Overcome the Famous One - Markus Babbel emerges victorious following the trade of Scholl.
Matthias Opdenhövel (53) expected a trouble-free comeback to "Schlag den Star" after 13 years. However, things didn't quite go according to plan on June 2. For the very first time, a replacement contestant was needed. UEFA Cup legend Mehmet Scholl (53) appeared to struggle right from the start, losing to his former Euro 96 teammate Markus Babbel (51) in the first three rounds, and eventually got replaced by yet another Euro 96 hero, Thomas Helmer (59). "Mehmet Scholl is dealing with severe knee problems," explained Opdenhövel. This was not the only hiccup of the night.
At approximately 1:51 a.m., the winner was revealed. "In 'Schlag den Star' history, we had a replacement for the very first time," said commentator Ron Ringguth (58). He later noted that there's always a substitute candidate available during live shows. On this particular night, it was Helmer who filled in for Scholl and couldn't make up ground. By around 2 a.m., it was confirmed: Markus Babbel was the winner, taking home the 100,000 euro suitcase with a score of 62-43.
This unconventional show concluded much later, as it normally airs on Saturdays but was switched due to the Champions League final. Even the show's former host Elton reached out via Instagram, saying he would be watching TV with both laughing and crying eyes. He also wished the entire team "smooth sailing." Unfortunately, that didn't happen. First, Mehmet Scholl worried many viewers as he seemed unfit and struggled with football games. He failed to identify any of the 13 club mascots and barely managed to get a ball over a ramp.
After his dismissal around an hour later, more troubles ensued. In the "Hot Rod" game, which went on without Scholl, Babbel's car broke down, and he said, "We all need gas refills, too!" Then, in the "Magnet Chain" game, the chains were too short, and in the "Pickleball" game, Babbel's thigh was so painful that he stopped playing and awarded points to his opponent Helmer.
There's another exciting episode of "Schlag den Star" scheduled for July 13. Since 2009, the program has been based on "Schlag den Raab" featuring Stefan Raab (57). Here, two celebrities compete, going through up to 15 rounds that test their knowledge, skills, and stamina. In the next episode, two pairs will vie against each other: Wayne (47) and Annemarie Carpendale (46) and Bushido (45) and Anna-Maria Ferchichi (42). Actress Carpendale already commented on this on her Instagram page: "A man with a huge ego, and his wife hates him - meets Bushido."
