- The pair from RTL currently holds the globe's best achievement in this field.
It's 6:45 PM. For the last time, the news with Ulrike von der Groeben and me. Here from our fantastic studio. I'm glad you're here: With these words, Peter Kloeppel (65) began his final hosting of the news program "RTL Aktuell" on a Friday evening (23rd August). It was also the last show for colleague Ulrike von der Groeben (67) as sports presenter. It was an emotional farewell with many surprises for both of them.
Shock for the hosting duo
While Kloeppel and von der Groeben seemed to be preparing to leave after a brief farewell, the station had other plans. Several times during the broadcast, the station flashed the message "Surprise for Ulrike and Peter coming up next".
After the weather forecast by Christian Haeckl (60), the first emotional farewell took place: "I've really enjoyed working with you, thank you for the last 30 years. From the bottom of my heart, I say goodbye for the last time," said Haeckl. "We'll miss you," replied Kloeppel, before he and Ulrike von der Groeben personally addressed the audience once again.
"After 32 wonderful years together and almost 40 years in the RTL house, we both say goodbye today from this studio and this show," said Peter Kloeppel, appearing slightly emotional. Von der Groeben added: "We are saying goodbye to the news that has shaped our lives like almost nothing else. It was an honor, a responsibility, and always a pleasure to be here for you, on good days and bad."
Peter Kloeppel also thanks the viewers of the show at the end. "None of this would have been possible without you. Therefore, we bow in gratitude to you," said the moderator, before the duo does exactly that. Von der Groeben wishes her successors: "Have fun at work, just like we did."
Frauke Ludowig meets Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben in the studio
As Kloeppel is about to conclude with the words "All that remains for us to say is: Take care, stay loyal to our show, and stay well-informed," the promised surprise begins: Colleague Frauke Ludowig (60) enters the studio and conducts a brief interview with the duo. The two feel "relieved" to have finished their last show, but also a little surprised: "I didn't expect we would be on any longer. I thought I'd have a drink now," admits Peter Kloeppel.
Then comes the surprise - in the form of a detailed retrospective of numerous special moments since the duo's first show on April 6, 1992. In addition, many companions and RTL colleagues of the duo send their greetings. Well-wishes also came from politics - from Friedrich Merz (68), Ursula von der Leyen (65), Karl Lauterbach (61), and even Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (66). Günther Jauch (68) promised to offer the duo the "du" at their next meeting.
World record for the hosting duo
Subsequently, the two reflect with Ludowig on their shared time. The two had never argued in all those years and were usually on the same wavelength.
This good relationship may also be the reason for the next surprise for Kloeppel and von der Groeben: an entry in the "Guinness Book of World Records". The two are the "Longest Serving National Anchor Duo" with more than 32 years, a "Guinness World Records" judge announces solemnly in the studio.
Special song
Even then, the surprises aren't over: Frauke Ludowig then leads the two into a room filled with emotional and cheering colleagues, as well as the families of both. Kloeppel's wife Carol has to wipe away tears several times.
With weather presenter Christian Häckl at the piano, the entire team joins in song, performing the Schlager "Niemals geht man so ganz" by Tommy Engel (74), Trude Herr (1927-1991), and Wolfgang Niedecken (73).
Final Broadcast After 32 Years Together
Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben announced in mid-March 2024 that they would both be hanging up their jobs in August. Both had been part of the "RTL Aktuell" team for over 30 years: Kloeppel since 1990 as USA correspondent and since 1992 as chief presenter of the main news, von der Groeben since 1989 as editor and sports presenter for the show.
During the emotional farewell, Christian Haeckl expressed his gratitude towards Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben, saying, "I've really enjoyed working with you, thank you for the last 30 years. From the bottom of my heart, I say goodbye for the last time." Later, during the surprise segment, Fraule Ludowig mentioned, "I didn't expect we would be on any longer. I thought I'd have a drink now," acknowledging the unexpected continuation of the broadcast.
