Joachim Llambi, a mainstay on RTL's popular dance show "Let’s Dance," is known for his no-nonsense approach and strict judging style. Over the years, he has garnered a reputation as one of the fiercest jurors, but what truly underpins his judging philosophy?
At 60 years old, Llambi has stressed the importance of several key aspects that guide his evaluations, such as rhythm, footwork, body lines, and partner collaboration. "You have to look at everything, especially tapping, footwork, body lines, and cooperation with your partner," he stated. Defining his role more clearly, he added, "I don't care who advances. I am different from Dieter Bohlen or Heidi Klum. I don’t profit from the contestants; that is why the dancing is what matters most to me."
In the wake of recent critiques regarding contestant Christine Neubauer, Llambi took to his Instagram account to address the backlash directed at her: "I find the people who criticize Christine Neubauer unbearable," he remarked, urging others to let people be who they want to be. This sentiment underscores his belief that performance is primarily about the skill displayed rather than personal aesthetics or character traits.
Further emphasizing his individuality as a judge, Llambi explained that there are no agreements or prior discussions between the jurors regarding scoring. "RTL specifically requires us to provide our own opinions, and in 18 seasons, no one from the team has ever interfered with our scoring," he confirmed. This independence allows him to maintain a fair and unbiased approach.
Beyond his professional persona, Joachim Llambi's personal life reveals a story intertwined with deep family connections and challenges. Born on July 18, 1964, in Duisburg, he grew up amidst hardship. At the age of eleven, his father, Narciso, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and Llambi's family dedicated nine years of care until his father's passing. This traumatic experience profoundly affected his upbringing and instilled in him a sense of responsibility and resilience during his formative years.
His path to the world of dance began rather unconventionally. Initially pursuing a career as a bank clerk at Duisburger Sparkasse, he later shifted gears to work as a stockbroker. However, dance remained a passion. At 16, he took his first dance class at his mother's dance school. By 1989, he transitioned from amateur to professional status, competing internationally until 1991.
In 2006, Llambi became a permanent member of the "Let’s Dance" jury alongside fellow judges Jorge González and Motsi Mabuse, establishing a significant presence in the world of television. His annual earnings from the show reportedly place him in the seven-figure income bracket, signifying the financial success of his long career.
While his public life flourishes, Llambi’s family dynamic has seen turbulent changes. He married his dance partner, Sylvia Putzmann, in 1990, but they divorced in 2003. He then found love with Ilona Schneider, marrying her in 2005. They share a daughter, Helena, who is now 18 and studying media and communication in Rotterdam. Ilona has a daughter from a previous marriage, Katharina, a budding model and dancer, which strengthens their family ties.
However, the Llambis' marriage was not without its struggles. Following their separation in 2018, rumors of reconciliation sparked interest, especially when observers noted Llambi wearing a wedding ring during a show in 2019. In recent news, it has been confirmed that the couple is together again, having settled in Mallorca, where they invested in a 1.2 million euro home.
Adding complexity to his narrative, Llambi faced professional criticism during the February 23, 2023, episode of "Let’s Dance," where he harshly judged Cora Schumacher's past performance. His remarks provoked backlash from colleagues and Schumacher herself, who took to Instagram to voice her dissatisfaction, labeling his comments as hurtful and bordering on bullying.
Despite the ups and downs, Joachim Llambi has remained a steadfast figure in the entertainment industry, continually evolving both personally and professionally. His journey—from a strict juror to a caring father and husband—paints a picture of a man who balances a demanding career with a vibrant family life, proving that beneath the gruff exterior lies a devoted individual.
As he continues to criticize and judge the best of the best in dance, audiences often wonder if they’ve seen the softer side of him or if he’ll always uphold his stringent standards. With the complexities of life playing out both on and off screen, Joachim Llambi remains both a respected figure and a subject of public intrigue.