In a surprising turn of events, Elton, who has been a beloved team captain on ARD's hit quiz show "Wer weiß denn sowas?" for the past decade, has announced his departure, raising eyebrows and sadness among fans and co-hosts alike. The announcement was made on March 18, 2025, through an emotional Instagram post where Elton expressed his gratitude towards the cast and crew while stating he wishes to pursue a quieter life with more time for family and friends.
In his heartfelt post, Elton was joined by his fellow quizmaster and competitor Bernhard Hoëcker alongside show host Kai Pflaume, reflecting on the immense bond they shared over the years. "You will especially miss us. We will miss you dearly. Thank you for the unbelievably great time, the many exciting moments, the fun moments...," said Hoëcker in response to Elton, illustrating the tight-knit family dynamic cultivated within the show.
Kai Pflaume shared his thoughts about Elton’s exit, stating, "Even though I fully understand your reasons, it is still a decision that is very sad for us. But we can truly be proud of what we have achieved in the past ten years." With viewers gravitating towards the warmth and professionalism shared between the hosts, this news has undoubtedly created a ripple of emotions throughout their audience.
In the footnotes of continuing surprising moments on the show, a special birthday surprise took place for Bernhard Hoëcker on March 20, 2025. The episode marked his 55th birthday, an event Pflaume orchestrated to be memorable. When announcing the birthday on stage, Pflaume mockingly asked the audience, "Did you know that Bernhard has a birthday today?" With viewers and guests caught off guard, they filled the studio with applause and cheers of "Happy Birthday!" as it signaled a light-hearted spirit even amid significant life changes.
However, that was just the beginning! Pflaume and Elton curated an amazing surprise by reaching out to actor Marcus Harris, whom Hoëcker had idolized since childhood. In a remarkable twist of fate, they managed to source a recorded video message from Harris, who humorously apologized for missing Bernhard's birthday decades ago with, "I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your birthday back then, but maybe it will work out next year!" This surprise delighted Hoëcker, creating a touching moment that signified enduring friendships outside the realm of competition.
As Elton steps away, others ponder what future installments of "Wer weiß denn sowas?" entail. The ARD network has since confirmed, according to sources, that the quiz show will continue, with Bernhard Hoëcker remaining in his role as team captain. The statement echoes that the show would maintain its beloved format without any particular changes, enhancing viewers' confidence in its continuation.
During his decade-long journey, Elton won an impressive 545 out of almost 1,300 episodes, securing his legacy within the show's history. His significant contributions were recognized by ARD's program director Christine Strobl, who remarked, "Elton has brought a lot of charm, wit, and heart to this show with his authentic and relaxed manner." For all involved, the decision for Elton to leave, while understood, was a bittersweet one, filled with fond memories.
Viewers have a chance to bid farewell to Elton during a special Saturday evening broadcast set for April 26, 2025, at 20:15, where they can celebrate his impact on the show one last time. The anticipation around who might step in to fill Elton's role remains yet unanswered as ARD maintains discretion regarding the subsequent appointment. Information is expected to surface soon to quell the mounting curiosity among fans.
Ultimately, while the departure of Elton marks a significant transition for the iconic quiz show, the spirit of camaraderie established within those ten years will linger. "Wer weiß denn sowas?" air time remains unchanged, continuing its broadcast from Monday to Friday at 18:00, much to the delight of a loyal viewer base averaging at 3.3 million—exemplifying that while transitions happen, the excitement of knowledge and competition gives fans a reason to tune in day after day.
