As the excitement builds for the premiere of the new reality show "The Couple" on Canale 5, two familiar faces are set to capture viewers' attention: former showgirls Elena Barolo and Thais Wiggers. Debuting on April 7, 2025, this show will feature eight pairs of contestants competing for a grand prize of one million euros. With a blend of friendship, rivalry, and entertainment, the show promises to be a thrilling addition to the reality TV landscape.
Elena Barolo, born in Turin in 1982, first gained fame as a "velina" on the iconic Italian television show "Striscia la Notizia" from September 2002 to June 2004. Her vibrant personality and charm made her a standout alongside her partner, Giorgia Palmas. Following her initial success, Barolo expanded her career into various television roles, including appearances on popular programs like "Paperissima," "Lucignolo," and the soap opera "Centovetrine," where she portrayed the character Vittoria Della Rocca until 2007. In 2011, she made a return to "Striscia" as a correspondent, further solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her television career, Barolo has ventured into the world of fashion. In 2012, she launched her fashion blog, affashionate.com, where she shares her insights on style and lifestyle. Her diverse career has also included hosting roles, such as the sports program "Anteprima Processo" on 7 Gold and serving as a correspondent for "Questione Di Stile" on Rai Due until October 2024. Barolo's dynamic presence continues to resonate with fans, making her a compelling contestant on "The Couple" alongside her friend Wiggers.
Thais Wiggers, born in Florianópolis, Brazil, in 1985, began her modeling career at the tender age of 14. She quickly made her mark in the industry, even posing for Tim campaigns with supermodels Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima in 2004. Wiggers made her way to Italy in 2005, where she joined "Striscia la Notizia" as a "velina" paired with Melissa Satta until the 2007/2008 season. Her departure from the show was marked by her pregnancy with her then-partner, Teo Mammucari, with whom she shares a daughter named Julia.
While Wiggers has maintained a lower profile in recent years, she has made appearances as a guest on various shows and promotions. Her relationship with Mammucari, which lasted from 2006 to 2009, was tumultuous, and Wiggers has openly discussed the challenges of co-parenting and ensuring her daughter's well-being in the wake of their separation. Despite these personal challenges, Wiggers remains a beloved figure in Italian entertainment, and fans are eager to see her dynamic with Barolo unfold on "The Couple."
"The Couple," hosted by Ilary Blasi, aims to explore the dynamics of relationships through a mix of competition and camaraderie. The show will feature eight pairs of friends, partners, or relatives, all vying for the coveted prize. This unique format not only showcases the contestants' personalities but also highlights the intricacies of their relationships under the watchful eye of the cameras.
Barolo and Wiggers, who describe themselves as "super charged" and ready for the competition, expressed their enthusiasm in an interview with "Verissimo." They stated, "We don't know what will happen, but the only thing certain is our pair: the atomic blondes, an explosion of enthusiasm, positivity, and joy!" Their camaraderie and shared experiences as former showgirls on "Striscia la Notizia" provide a solid foundation for their participation in the show, promising an entertaining and engaging dynamic.
As the premiere date approaches, viewers are abuzz with anticipation for the show. Other confirmed contestants include Manila Nazzaro and her husband Stefano Oradei, sisters Brigitta and Benedicta Boccoli, Irma and Lucia Testa, Jasmine Carrisi with her former boyfriend Pierangelo Greco, Antonino Spinalbese paired with Andrea Tabanelli, and athletes Laura Maddaloni and Giorgia Villa, along with models Danilo and Fabrizio Mileto. Each pair brings their unique stories and backgrounds, setting the stage for a captivating reality TV experience.
With its mix of competition, friendship, and entertainment, "The Couple" is poised to become a must-watch show on Italian television. As Barolo and Wiggers embark on this new journey, fans of both contestants are eager to see how their past experiences and strong bond will play out in the competitive arena. The stage is set, and the cameras are ready to capture every moment of drama, joy, and perhaps even heartbreak that will unfold on this exciting new reality show.
As viewers prepare for the show, they can expect not only to witness the challenges and triumphs of the contestants but also to delve deeper into the personal lives of Barolo and Wiggers. Their journey on "The Couple" promises to be a blend of entertainment and emotional storytelling, showcasing the resilience and strength of their friendship amidst the competitive spirit of reality television.
