In the latest episode of "Germany's Next Topmodel" (GNTM) 2025, the competition intensified as the male models faced their first major casting opportunities. On March 26, 2025, the final Wednesday episode of the anniversary season aired, marking a pivotal moment for the contestants as they prepared for real modeling jobs.
Hosted by the iconic Heidi Klum, 51, the show introduced guest judge Elias Becker, 25, son of tennis legend Boris Becker, who provided valuable insights to the aspiring models. During the Denim-Walk challenge, Elias emphasized the importance of resilience in the modeling industry, stating, "It took a thousand no's to get to the point where you get your first yes." This advice resonated with the contestants, who were eager to impress.
In this episode, three contestants faced elimination: Mattes (38, from Alpen), Tim (19, from Berlin), and Lian (21, from Bern, Switzerland). Their journey ended after a challenging performance judged by Klum and Becker, highlighting the harsh realities of the modeling world.
The stakes were high as the male models prepared for their casting with "Esquire" magazine, where Moritz, Ethan, Pierre, and Jannik secured jobs. However, the mood shifted dramatically during the next casting for the sports magazine "Approved," where a body-shaming incident unfolded that sparked outrage among the contestants.
Oliver Rauh, deputy editor-in-chief and style director of "Approved," made a controversial remark to contestant Faruk, suggesting he should do "a little more workout," which Faruk interpreted as discriminatory. "With a beer belly like that, how can you tell me to lose weight? I have no respect for that!" he exclaimed, leaving the casting room in frustration. Rauh attempted to apologize, but Faruk refused to accept it, stating, "You have nothing to say to me!"
This incident ignited a wave of solidarity among the male models. Jannik announced that they would not accept the job with "Approved" in support of Faruk, stating, "As a team player, we stand behind him." However, the solidarity was short-lived as Kevin, Moritz, and Pierre later reconsidered and decided to participate in the shooting, emphasizing the competitive nature of the industry.
As the episode progressed, the models were coached by Becker for a decision walk in Los Angeles, where they faced yet another elimination round. Ultimately, Lian, Tim, and Mattes were cut from the competition, leaving 15 male candidates still vying for the title of "Germany's Next Topmodel." Meanwhile, Faruk and Alex were set to face off in a shoot-out, where only one would advance to the next stage of the competition.
The emotional rollercoaster of the episode also featured moments of triumph and disappointment, as some contestants celebrated their successes while others grappled with the harsh realities of the modeling world. The ongoing journey of the remaining contestants promises to be filled with challenges, as they navigate the complexities of the industry while dealing with personal conflicts and the pressure to succeed.
As viewers tune in to the next episode, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead for the contestants in their quest to become "Germany's Next Topmodel." With the stakes higher than ever, fans are left wondering who will rise to the occasion and who will fall short in the cutthroat world of fashion.
