"Let's dance-the big professional challenge": these are the professional dancers

Cologne A week after the audience voted ex-soccer player Rúrik Gíslason "Dancing Star" 2021, there will be another show on Friday evening. Now the dance professionals duel on the floor. What viewers can expect.

The TV station RTL has come up with something special for June 4th. In a one-time special edition of "Let's Dance" on Friday evening at 8.15 p.m., celebrities do not compete against each other as usual, but their dance partners and professional dancers are the focus. In "Let's Dance - The Great Professional Challenge" they fight for the favor of the viewers - and for victory.

The best dancers are now being sought among the professionals themselves. There are almost no limits to their creativity, as RTL reports. It doesn't matter whether it's solo, couple or group dance, with a show act or a surprise effect - everything is possible. However, the professional challenge is not a completely new format. The professional dancers have already dueled on the floor for the past two years. Since the format was so well received, RTL will continue it in 2021.

Other than that, much remains as usual. Presenter Daniel Hartwich leads through the live show together with his colleague Victoria Swarovski. Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi and Jorge González sit on the jury and judge the performances of the dancers. But in the end, the spectators decide who wins "The Great Professional Challenge" and takes the trophy home.

These are the dances in "Let's Dance - The Great Professional Challenge":

+++ Footballer Rúrik Gíslason dances his way to victory +++

In the final they gave their all again with several performances: ex-soccer player Rúrik Gíslason, GZSZ star Valentina Pahde and "Prince Charming" Nicolas Puschmann danced to win "Let's Dance". At the end, Luca Hänni presented the envelopes with the result of the public vote. Surprise: Rúrik Gíslason is the "Dancing Star". And what does the charmer say afterwards? "I fell to my knees. And Mr Llambi handed me a cheeseburger.”

The 33-year-old ex-kicker, who played for 1. FC Nürnberg in Germany, comes from Iceland. The show doesn't just seem to have sparked enthusiasm for a new sport in him. "I'm staying in Germany," explained Gíslason. He's serious. “I am looking for an apartment here in Germany. I want to live here.”

In his last final dance, the Icelander staged himself as the hammer-wielding thunder god Thor. Juror Joachim Llambi called this a "worthy firework". However, Gíslason was not in the top spot according to the jury evaluation. And the race for victory was very close: In the jury's evaluation, the three couples were only five points apart. Nicolas Puschmann finished third with 85 points, and the "GZSZ" actress Valentina Pahde led with 90 points just ahead of Gíslason (89).

Pahde was unlucky with the audience, but the jury was all the more enthusiastic about her performance. "More is not really possible," said the usually strict adjudicator Joachim Llambi after the rumba of Pahde and Lusin. "Marilyn will be very happy," said fellow juror Jorge González after Pahde had conjured up a homage to Marilyn Monroe on the floor as the final dance - including a white dress and ventilation shaft. In her main job, Pahde plays the granddaughter of the villain Jo Gerner in the soap "Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten".

But Gíslason also danced brilliantly and stayed within striking distance. The showpiece was his fast-paced jive to Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Llambi explained that this would actually require more than the possible 10 points per judge. "It was bombastic," said his jury colleague Motsi Mabuse. "I thought Renata was going to die! Really!” declared Jorge González. Gíslason's partner had just flew across the floor.

Also Nicolas Puschmann and his dance partner You can read a detailed analysis of the finale here.

++++ These are the dances in the final ++++

The highlight of this year's "Let's Dance" season is upon us. The following dances will be performed on Friday evening:

Valentina Pahde and Valentin Lusin first dance a rumba to "No Se Por Que Te Quiero" by Ana Belén, Antonio Banderas. They also show their favorite dance, the Viennese waltz to "What If I" by Meghan Trainor from Show 7, again. RTL announces your freestyle performance as "a mixture of Slowfox, Quickstep and Charleston". Dancing to Marilyn Monroe's songs "Wanna Be Loved By You", "Dimaonds Are A Girls Best Friend" and "My Heart Belongs To Daddy".

Rúrik Gíslason and Renata Lusin show the jury a tango to "Let's Dance" by David Bowie. Rúrik's favorite dance will be the jive to "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Show 3's Bobby McFerrin. According to RTL, the freestyle will be a mixture of contemporary, Viennese waltz, paso doble and rumba on the subject of "Thor". Gislason dances to the songs "As The Hammer Falls", "The Dark World Theme" and "Can You See Jane?" by Brian Tyler and Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song".

Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Garbuzov dance a tango for the jury to "Neruda" by Rupa & The April Fishes. In addition, Nicolas shows his favorite dance, a Charleston to "You forgot the color film" by Nina Hagen. The freestyle dance will be a combination of tango, rumba and jive to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Pushmann dances to Tim Curry's "Sweet Transvestite", Susan Sarandon's "Touch A Touch A Touch A Touch Me" and Richard O'Brien's "Time Warp".

In addition, as in every year, all other participants are allowed to perform again in the final:

+++ A boxer flies off the floor in the semifinals +++

Boxer Simon Zachenhuber retired from the RTL dance show "Let's Dance" in fourth place. With professional dancer Patricija Belousova, the 22-year-old received the fewest points from the jury in the live broadcast on Friday evening. The audience votes were obviously not enough for progress. Zachenhuber got his highest score on this show of all places.

In the final next week, soccer player Rúrik Gíslason (33) and Renata Lusin, actress Valentina Pahde (26) and Valentin Lusin as well as ex-Prince Charming Nicolas Puschmann (30) and Vadim Garbuzov will be dancing for victory. In the penultimate issue of the 14th season, the four couples each had to show two rehearsed dances and a shorter, improvised one that they only experienced immediately beforehand on the show.

The Icelandic footballer Gislason once again showed a previously unknown talent: at the Charleston, he wowed the jury with comical interludes - he mimicked the drunken guest in the saloon. Judge Jorge González was entranced by this "completely different Rúrik": "It was acting, it was funny, it was rhythmic. Mega, mega, mega!" He cleared the best performance of 30 points - and repeated it with a contemporary.

The duo Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Garbuzov, who are also used to success, initially had to take criticism. "Like the Bi-Ba-Butzemann," criticized juror Joachim Llambi on their Paso Doble. He lacked the necessary seriousness in the dance - or: arrogance and drama. Jury colleague Motsi Mabuse saw it differently: "What a choreo, absolutely difficult steps and it all came together," she praised. In the end, Puschmann got 24 points. He made more of an impression on the jury in improv dance, but ultimately had to tremble for the final. But then the verdict of the audience hit the fourth-placed, Siman Zachenhuber.

The remaining six will have three dances in the final next week, as juror Jorge González announced: The jury dance should primarily be about the basics, lifting figures are forbidden. There is also the respective favorite dance of the couple as well as a freestyle dance. In addition, the No Angels appear after their reunion, as González said.

++++ These dances are danced by the stars in the semifinals ++++

Not far to the final. In order for the stars of "Let's Dance" to reach the final next Friday, they first have to get through the semi-finals this Friday. They will perform these dances there.

But that's not all. The stars also have to prove their spontaneity in an "Impro Dance Even More Extreme". During the show, the couples pull a random dance, the stars find out 30 seconds before the performance which song it is and then have to improvise on the floor for one minute and 30 seconds.

++++ Out for Auma Obama in the quarterfinals ++++

Although she received a lot of praise for her tango with two men, Auma Obama danced it out: The 61-year-old journalist and sociologist was voted out by the audience on Friday evening in the quarter-finals of the RTL dance show "Let's Dance". Meanwhile, Icelandic footballer Rúrik Gíslason (33) and actress Valentina Pahde (26) were in a neck-and-neck race for the top spot.

Obama studied and did her doctorate in Germany and returned to her native Kenya in 2007 to work for the aid organization Care. She supports children and young people in strengthening their self-esteem and leading a self-determined life through sport, among other things. In 2010, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama (59) founded her own foundation.

In the tenth "Let's Dance" episode, Obama and her dance partner Andrzej Cibis first performed a quick step and then - in a trio with professional dancer Robert Beitsch - a tango on the floor. Her second dance was rated significantly better, the judges especially praised Obama's acting talent, which she had shown during the tango interlude. Obama got 42 points for both dances together. However, the audience decided in favor of the boxer Simon Zachenhuber, who was actually six points behind her.

The Icelandic soccer player Rúrik Gíslason (33) stole the show as a "Torero" in the Paso Doble even from his dance partner, the professional dancer Renata Lusin - at least in the eyes of the juror Joachim Llambi: "Today I might have Renata from the whole dance only seen five percent because you were so, so strong!” said Llambi.

The actress Valentina Pahde (26) again received a lot of praise from the jury. During her contemporary dance, she had repeatedly held onto a hoop hanging from the ceiling and twirled it in the air. "I have the feeling that your soul, your body has spoken," said jury member Motsi Mabuse.

Gíslason as well as the Pahde received full points for their first dance routine. In the "Trio-Dance" that followed, however, the actress got 26 points and the footballer only 25 - which allowed Pahde to overtake Gíslason again.

In the second dance, for which all dance couples brought another professional dancer into the team, ex-Prince Charming Nicolas Puschmann was particularly convincing. The dancer Kathrin Menzinger joined him and his partner Vadim Garbuzov. The trio's rumba, in which Puschmann was carried through the air by the other two in a lifting figure, earned them a total of 27 points from the jury.

Next week, the remaining four will advance to the semi-finals, where they will have to prove their talent for improvisation. In the "Impro Dance even more extreme" the participants pull their dance and only have a short time to prepare for their performance.+++ Trio dances instead of just duos in the quarter-finals +++

These are the individual dances:

These are the trio dances:

The tenth episode of "Let's Dance" airs this Friday, May 14, 2021 at 8:15 p.m. on RTL.

+++ Episode 9: Last dance instead of "Magic Moments" for Lola Weippert +++

It was supposed to be emotional in the ninth episode of "Let's Dance". But the spark to the jury does not jump over to presenter Lola Weippert. "I didn't know if you were suffering or laughing," says juror Jorge Gonzalez afterwards. Juror Joachim Llambi sees it differently: Weippert showed “nice emotions”, but the moderator occasionally lacked stability. With 19 points, she and dance partner Christian Polanc bring up the rear. Even Weippert's very good performance in the subsequent dance duel against actress Valentina Pahde, in which both competed against each other in Bollywood style, is not enough for her for the next round. The radio presenter has to leave the show.

Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Garbuzov are back on the floor as substitutes for the injured Ilse DeLonge. Puschmann reminds of his coming out with a freestyle at the “Magic Moments”. The couple just barely misses the highest rating - 29 points. In the dance duel, however, Puschmann was left behind by the sociologist Auma Obama, who was around 30 years his senior.

The leaders with 30 points are Valentina Pahde and Valentin Lusin. They even compete on six legs: Valentina's twin sister Cheyenne dances with them. This moves her mother, who is sitting in the audience, to tears. The choreography is also convincing from a sporting point of view: the strict Joachim Llambi finds the performance "sensational". Motsi Mabuse praises the emotional expression: "My heart jumps with joy!" In the coming week, the five remaining couples have to prove themselves in the quarterfinals.

++++ Bollywood, street dance and flamenco: These are the battles of the ninth episode of "Let's Dance" ++++

"Magic Moments": And these are the other dances & Songs from the May 7, 2021 show:

++++ Viewers accuse RTL of manipulation - broadcaster comments ++++

After Nicolas Puschmann's end and his subsequent comeback due to Ilse DeLange's injury, the rumor mill is simmering among the TV spectators. RTL has now commented on the allegations.

The eighth "Let's Dance" show on April 30 ended with a surprise for many viewers, but also for the moderation team and the dancing couples: The final favorites Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Garbuzov were kicked out - but only for a short time, meanwhile are they back on the show. As it became known on Monday, the candidate Ilse DeLange is leaving the show early. She had injured herself some time ago and therefore had to pause in the seventh show – now she announced that her foot was not yet 100 percent resilient.

Some viewers react with displeasure to the back and forth. Some had suspicions about the scenario – DeLange is getting out because of her injury and Puschmann is getting his comeback – already announced on Twitter on Friday evening. One user wrote: "My prediction: Ilse and Evgeny will get out during the week due to injury, so that Nicolas and Vadim will move up again and then go far." That it actually happened that way – some people sensed an intrigue.

Others suspected a voting glitch behind it. "I can't figure it out yet. In which universe do Auma and Andrzej or Simon and Patrizija have more fans than Nicolas and Vadim?” Asks another user on Twitter on Friday.

RTL has now commented on this and rejects the allegations. “As sad and surprising as it is, it is also simple. Unfortunately, the four points from the jury ranking in combination with the viewer votes were simply not enough for Nicolas and Vadim," said a spokesman for the broadcaster "Express". After checking again, it can be assured that there were no disruptions or failures during the entire voting period. This applies to all participation routes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Garbuzov meanwhile commented via video message on Instagram: They seem surprised, but are happy about the second chance - and will now try to make up for the missing two training days.

+++ Nicolas Puschmann is allowed back on the floor +++

The reason for the return is sad, however: Musician Ilse DeLange, who had to take a break in the 7th show due to an injury, is now leaving the dance competition prematurely because her foot is not yet 100 percent resilient.

That's what Ilse Delange and Nicolas Puschmann say about it.

++++ The dramatic episode 8 ++++

Horrified jurors and a speechless moderator: In "Let's Dance" the male duo Nicolas Puschmann (30) and Vadim Garbuzov were caught completely by surprise. The former "Prince Charming" Puschmann, who became known as the first gay bachelor, flew out of the RTL show on Friday evening after the audience voted.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you see us all shocked," said moderator Daniel Hartwich after the announcement. Juror Motsi Mabuse stood at the desk with his mouth open, her colleague Joachim Llambi comforted those who had left with a stony expression. The first male dance couple in the history of the show was considered by many to be a co-favourite.

"We enjoy every show as if it were the last and try every show to put our emotions and our hearts on the dance floor," explained Puschmann shortly before the decision.

Before, the seven couples had to complete a strenuous discofox marathon after their individual dances to collect extra points. They first stood together on the dance floor and swung their hips to Ballermann hits by Mickie Krause, who performed live in the studio. After each song, including "Schatzi schenk mir ein Foto" or "Riß die Hütte", the pair that thrilled the judges the least was eliminated.

Presenter Lola Weippert (25) and her partner Christian Polanc left the floor as the "Discofox Queen", who also won the jury rating. The oldest remaining participant, Auma Obama, came in last place at 61 years of age. The half-sister of former US President Barack Obama could not convince the jury with her Paso Doble - but the viewers saved her from the end.

Dutch singer Ilse DeLange (43) also made it onto the next show, although she had to take a break last week due to a foot injury and was still limping after her contemporary. In the coming week, the six remaining couples will deliver a dance duel. The show is themed “Magic Moments”.

++++ Who dances what in the 8th episode ++++

In the last show, Jan Hofer and Christina Luft's "Let's Dance" family had to say goodbye. In addition to the Discofox marathon with Mickie Krause, the participants must of course also pass the individual performances this week.

Mickie Krause sings these songs for the Discofox marathon:

The individual dances on April 30th:

++++ Former Tagesschau announcer waltzes out of "Let's Dance"++++

Lucky in love, unlucky in gambling? For "Love Week" at "Let's Dance", Jan Hofer dedicated the Slow Waltz to his wife. But it also meant the end for the 69-year-old ex-day presenter on the show. Together with his dance partner Christina Luft, Hofer received twelve points and thus the worst rating from the jury. So far, this has not been a reason for Hofer to leave the show - the audience has saved him every time. It was different this time.

Juror Motsi Mabuse got up from her seat after Hofer's dance and had tears in her eyes. "We just saw your best," she said. Only juror Jorge González was unusually critical this time when it came to Hofer's dancing quality. And so the second rating for the jury team dance and the added votes of the spectators were not enough for Hofer to progress.

The Dutch singer Ilse DeLange had bad luck this week. The 43-year-old injured her foot before the dress rehearsal. She doesn't know what happened yet, but it hurts so much she can't stand on it, she said. So she and her dance partner Evgeny Vinokurov had to sit out.

Two dancing couples received the most points - a full 30 each: On the one hand, the Icelandic footballer Rúrik Gíslason (33) has apparently recovered from his slump in form. Together with dance partner Renata Lusin he convinced all judges with a Chachacha. The strict juror Joachim Llambi said: "Last week I was unhappy because I know you can do better." That's exactly what he's shown now.

On the other hand, actress Valentina Pahde (26) was delighted with her dance partner Valentin Lusin and a Viennese waltz. The entire jury stood up after the performance. Here the viewers could have seen that you could be good without a lot of frills and show elements, said Llambi. Mabuse even called Pahde the "Ballroom Queen", bowed to her and said: "That was the best Viennese waltz ever, ever, ever." In fact, the couple broke a record with the dance: So many points have "Let's Dance "Never got a celebrity for a Viennese waltz, said presenter Victoria Swarovski.

This time, the jury had an unusual amount to complain about in the case of former "Prince Charming" Nicolas Puschmann (30), who showed a samba with his dance partner Vadim Garbuzov. The structure was missing, said González. Joachim Llambi added: "I think it wasn't so much his dance today." In the end there were 23 points.

In line with the motto of the week, professional dancer Patricija Belousova wanted to spark more passion in her protégé, professional boxer Simon Zachenhuber - and so the 22-year-old had to take off his shirt during the salsa. Llambi commented, "We're all waiting for Rúrik to do the same."

++++ These dances and songs are in the 7th episode ++++

After Micky Krause was kicked out last week, there are only eight dance couples left who compete against each other on the floor. The celebrities prove their skills in the seventh episode not only with their respective dance partners, but also in the jury dance: Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi and Jorgé González have practiced steps together with the stars, which they will present.

These are the jury team dances:

And these are the individual dances and songs:

+++ Ballermann singer flies out in the sixth "Let's Dance" episode + ++

In the sixth episode of the RTL dance show "Let's Dance", ex-Tagesschau spokesman Jan Hofer brought up the rear again. He set a record: the jury has never given such a bad verdict on the show. But once again the audience saved Hofer from the end.

Instead, Ballermann icon Mickie Krause was kicked out. The 50-year-old and professional dancer Malika Dzumaev received 16 points for her Charleston on Friday, twice as many as former Tagesschau spokesman Jan Hofer. However, the added votes of the spectators were not enough for a progression. Mickie Krause had planned to make it to the Discofox marathon.

This time it wasn't the dancing couple who stumbled, but a cameraman - and that's why a camera fell over during Krause's performance. But juror Joachim Llambi focused on the performance of the pop singer. Llambi judged that he had already shot his powder when he came onto the dance floor. Krause actually "crept" to the lyrics "Schmidtchen Schleicher with the elastic legs". "There was nothing elastic," said Llambi. Krause replied: "My job is to ensure a good mood." Juror Motsi Mabusa emphasized that Krause's show was always great and entertaining.

Ex-Tagesschau spokesman Jan Hofer (69) and his partner Christina Luft put a jive on the song "Forever Young" on the floor. For Llambi, however, it was “a bit of a standing jive. The biggest action was when you threw yourself on the ground in a deadly mood at the end.” Hofer admitted that his performance was a bit poor. "I notice that I have a few more years in my bones." After all, he has already lost eight kilos through the show.

On the other hand, the best jury rating and a full 30 points went to ex-Prince Charming Nicolas Puschmann (29) with professional dancer Vadim Garbuzov and a slow waltz. "That was the best dance," said juror Motsi Mabuse. Joachim Llambi pulled out his 10-point trowel with the words: "Unfortunately, I can't give anymore."

The footballer Rúrik Gíslason, on the other hand, slipped down in the jury's evaluation with his rumba: 22 points. Auma Obama, who started on Friday evening despite the death of her mother this week, managed just as much.

++++The dance couples performed with these songs and dances in the 6th show++++

The show act in the studio will be the newly crowned DSDS winner Jan-Marten Block with his winning song "Never Not Try".

+++ Auma Obama mourns the loss of her mother +++

Great sadness for "Let's Dance" participant Auma Obama. As she announced on Instagram, her mother has died. She wrote: "Lost my beloved mother yesterday. I have no words". She also provided a photo showing her with her mother. On Friday, Auma Obama wants to dance with "Let's Dance" despite the loss. It is the second time that she has received a death message in the middle of preparing for the dance show. Her grandmother died at the end of March. "As we mourn, we also celebrate her for the laughter and joy she brought into our lives. This is how we smile through our pain as we bid her farewell," Auma Obama, ex-US President Barack Obama's half-sister, posted at the time.

+++ Erol Sander is out +++

Actor Erol Sander lost out on Friday night among the ten remaining "Let's Dance" couples. The 52-year-old and professional dancer Marta Arndt did not get the worst judgment of the jury on Friday's show with 13 points for her samba. But apparently the added votes of the spectators were not enough for a progression. The jurors Motsi Mabuse and Jorge González praised the fact that the TV commissioner had not danced in the samba for the first time. Adjudicator Joachim Llambi said, "Maybe it was luck." The duo got 13 points from the jury.

With 12 points, Jan Hofer (69) and professional dancer Christina Luft did even worse than Sander with their Slowfox. But once again, the audience decided against voting the couple out of the show. Maybe many people want to hear him say "Good night, ladies and gentlemen" again? In any case, the former "Tagesschau" chief spokesman scores on the "Let's Dance" Instagram channel.

How to dance the slow fox perfectly was shown by actresses Valentina Pahde (26) and Valentin Lusin. They received the full 30 points. Their Slowfox was the best ever on "Let's Dance", said the jurors Joachim Llambi and Motsi Mabuse.

Prince Charming' Nicolas Puschmann and his partner Vadim Garbuzov just missed the full number of points. Her funny Charleston made juror Motsi Mabuse want to go to the theater and they almost made it to the top of this dance group. But Joachim Llambi deducted a point from them, as did footballer Rurik Gislason, who also ended up with 29 points. Llambi justified the point deduction with small technical errors, for example steps on the heel instead of on the ball.

Llambi was really critical of a detail in another pair: "I would have put on different shoes," said the strict dance judge to the Dutch singer Ilse DeLange. She still got 25 points for her tango.

There was also a lot to celebrate on the show: jury member Jorge González received a cake for his 100th episode. The choreographer said he was very proud to have been there for so long. Llambi, Mabuse and he are the only jury in the worldwide editions of the show that has been working together for so long. As it became known on Friday, professional dancer Isabel Edvardsson (38) also became a mother for the second time. Because of her pregnancy she does not dance in the 14th season.

++++ The ten dance couples perform with these songs and dances ++++

+++ "Let's Dance" is going into the Easter break - highlight show on Friday +++

Let's Dance is going on Easter break this week. Because the production company responsible for the format also wants to send its employees on their well-deserved Easter vacation, for once there will be no new live episode of the popular RTL dance format on Friday. But viewers don't have to do without it entirely. On Friday evening, a highlight show will be broadcast instead of the live show. RTL announces the program as follows: "The most beautiful, best, most emotional and funniest dances from the past "Let's Dance" seasons: During the Easter season, Victoria Swarovski and Daniel Hartwich present the highlights of the dance styles from 'C' like 'Cha Cha Cha' to 'W' like 'Viennese Waltz'. Joachim Llambi, Motsi Mabuse and Jorge González illuminate the dances and body language.”

++++ Kai Ebel's last dance ++++

"Boys vs. Girls" in "Let's Dance": With nine points to six, the women confidently gain the upper hand. However, if you only look at the regular top ranking after Friday evening, then the boys won. Former "Prince Charming" Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Gabuzov deliver a show with their contemporary that has the entire jury over the moon.

Even the critical Joachim Llambi thinks: "Anything other than 30 points is a cheek!" Jury colleague Motsi Mabuse emphasizes visibly touched that "Let's Dance" stands for diversity. "As a black woman, I've been on the jury here for ten years, and I'm proud of that," she says. "And love is love." Puschmann also accepted his 30 points with tears in his eyes.

The tail lights of the fourth episode received even fewer points. Both Jan Hofer and Kai Ebel only managed ten points each, Mickie Krause managed eleven points. But both the pop singer and the former "Tagesschau" spokesman were again spared the exit. After the audience vote, the sports reporter Kai Ebel had to leave the show – his partner Kathrin Menzinger and he at least shone with their costumes.

Moenchengladbach native Kai Ebel compared dancing to a near-death experience. After the Slowfox that Ebel and Menzinger showed on Friday evening, judge Joachim Llambi said: "Basically, it was a mixture of "Hobbythek" with Jean Pütz and "Dinner for One" with James." He didn't just have a Slowfox seen.

In addition to the male couple, the jury saw the actresses Valentina Pahde (26) and Valentin Lusin with salsa (27 points), soccer player Rúrik Gíslason (33) and Renata Lusin with a tango (26 points) and singer Ilse as significantly better DeLange (43) and Evgeny Vinokurov with a Charleston (26 points). Mabuse praised the elegance of Pahde and DeLange that she had shown her potential. Gíslason had put himself under pressure after scoring full points the previous week. "It's been a tough week," he said.

++++ These are the new rules for Boys vs Girls ++++

In addition to the individual dances, celebrities and professionals also have to prove themselves in a "Boys vs. Girls" battle. While in recent years the "boys" and "girls" have danced to different music and in clearly separated performances, this year there will be a kind of "street battle" and both groups will take turns dancing to the same music.

The professional dancers and celebrity women dance to Rasputin (Majestic), Push It (Boney M.), The Winnter Takes It All (Abba) and Roar (Katy Perry). The male competition dances to the same first three songs but finishes with "We Are The Campions" (Queen).

The eleven couples will perform the following dances and songs:

+++ Senna Gammour from the show dances with a slow fox++++

On Friday evening, four couples have to perform at "Let's Dance “Trembling about staying in the competition. With 12 points, Jan Hofer and Christina Luft end up in last place in the jury evaluation. The celebrities Erol Sander and Kai Ebel (13 points each) also failed to convince the jury.

On the other hand, the pop singer and presenter Senna Gammour received comparatively high praise. But her small lead of 16 points doesn't help - the audience decides against her. Gammour takes it in stride: “You have to be happy for others too. I'm happy for Jan, Erol and Kai.” Together with her dance partner Robert Beitsch, she performed a slow fox to “I Was Made For Loving You” by Kiss from 1970 – Gammour's year of birth. That was the prerequisite for the song selection in the theme show.

The 69-year-old Jan Hofer put a tango on the floor to "Red Roses, Red Lips, Red Wine" - and made a mistake with a step. Nevertheless, juror Motsi Mabuse finds praise for the former "Tagesschau" spokesman: "The first 40 seconds were much better," she says.

Nicolas Puschmann has also improved. After standing ovations, the "Prince Charming" star then surprised the audience with a declaration of love - not to the audience, the jury or the dance partner, but to his friend.

Meanwhile, Rúrik Gíslason continues to build on his role as favourite. The heartthrob clears a full 30 points with a jive. Even the critical Joachim Llambi finds the ex-footballer's dance performance "sensational".

GZSZ star Valentina Pahde is actually used to top ratings. But Motsi Mabuse lacks the softness in the third "Let's Dance" episode, and Llambi also thinks: "I think you can do it better." There is a consolation for the 22 points for Pahde: ​​the jurors assure you that you can do this rumba watch again and again.

+++ These are the dances of the third show +++

Without model Kim Riekenberg and her dance partner Pasha Zvychaynyy, "Let's Dance" continues on Friday evening - the two had received the fewest points last week and had already had to leave the dance competition. But there is a surprise guest: singer Maite Kelly, who took part in the show herself and won, will present her new album "Hello".

What the dancing couples will perform in the third show depends on their year of birth: Because the first motto show is "Born in...", the songs of the candidates will be a wild mix of the hits of the 1950s to 90s.

The twelve couples will compete with the following dances and songs:

+++ Kim Riekenberg has to leave "Let's Dance" +++

The second live show was the last for Kim Riekenberg and Pasha Zvychaynyy. The "Let's Dance" jury praised her Cha Cha Cha for "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" by Ofenbach & Quarterhead is only worth 10 points. And the viewers saw it similarly and chose the 26-year-old model from Lower Saxony from the show. Riekenberg, who had occupied one of the top places last week, received a lot of criticism from the jury this week: "It was a lot of walking, unfortunately there was too much dancing, it was too arrhythmic somewhere," judged Joachim Llambi. They had opened Broadcast in the evening on RTL, the professional dancers: They thrilled with the opening to "Hold Back The River" (James Bay), "Rain On Me" (Lady Gaga) and "Rain" (Madonna). Candidates: The Dutch singer Ilse DeLange danced 17 points with Evgeny Vinokurov for her rumba to "Time After Time" by Eva Cassidy. Kai Ebel and Kathrin Menzinger gave their Cha Cha Cha to "Sexbomb" by Tom Jones plenty of hips, but the jury members only 13 points.

Auma Obama and Andrzej Cibis were "so so happy" after their swinging salsa to Celia Cruz's "Quimbara," for which they received 23 points. Simon Zachenhuber and Patricija Belousova had previously only gotten 15 points for their Cha Cha Cha on Jason Derulo's "Take You Dancing". The tango that Nicolas Puschmann and Vadim Garbuzov performed to "Breaking Me" by Topic, A7S was devotional - they were happy about 21 points.

Erol Sander and Marta Arndt also dance a Cha Cha Cha - to "You're The First, The Last, My Everything" by Barry White - both later admitted that they "dance a bit" - the The jury gave them at least 12 points. Pop singer Mickie Krause received 11 points for his quick step to "Help!" by The Beatles for his with Malika Dzumaev and was in double digits for the first time.

Moderator Lola Weippert in racy red danced a tango to "Whatever Lola Wants" by Sarah Vaughan - "super proud" was dance bartender Christian Polanc with 21 points. Senna Gammour and Robert Beitsch had to tremble last week, on Friday they danced the first jive of the season to Cro's "Once Around the World" and got 12 points. They were the last dancers of the evening, but after the jury evaluation Valentina Pahde and Valentin stood Lusin at the top with 30 points. They danced their way to the front with their quickstep to "Whatever It Takes" by Milow. Closely followed by Rúrik Gíslason and Renata Lusin, who performed a beautifully soulful Viennese waltz to "Powerful" by Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley, earning 27 points.

The jury gave the same rating as Kim and Pasha, who were eliminated, to Jan Hofer and Christina Luft, whose rumba to "Always On My Mind" by Elvis Presley was not really convincing. They can prove themselves again next week with the eleven other couples.

+++ These are the dances and songs in the second show +++

In the past few days, the participants in the dance show "Let's Dance" have said: practice, practice, practice. In the second big live show tonight (8:15 p.m., RTL) they show their choreographies – except for Vanessa Neigert and Alexandru Ionel, who have already had to go.

The show is opened by the professional dancers: They dance the opening to "Hold Back The River" (James Bay), "Rain On Me" (Lady Gaga) and "Rain" (Madonna).

The 13 couples will compete with the following dances and songs:

+++ "Let's Dance" star Renata Lusin undresses for Playboy +++

Renata Lusin dances with soccer player Rúrik Gìslason in the current season of "Let's Dance". But as close as Renata Lusin and the kicker come, as the Russian dancer will soon be seen in "Playboy", her dance partner has never seen her before. As the dance teacher reported to the "Bild" newspaper, she gave the magazine intimate insights that are otherwise only reserved for her husband Valentin. The couple have been together since they were teenagers. That's why she draws clear boundaries when it comes to closeness or eroticism, said Lusin.

The fact that she is currently getting very close to another man while dancing is part of the job and no reason for jealousy, said Lusin: "If one of us were jealous, we would have chosen the wrong job." After all, as a married couple, they connect much more than physical closeness.

+++ Gil Ofarim criticizes the show +++

The 14th season of "Let's Dance" is currently running on RTL. As every year, it seems that there is a family relationship between the candidates and the dancers. But the "Let's Dance" winner from 2017, Gil Ofarim (38), has mixed feelings when he thinks back to the dance format.

"As soon as the cameras were off, it was the biggest, ugliest, dirtiest fight I've ever experienced," says Ofarim in the "Bild" format "Stadt Land Bild". There he exchanged ideas with the former participants Jasmin Wagner (40) and Alexander Klaws (37) about the show. While Klaws, also "Let's Dance" winner (2014), apparently has fond memories of the show and raves about his season, Ofarim judges differently. "It was the biggest competition I've ever experienced in my life." The 38-year-old loved the show for dancing - but the media trappings "not really".

+++ That happened on show 2 +++

On Friday, Let's Dance was about the famous question for the first time in season 14: Who gets kicked out? Only one celebrity among the 14 couples didn't need to worry: soccer player Rúrik Gislason. He had already secured a "wild card" in the introductory round. In defiance, together with his partner Renata Lusin, he even managed to get the top rating from the jury.

Vanessa Neigert was left behind: she shared the same dance as the winner of the evening, a salsa, and she got two more points from the jury than the last. But the fact that she had just released a single entitled "Tanz Tanz Tanz" didn't help Neigert. The audience left the pop singer hanging – and now she has to leave "Let's Dance" again.

Jury member Motsi Mabuse, on the other hand, was literally blown away by the first male dance in the history of the show: "Prince Charming" Nicolas Puschmann and professional dancer Vadim Garbuzov also convinced Mabuse's colleagues Jorge González and Joachim Llambi with hip movement and body contact - 18 points. The jury trio of model Kim Riekenberg and soap star Valentina Pahde were just as impressed.

With a measly seven points, Mickie Krause landed at the bottom of the jury's list. Mabuse commented on the performance of the Ballermann-Gassenhauer supplier with a devastating: "You destroyed the Cha Cha Cha." In fact, something broke in Krause's performance: his sunglasses. Nevertheless, Mickie Krause made it through to the next round.

The former "tagesschau" spokesman Jan Hofer also danced a Cha Cha Cha. However, the 68-year-old did not surprise with tactlessness, but with an unfamiliar outfit: in a cap and tracksuit, he mimicked the pizza delivery boy - and received 10 points.