In the world of competitive dance, health can often take center stage as showcased in the most recent situation surrounding the hit show "Let's Dance". On Friday, March 14, 2025, it was confirmed by RTL that yet another celebrity would be absent from the competition due to health issues. Influencer Paola Maria, aged 31, has been sidelined, marking another setback for the series which has already seen the withdrawals of Leyla (28) and Jeanette Biedermann (45) during the first show.
The announcement arrives just as the third decision show is set to take place, leaving only eleven couples to participate. Paola was slated to perform a lively Jive alongside professional dancer Massimo Sinatò, aged 44, to the tune of "Je Veux" by ZAZ. However, RTL has revealed that a flu-like infection has taken her off the dance floor. "Ihr Arzt hat sie vorerst aus dem Verkehr gezogen und ihr geraten, auf Sport zu verzichten," meaning her doctor has advised her to refrain from sports for the time being.
Fans of the show have flocked to social media, flooding the Instagram account of "Let's Dance" with well-wishes for Paola's swift recovery. One user expressed, "Gute Besserung und werde bald wieder gesund," which translates to wishing her get well soon. Another echoed the sentiment, noting the widespread nature of illnesses at the moment: "Grippewelle überall präsent. Kenne niemanden, der nicht krank war, Wahnsinn," meaning the flu wave is evident everywhere. Overall, the comment thread reveals sincere concern from the audience with a third user commenting, "Richtig. Gesundheit geht vor," implying health comes first.
Adding to the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, Leyla also made her presence felt, commenting with a red heart and wishing Paola well with “Gute Besserung.” This interconnectedness among the participants showcases the empathy and support that permeates the competition, despite the competitive edges that their performances demand.
This current absence comes following previous drama when Leyla and Jeanette Biedermann were also absent from the first show due to illness. Their eventual comeback to the series had generated a lot of buzz, and fans were eager to see their performances. Now, with Paola's withdrawal, all eyes are on the remaining couples, who must deliver while managing their own health concerns.
Meanwhile, amidst these challenges, tensions are brewing behind the scenes. Ekaterina Leonova, aged 37, expressed her dissatisfaction with the performance of Diego Pooth, aged 21, highlighting the immense pressure that all participants feel as they navigate these challenges. As training progresses for the next show, the dynamics within the competitive environment continue to shift, adapting to each new twist that this season brings.
As "Let's Dance" continues to unfold, viewers are reminded that while the brilliant choreography and sensational routines take center stage, the participants’ health plays an equally pivotal role. With more performances to follow, fans are left wondering how these changes will affect the competition's outcome while hoping for healthier days ahead for their beloved contestants.