Lilly Becker, renowned for her turbulent life as the ex-wife of tennis icon Boris Becker, is gearing up for her much-anticipated role as a contestant on the reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! (IBES) 2025. The show, premiering on January 24, 2025, is set to take her to the Australian jungle, where she will face the infamous challenges and trials of the wild.
At 48, Becker is no stranger to the public eye, having built her career as a model and television personality. But her participation in this season of the show marks a defining moment as she attempts to emerge from the shadow of her past and carve out her own narrative. "I want to win something. Just to show my son: Look, your mommy can do more than just scream," Lilly told reporters, expressing her desire to showcase her resilience and strength to her son, Amadeus. Born Sharlely Kerssenberg, Lilly’s life has been marked by both notable achievements and significant hardships, including her high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce from Boris Becker.
The show has become famous for its grueling conditions, with contestants enduring extreme challenges and limited resources. Becker's entry has garnered considerable media attention, mainly due to her previous tumultuous relationship with Boris, with the show’s producers reportedly banking on her willingness to share uncensored stories from her past. Early reports suggest she will earn at least €300,000 for her stint on the show, making her one of the highest-paid contestants to date.
Addressing her personal life during interviews, Becker touched upon the difficulties stemming from her previous marriage, which lasted from 2009 until their separation in 2018 and eventual divorce finalized only recently. "He is newly married, has a wonderful wife, and Amadeus and I have become more mature," she stated, implying her acceptance and personal growth since the end of her marriage. Her ex-husband’s marriage has added another layer to the complex dynamics, and Lilly seems to approach the situation with composure, distancing herself from past bitterness.
Before entering the jungle, Becker also opened up about experiencing menopause, describing the shift as "an incredible time." Having completed her perimenopausal phase, she remarked, "I feel good, and I’m going with a completely new body feeling." Reflecting on her earlier struggles, Becker noted: "The perimenopause was terrible for me! Your hormones, your feelings – oh my God!" Her positive perspective on this transformation shows her readiness to embrace new chapters.
Her plunge back to the limelight, returning to the world of reality television, doesn't come without its challenges. Following her contentious breakup with Boris, Becker has faced various legal battles, including apparent financial strains highlighted by her recent comments. "Yes, I need money, because I’m not 'Lillifee'. I have to cover my costs every month," she confessed, showcasing the financial aspects driving her return to the public arena.
Even as she navigates these waters, Becker remains determined. "I fight for my son, for my name—and I go to the camp to win," she asserted, indicating her intent to reclaim her narrative away from the tabloid headlines.
The cast for IBES 2025 is diverse, including various personalities from different realms of entertainment, but Lilly's participation stands out due to her notoriety and backstory. This production marks her first time entering a reality show of such magnitude, and there is palpable curiosity about how she will adapt to the challenges of jungle life.
Over the years, reality TV has proved to be life-changing for many, with numerous contestants revitalizing their careers through exposure on such platforms. If Becker can capture the audience's heart and show her character, this experience might very well serve as the pivotal point she seeks. Reflecting on her motivation, she said: "I’m doing this for me." Indeed, this reality show presents Lilly Becker with opportunities to reshape her public image, confront her past, and perhaps thrive anew.
With the series expected to run from January 24 through February 10, and culminating in the final showdown, fans are eager to witness how Lilly Becker will manage the trials and tribulations of jungle living. Amidst anticipation and excitement, one thing is certain: Lilly Becker is ready to step back onto the stage, presenting her strong self to the world once more.