Presenter Thomas Gottschalk wants to say goodbye for good
Published: Saturday, Nov 25th 2023, 05:51
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The cult show "Wetten, dass...?" returns to the screens for a third revival episode. World stars are expected, but the stage is likely to belong to Thomas Gottschalk. It is his farewell.
This time it will be the last: Thomas Gottschalk will celebrate his final farewell to "Wetten, dass...?" on Saturday (20:15, SRF) in Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg - in his third attempt. The now 73-year-old hosted the show with a brief interruption from 1987 to 2011. In 2014, "Wetten, dass...?" was discontinued by ZDF after disappointing ratings under Gottschalk's successor Markus Lanz.
Twice - in 2021 and 2022 - there was a revival edition, again with Gottschalk as presenter. In 2021, 13.8 million viewers in Germany and, according to SRF, 662,000 viewers in Switzerland watched the revival episode.
Outdoor bet with Stans rope pulling club
In Offenburg, Gottschalk is expecting world stars such as US singer Cher and the British band Take That as guests. Meanwhile, the outside bet, hosted by Swiss comedian Hazel Brugger, will take place in Stans NW. There, the Stans Oberdorf rope pulling club wants to pull the Stanserhorn cable car ten meters up the mountain within two minutes. In 1993, exactly 30 years ago, the rope pulling club failed with exactly the same bet.
Meanwhile, Gottschalk is looking forward to what will probably be his last time presenting "Wetten, dass...". "This time I'm more relaxed than ever, because they can't kick me out anymore," the 73-year-old told the German Press Agency.
He had already said in the summer that it would not be easy for him to say goodbye. But the days of Saturday night entertainment, which are talked about everywhere on Monday, are over. "I am grateful that I was able to experience them and help shape them," said Gottschalk. However, before an editor constantly gives him "shitstorm warnings" during the show or tells him which "celebrity" is sitting next to him, he would rather stop.
Helene Fischer and Shirin David in a duet
The show on Saturday will therefore once again offer everything that belongs to "Wetten, dass...?": crazy bets, stars and a quick-witted presenter. The audience can expect typical Gottschalk gag fireworks.
And viewers can once again look forward to plenty of musical entertainment: international star Cher will perform a new Christmas song on stage. According to ZDF, Helene Fischer and Shirin David will sing a new version of "Atemlos" as a duet.
Actors Matthias Schweighöfer and Jan Josef Liefers with colleague Stefanie Stappenbeck are among the betting sponsors. The guest list should also delight sports fans: Bastian Schweinsteiger and his wife Ana Ivanovic will also be there. Social media star Lena Mantler will provide insights behind the scenes. However, former co-host Michelle Hunziker will not be taking part this year.
Putting the stamp on the show
On February 14, 1981, "Wetten, dass...?" was broadcast for the first time. Inventor Frank Elstner hosted the first 39 episodes. His successor Gottschalk arrived in September 1987 and left his mark on the show. Almost 21 million people watched his first show.
Gottschalk delighted the audience above all with his easy-going manner - and because he was always up for a bit of fun. After losing bets, he had himself dipped in mustard and even danced Swan Lake on stage as a "ballet prince". The cult presenter also showed full physical commitment in front of a knife-throwing target or dived into Lake Constance in a green "Borat" swimsuit in uncomfortable temperatures.
Gottschalk was also known for his unusual outfits in leotards or plaid patterns. ZDF has so far left open what will happen to "Wetten, dass...?" after the end of the Gottschalk era. The decision will be made after the show.
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