jungle, especially since she has little experience with the camera. She expressed her calm demeanor as she began her adventure, bolstered by the confidence and encouragement of her husband. Will this support help her through the tough trials of the jungle?
Set to air daily at 8:15 PM on RTL and streamed live on RTL+, the season started with several big personalities challenging one another. Each episode will bring the contestants faced with new tasks and tests, pushing them both physically and mentally. The season finale is scheduled for February 9, 2025.
Another contestant making headlines is Yeliz Koc, who revealed her emotional backstory during one of the campfire discussions, sharing her struggles with depression and self-harm. “Since my youth, I was so unhappy, I thought I didn’t belong on this planet,” she shared candidly. Her revelations not only caught the attention of her campmates but also created emotional connections among them.
Meanwhile, Lilly Becker made waves by discussing her past during her time on the show, recounting how she spent a night in jail after a drunken car incident with her then-boyfriend. “I was totally crazy,” she laughed, recalling the incident with no small amount of humility and self-reflection. Her story led to the kind of openness expected from Dschungelcamp, sparking discussions among the other contestants about their own youthful indiscretions.
Turning the spotlight back to the hosts, they attract viewers with their chemistry and humor. Zietlow has been at the helm of the show since its inception, and her witty banter is often backed by her husband, Jens Oliver Haas, who actually writes the lines and is also the voice of the beloved character Dr. Bob. They keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining as the season progresses.
On February 1, as tensions ran high due to dwindling food supplies—which, per tradition, mostly comprise rice and beans—the contestants faced their respective trials, including Sam Dylan, who struggled under pressure and failed to secure stars for the campfire cooking. Frustrated, Lilly Becker flipped out at him, emphasizing the importance of their performances. "Why did you not wait until the end of the game? A star is worth more than none!" she exclaimed, illustrating the competitors' frustrations and personal stakes involved.
This year, the production even intervened when contestant Alessia Herren was so afraid of jungle creatures she almost opted out of the experiment. Her fellow participants banded together, encouraging her to face the fears and maintaining morale throughout the camp. “We want you here because you are part of the group,” expressed support from Maurice Dziwak.
Over the course of the season, the contestants will be undergoing numerous challenges, each with viewers voting for tasks through audience participation. Controversies, breakthroughs, and new friendships are to be expected as audiences witness the contestants experiencing the ultimate test of resilience, perseverance, and camaraderie.
“Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!” continues to offer audiences the shocking, emotional, and sometimes humorous tales we have come to expect over the years from the show, as the contestants balance luxury items like pillows and face creams against the rugged reality of jungle life.
Despite competitive spirits and personal struggles, the heart of the show remains the camaraderie and unexpected friendships forged under the harshest circumstances. Tune in daily at RTL and RTL+ to see who makes it to the end and earns the title of the 2025 jungle king or queen.
With so much drama already bubbling under the surface just days after the show’s return, viewers can only anticipate the wild adventures and stories yet to come!