Joachim Llambi, a long-standing judge on the German RTL dance competition “Let’s Dance,” is facing renewed scrutiny following critical comments from former contestants Sandy Mölling and Senna Gammour. The pair recently discussed their experiences on the reveal, alleging unfavorable treatment and a harsh demeanor from Llambi during their respective appearances. This isn’t the first time the judge’s critiques have sparked controversy, raising questions about the atmosphere behind the scenes of the popular program.
Mölling, who competed in the first season of “Let’s Dance” in 2006 and reached the final round, and Gammour, a former member of the girl group Monrose who was eliminated in the third live show in 2021, shared their perspectives on the “Recall” podcast. Their comments come as the 19th season of “Let’s Dance” prepares to launch on February 27th, promising another round of celebrity pairings and ballroom battles.
Criticism of Llambi’s Conduct
During the podcast, Senna Gammour expressed disappointment with her overall experience on “Let’s Dance,” despite enjoying the intensive training process. She felt disadvantaged during the competition, a sentiment echoed by Sandy Mölling, who specifically criticized Llambi’s behavior towards Gammour. “He was also mean to you,” Mölling stated, reflecting on their time on the show. While neither contestant detailed specific instances, their shared sentiment points to a pattern of perceived unfairness.
Gammour’s experience in the 14th season of “Let’s Dance” in 2021 drew public attention when viewers noticed Llambi frequently directing critical comments towards her. According to t-online.de, the tension stemmed from a prior encounter on the cooking show “Grill den Henssler,” where both Llambi and Gammour had appeared. Llambi reportedly commented during the first episode of “Let’s Dance” that he had “worries” after seeing Gammour’s name on the contestant list, referencing their previous interaction. Gammour publicly voiced her frustration in a subsequent episode, calling Llambi’s remark “too much” and “mean.”
New Season, Familiar Faces
The 19th season of “Let’s Dance” is set to premiere on February 27th at 8:15 PM on RTL. The premiere will reveal the pairings between the celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners. Among the celebrities competing this year is Nadja Benaissa, another member of the No Angels, alongside Sandy Mölling. The duo is also preparing for a 2026 anniversary tour, “TwentyFive Live,” which will include a stop in Saarland.
The judging panel will once again consist of Joachim Llambi, Jorge González, and Motsi Mabuse, while Daniel Hartwich and Victoria Swarovski will return as hosts. It remains to be seen whether further contestants will publicly address their experiences with Llambi following this season’s competition.
The dynamic between the judges and contestants on “Let’s Dance” continues to be a topic of discussion, highlighting the pressures and sensitivities inherent in reality competition shows. As the new season unfolds, viewers will be watching not only the dance performances but also the interactions between the personalities involved.
What do you think about the criticism leveled against Joachim Llambi? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
