The popular RTL show "Let’s Dance" is back with its 18th season, having kicked off on February 21, 2025, at 8:15 PM. This season features a star-studded lineup of 14 celebrities who will compete for the coveted title of "Dancing Star 2025." The show can also be streamed on RTL+ for those who prefer to watch online.
This year's participants include a mix of well-known personalities from various fields, each bringing their unique flair to the dance floor. The contestants are: Simone Thomalla (59), Christine Neubauer (62), Jeanette Biedermann (44), Osan Yaran (38), Marie Mouroum (32), Taliso Engel (22), Leyla Lahouar (28), Sandra Safiulov (25), Ben Zucker (41), Diego Pooth (21), Fabian Hambüchen (37), Paola Maria (31), Marc Eggers (38), and Roland Trettl (53).
Simone Thomalla, a seasoned actress known for her role in the ZDF series "Frühling," aims to follow in the footsteps of her daughter, Sophia Thomalla, who won "Let’s Dance" in 2010. Thomalla has a wealth of experience, having appeared in numerous films and series since her debut in the DDR film "Abgefunden" in 1983.
Christine Neubauer, who gained fame in the 1980s with her breakthrough role in "Löwengrube," is also among the contestants. With over 150 film and television productions to her name, Neubauer hopes to become the oldest winner of "Let’s Dance," stating, "If I manage to conquer my pressure and fight with myself, I would wish for my dance partner and me to become the oldest 'Let’s Dance' winners worldwide."
Jeanette Biedermann, a multifaceted artist who began her career in the late 1990s, is looking to prove herself on the dance floor. Known for her roles in "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" and her successful music career, Biedermann expresses excitement about immersing herself in choreography, saying, "As a complete freestyle dancer, it’s extremely exciting for me to dive into choreography and fill it with heart and soul."
Osan Yaran, a comedian who started his career in 2014, is ready to showcase his dancing skills. Known for his humorous take on life in Berlin, Yaran aims to impress his wife on the dance floor, declaring, "I want to finally stand up to my wife on the dance floor!"
Marie Mouroum, a talented stuntwoman and actress, has appeared in major films like "The Hunger Games" and "Star Wars." She hopes to learn professional dancing through "Let’s Dance" and grow as a performer. Mouroum's background in martial arts has prepared her for the physical demands of the show.
Taliso Engel, a Para swimmer and world record holder, is another standout contestant. Despite being visually impaired, Engel has achieved remarkable success in swimming, including gold medals at the Paralympics. He is excited about the new challenge that dancing presents, saying, "I want to take on this new challenge and grow through it."
Reality TV star Leyla Lahouar, known for her appearances on shows like "Der Bachelor" and "Promi Big Brother," is eager to step out of her comfort zone in this competition. Lahouar, who won "Promi Big Brother" in 2024, looks forward to the journey ahead.
Another participant, Sandra Safiulov, known online as selfiesandra, has gained fame as a content creator and podcaster. She is ready to embrace the challenges of "Let’s Dance," stating, "After 'Let’s Dance,' I will emerge as a new person, hopefully someone who sticks to a sport!"
Ben Zucker, a Schlager singer renowned for his distinctive voice, achieved fame with his 2017 hit album "Na und?!" He has sold over 1.4 million records and is looking forward to the challenge of dancing. Zucker remarked, "This will be the ultimate challenge for me – I will laugh, curse, sweat, and give it my all. In the end, only one thing counts: full power, no turning back – I want to rock this thing!"
Diego Pooth, the son of TV star Verona Pooth, is stepping into the spotlight with his debut on "Let’s Dance." A golf professional and student, Pooth is ready to tackle the dancing challenge, admitting, "My dance partner will have a lot of work ahead of her, but I’m really looking forward to this time!"
Fabian Hambüchen, a former gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, is also among the contestants. Known for his accomplishments in gymnastics, Hambüchen is excited to give his all in the dance competition, stating, "I will try my best to go as far as possible."
Marc Eggers, an entertainer and entrepreneur, began his career as a breakdancer. He is thrilled to participate in "Let’s Dance," having been a fan of the show since his youth. Eggers commented, "I have been watching 'Let’s Dance' since my childhood, especially since I danced as a breakdancer back then."
Finally, Roland Trettl, a renowned TV chef and host of "First Dates," is eager to learn the art of dance. Trettl, who earned a Michelin star in 2004, expressed his emotional connection to dance, saying, "There are few things that touch me as emotionally as good dancing. I want to learn that too."
The competition is set to be fierce as these 14 celebrities aim for the title of "Dancing Star 2025." The show will air weekly, with the finale scheduled for May 23, 2025. Fans can expect a thrilling season filled with impressive performances and heartfelt moments as the contestants showcase their dancing abilities.
