After much anticipation, the reality TV phenomenon is back with its latest season of "Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!" (I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!), featuring Maurice Dziwak—a name gaining traction as he prepares to take on the wilds of Australia. The show resumed its renowned production at its iconic location on January 24, 2025, with all eyes on Dziwak, who is also celebrating recent life changes as he embraces fatherhood.
Located deep within the Australian jungle, Maurice is determined to snatch the crown this season, stepping away from the responsibilities of parenthood, at least temporarily. His participation marks another chapter in his flourishing reality TV career after gaining prominence through various shows like "Love Island," where he first captured audience attention. Prior to this reality television adventure, the 26-year-old had already made waves across multiple competitions, building up quite the resume.
Born on June 21, 1998, Dziwak was raised in Oberhausen, where he harbored dreams not just of reality stardom but also of becoming a professional football player, receiving offers from big clubs such as FC Schalke 04. Perhaps surprisingly, his commitment to playing with friends at his local club, VfB Homberg, diverted him to pursuing roles outside of sports. Following his time at school, he shifted his focus toward industrial service management studies, but his tenacity for performance led him swiftly to the entertainment world.
Interestingly enough, his 2025 jungle experience is happening amid joyous personal milestones; shortly before joining the Dschungelcamp, he welcomed his son with girlfriend Leandra—an event he frequently highlights as the most meaningful moment of his life. He affectionately refers to his newborn as "Löwenbaby," affirming his ties to the 'lion' persona he has built within the reality television sphere. Dziwak expressed his heartfelt motivation for participating, noting, "Es wird hochemotional ... aber ich weiß, wofür ich es tue und das ist für meine Familie." (It will be highly emotional... but I know why I'm doing this, and it's for my family.)
Dziwak first shot to fame on "Love Island" back in 2021, captivating viewers with his charm and authenticity. His increasing popularity led to appearances on numerous dating and reality formats including "Are You The One?" and "Kampf der Realitystars." By the time he joined "Das Sommerhaus der Stars," he had built up his identity as the spunky, outspoken character audiences loved to follow. His ability to navigate drama, particularly with past partners like Ricarda Raatz, also drew viewers—evidencing what some term the 'Dschungel effect' of emotional embattlement being highly relatable for the show's fans.
But it's not just the serious moments audiences crave. Fans got to witness light-hearted, laugh-out-loud instances where Maurice dealt comically with new jungle challenges. One such episode featured him hilariously dodging the perils of bush toilets alongside fellow contestants. "Kackst du im Stehen?" (Are you pooping standing up?), asked Timur Ülker during their excursion, providing comic relief amid the show’s usual tension. Despite the humorous moments, these interactions showcase Dziwak's ability to connect and entertain, particularly under pressure.
Certainly, audiences have reason to remain engaged, eagerly anticipating how Maurice will handle future challenges, especially with his competitive nature. He aims to not only win over audiences but also take home the ultimate prize, stating confidently, "Ich werde euch maximal unterhalten. Ich hab Bock drauf ... Maurice und Dschungel? Dat wird Weltklasse" (I will entertain you to the max. I’m excited... Maurice and jungle? This will be world-class). The indomitable spirit he shows indicates he’s ready to tackle whatever surprises come his way.
His interactions aren’t without conflict, either. A recent spat over bed arrangements with fellow contestant Yeliz Koç put Maurice under scrutiny when he argued for fairer distribution of sleeping spots. "Das ist die größte Frechheit von der Yeliz," he exclaimed, exemplifying the emotional highs and lows of living within the Dschungelcamp confines. The question remains—will he manage to maintain his endearing persona through these conflicts, or will the stress become overwhelming?
Beyond those internal struggles, Maurice’s supportive mother Anja Dziwak even continues to back him as he embarks on this captivating adventure, exemplifying the close family ties he asserts are pivotal to his life. Despite offer criticisms for leaving his family as he chases dreams, Dziwak eloquently defends his choices. "Ich bin lieber ein Muttersöhnchen als ein Sohn, der irgendwann mal bereut, zu wenig Zeit mit seiner Mutter verbracht zu haben" (I’d rather be called mama’s boy than be someone who one day regrets spending too little time with their mother), he added pointedly, making it clear how much he values familial support during this demanding time.
Now, as the clock ticks down to the season culmination on February 9, it will be fascinating to see how Maurice navigates both his new title as father and the physical and emotional challenges presented by the Dschungelcamp. One thing is for certain: he is there to play hard, to entertain, and to bring home the crown for himself—and for his budding family waiting back home. This thrilling season promises not just entertainment but also personal growth and family connections wrapped up within the unpredictable world of reality television.