Overview
- RTL confirmed that pro dancer Mikael Tatarkin, 29, is out with a biceps anchor tear just days before the Feb. 27 season launch.
- Alexandru Ionel, 31, who had planned to sit out this year, was named as Tatarkin’s replacement and rejoins after finishing fifth in 2025, with his wife Patricija also in the pro cast.
- The pairings will be revealed in Friday’s live launch show following the last-minute reshuffle.
- Seapoint Productions, which makes the show, also launched the YouTube series “Nessi in Love” with contestant Vanessa Borck; media experts say the dual exposure leaves a ‘bad aftertaste,’ while RTL and Seapoint deny any influence on competition outcomes and say separate teams run the projects.
- Other pre-show updates include GZSZ actor Jan Kittmann starting a filming pause until June 1 to compete, pro Kathrin Menzinger announcing her engagement, and contestant Sonya Kraus noting her biggest fear is a live on-air blackout.