Jungle Legends Showdown - What are the new rules?
Three premieres have been announced by RTL for its Dschungelcamp spin-off "Ich bin ein Star - Showdown of Jungle Legends": For the first time, no new candidates but experienced Jungle campers are vying for the win, for the first time the show is airing in the summer, and for the first time it was pre-produced, so the episodes are already running on RTL+ a day before broadcast and the winner has already been determined.
In addition, the Cologne private broadcaster announced further innovations in its press release: "Although much reminds one of the 'regular jungle', yet there is also something different about 'Ich bin ein Star - Showdown of Jungle Legends'. The Legendary Jungle is not only waiting for a new camp in South Africa, but also for new rules." These could possibly be inspired by the British counterpart, which was aired in April and May 2023 and was also pre-produced in South Africa.
Promises had to fight for their survival in trials
The British special jungle edition was called "I'm a Celebrity... South Africa", in which former jungle campers vied for the title "Legend". For the first time, the jungle did not end with a jungle king or queen. Among the 15 participating Promises was also the former royal butler Paul Burrell (66). Since the shows were pre-recorded, viewers could not vote on participation in trials or the show's continuation via phone. Instead, the candidates took part in so-called survival trials to determine who would be eliminated each day. In addition, there were tests to determine who would get the daily rations.
As usual, the trials consisted of physical and mental challenges. For example, there was a climbing exercise, in which the celebrities had to climb down a 50-meter high cliff individually, find a code at the bottom, and remember it until they reached the top again. Traditional food trials were also part of it - according to "Daily Mail", they were even more challenging than in the original. For one celebrity duo, the menu reportedly consisted of an extensive selection of dishes including sheep anus, the stomach of a cow antelope, the penis of a cow, a fish eye, chicken guts, ostrich and lamb testicles, and even a sheep anus.
In addition to tougher trials and the changed voting system, there was a surprise: When three celebrities entered after a few days, they first landed in a small, makeshift camp called Savannah Scrub. There, they had to decide which one of them could move to the main camp. The candidate chosen in a heated debate and with the help of the game "Scissors, Stone, Paper" then received the next shock: She had to name a celebrity already in the main camp who would take her place in the spartan camp.
For the German celebrities, there may therefore be similar challenges in store - and the South Africa camp certainly poses dangers. In the British legend edition, model Janice Dickinson (69) stumbled on the long way to the camp, had to be hospitalized, and eventually had to leave the show due to injuries.
On May 12, 2023, Myleene Klass (46) was honored as a legend, after passing her last life-or-death test. The singer described her victory afterwards, surprisingly, despite the unexpected twists and constant every-man-for-himself competitions, that she had formed "lifelong friendships" in the jungle. "It's so intense, everyone is in the same situation, and you can't do it alone. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed by the friendships."
The Contestants
Starting August 16, RTL airs daily at 8:15 PM 17 episodes of "Ich bin ein Star - Showdown der Dschungel-Legenden" on RTL+ starting August 15. Thirteen contestants and contestants want to become a legend among legends and take the prize money of 100,000 Euro home: DJane Giulia Siegel (49), former "GNTM" contestant Sarah Knappik (37), former "Bachelor" contestant Georgina Fleur (34), actor Winfried Glatzeder (79), moderator Mola Adebisi (51), former "BTN" star David Ortega (38), former footballer Thorsten Legat (55), reality star Kader Loth (51), former "Big Brother" contestant Hanka Rackwitz (55), dating show veteran Elena Miras (32), Mallorca emigrant Daniela Büchner (46), former "GZSZ" actor Eric Stehfest (35), and TV Casanova Gigi Birofio (25).
With all the newcomers, there is also old blood: Sonja Zietlow (56) and Jan Koopen (41) host the special again, and Dr. Bob (74) is also present.
- In "Ich bin ein Star - Showdown of Jungle Legends", Jan Köppen and Sonja Zietlow promise to oversee a unique showdown in South Africa, where experienced Jungle campers compete to become legends.
- The former royal butler Paul Burrell, among other renowned individuals, will participate in the 'Showdown of the Jungle Legends', a spin-off with innovative rules and tougher trials.
- The pre-production of the Showdown has led to a shift in voting methods, with survival trials determining the daily eliminations instead of viewer phone calls.
- Inspired by its British counterpart, the show will also feature right-to-left changes, potentially including the introduction of a small makeshift camp and unexpected challenges.
- Beyond the traditional physical and mental trials, this year's show also includes an incredibly challenging food trial, with the menu consisting of unusual items like sheep anus and cow testicles.
- The audience anticipates the German adaptations of these British innovations, as RTL prepares to air the show starting August 16, with a prize money of 100,000 Euros at stake.
