Son of German Cinema Legend Enters the Jungle as Dschungelcamp 2026 Kicks Off
BERLIN, 29 January 2026 – The new season of Germany’s hit reality show “Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!” (I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!) has begun, with a notable participant drawing both viewer interest and public debate: Hardy Krüger Jr., son of one of the nation’s most iconic post-war film actors. His entry into the Australian jungle coincides with revelations of a record-breaking fee for fellow contestant Gil Ofarim and the return of a classic camp location, setting the stage for a high-stakes season.
A Legacy in the Limelight
Hardy Krüger Jr., born in 1968, steps into the spotlight carrying a famous name. His father, Hardy Krüger Sr., was an international film star known for roles in classics such as “The One That Got Away” (1957), “Hatari!” (1962), and “The Flight of the Phoenix” (1965), for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. The senior Krüger, who passed away in 2022, was celebrated for breaking the mould of the stereotypical German character in Hollywood and for his work in European cinema. His cousin, actress Lea Lander, also briefly used the Krüger name early in her career to leverage his fame.
For Krüger Jr., participation in the Dschungelcamp represents a very public foray into entertainment, distinct from his father’s esteemed acting path. He is reported to have travelled to the Australian set with his wife, Alice.
Record Fees and Rising Tensions
The 2026 season has already generated headlines beyond familial legacy. Singer Gil Ofarim is reported to have secured a participation fee of €300,000, a record for the show. This substantial sum has reportedly caused friction within the camp, with several fellow contestants, including Krüger Jr., stating their intention to confront Ofarim about the figure.
The production itself has made a strategic change, reintroducing the secondary camp known as “Snake Rock.” This location is used to host duels between contestants and is designed to intensify interactions and drama among the celebrity participants.
Key Facts: Dschungelcamp 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Show | Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus! (Dschungelcamp) |
| Broadcaster | RTL |
| Season | 2026 |
| Notable Participant | Hardy Krüger Jr. (Son of actor Hardy Krüger) |
| Record Fee Reported | €300,000 (Gil Ofarim) |
| Format Change | Return of the “Snake Rock” camp for duels |
| Initial Ratings | Closely watched; show is a key ratings driver for RTL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hardy Krüger?
Hardy Krüger (1928-2022) was a renowned German actor who achieved international fame. He starred in numerous British and American films throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, helping to present a new, modern image of Germany abroad following World War II.
What is the Dschungelcamp?
“Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!” is the German adaptation of the international “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” franchise. Celebrities live in a basic camp in the Australian jungle, compete in challenging trials for food, and are gradually voted out by the public until one is crowned “King” or “Queen of the Jungle.”
Why is Gil Ofarim’s fee controversial?
Reality TV participant fees are rarely disclosed. The reported €300,000 fee for Gil Ofarim is significantly higher than what is believed to be standard, leading to perceptions of inequality among the cast and potential conflict, as hinted at by other contestants’ comments.