Overview
- Twelve contestants have arrived in Australia for the 19th season, which begins on January 23 on RTL and RTL+ with Sonja Zietlow and Jan Köppen hosting.
- Gil Ofarim, convicted of defamation after a false 2021 antisemitism claim, says he wants viewers to understand his actions and priorities rather than see him chase a title or cash.
- Several campmates, including Nicole Belstler-Boettcher and Hardy Krüger Jr., publicly distance themselves and say the show is not the place to revisit the case, echoing concerns voiced by former winner Lucy Diakovska.
- RTL defends the decision to include Ofarim, saying he has legally answered for his actions and that audiences will see how he handles his past once broadcasts begin.
- Simone Ballack will wear a necklace containing a pressed portion of her late son’s ashes, with production arranging secure storage by staff whenever she must remove it.