"Bauer sucht Frau" goes into the 16th round. In an interview, presenter Inka Bause reveals why Corona had a positive influence on the dome show.
For the 16th time, Inka Bause (51) will take the happiness of love into the hands of ten lonely farmers in nine new episodes from Monday, October 26, 2020 (8:15 p.m. on RTL, also via TVNow). The corona pandemic has led to some changes in the popular dome show. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Bause explains why this also has a positive influence on the format. She also reveals which farmers the viewers can look forward to, why she doesn't give the candidates any tips and whether questions about their own love life still bother them.
"Bauer sucht Frau" has married over 30 times. A success rate that other shows cannot match. How is "Bauer sucht Frau" different from other dome shows?
Inka Bause: We have an amazing production company that has always made sure that we remain authentic over the years. We do not prescribe anything that is said. Of course there are now processes, but for an entertainment program we are as documentary as possible. Our casting department makes sure that people are credible and mean business. The applicants really long for a life in the country. And of course the farmers are terrific as a professional group because they are authentic. The hard-working and hard-working guys who really don't make a lot of money from it are popular figures and the audience wants them to be happy.
The farmers were introduced on June 1st. Due to the corona pandemic, what is different from the previous seasons?
Bause: We are of course happy that it is taking place at all and have adapted to the circumstances. We had to adhere to an incredible number of safety precautions and carry out corona tests. On set they worked with a face mask and at a distance and the whole team was trained. Before every shoot I was instructed and had to read things through. I now have 50,000 masks and 300 liters of disinfectant at home (laughs). I have never been to the country as often as this year because, due to the lack of a barn festival, I brought the farmers their wives over. For me it was more complex, but also more personal. I got to know the candidates better.
How much is the barn festival missing?
Bause: We really hope that we can do the final event. The sad thing is that the barn festival is very important for the farmers of the relay teams to get to know each other. This is the foundation for the long-lasting friendships that are made there. Whole communities have formed like Josef and Narumol and Bruno and Anja who organize barbecues. We are therefore fighting to ensure that we can celebrate this last mission together and that the farmers and women can meet.
Are you still in contact with farmers yourself?
Bause: I always tell myself that everyone who wants to have contact will get it. Some send me Christmas cards to which I respond. Or Günther from one of the previous seasons recently turned 70 and I sent him a little birthday greeting. And of course I also come to weddings when I have time. A big surprise for me was the visit of 30 farmers and women on the last evening of my tour, and tears came to me. This is not the case with every format. I'm the lid on the pot "Farmer is looking for a wife", which Thomas Gottschalk means "Wetten, dass ..?" is (laughs).
Couples have already been allowed to announce not only weddings, but also baby news, as recently Anna and Gerald Heiser.
Bause: I'm really happy for both of them, they have had to face so many adversities. I very much hope that someday I can fly over there and look at the child.
And how is the search for love for farmers this year?
Bause: Some shy farmers were even happy about the canceled barn festival, because I brought the women straight to them on the farm. I then spoke to almost everyone there alone and asked them about their wishes and expectations. The nice thing is that after 15 years the situation has given us a new twist. We tell stories in a much more personal, emotional and intense way. They are all even more aware of the importance of finding a partner who is with you. The season will be really good for viewers in the fall. We weren't forced to pretend we were doing a big show with an audience and living on something that is no longer possible. "Bauer sucht Frau" is one of the few formats that has remained authentic and is thrown back to the essence of what it is actually about, namely two people who want to find love.
Which farmers can the spectators look forward to?
Bause: For example, we've finally had a farmer with us again for seven years, unfortunately there are very few female farmers in Germany. Our great Denise is so crazy and really brings momentum to the show. Then we have our "Land Bachelor" Patrick, who had more applications than anyone before. He was really stressed (laughs).
What tips do you give the farmers to help them find love?
Bause: The farmers are so tough that they don't need any advice from me. These are often entrepreneurs who know exactly what they want and need for themselves and the farm. For example, I wouldn't be a good catch because after three weeks the blanket would fall on my head and I would like to go back to my big city (laughs). So I don't get involved and that's why I'm not part of the Hofwochen. I am alone myself and have certainly not eaten wisdom with a spoon. I am just the mediator and I want everyone to be in a good mood and well.
Have there ever been couples where you thought from the start: "Oh dear, it won't work"?
Bause: I'll do a devil to prophesy anything ever again. We had such quirky farmers that I never thought would have a woman with them – months later they were married. Others had a tingling sensation and they told how in love they are – three days later the woman left the courtyard with the flags waving. It is so exciting for myself, too, because love cannot be calculated or influenced. My prime example: Josef and Narumol. A nonsense aunt who was barely understood met a farmer who barely talked. I thought he was throwing her out of the house. The happy ending is known to everyone. Josef now talks more than his wife, who has turned out to be a kind hearted woman and the right partner for him.
As a presenter of a dome show, you are constantly asked about your own love life. Do you mind?
Bause: No. I can't be one of the most successful moderators and always refuse to ask private questions. That's nonsense, I am happy when people are interested in me. If I get married, I'll give a press conference, I promise (laughs). But Corona is not necessarily there for wanting to get to know new people. I feel really good as it is right now and am happy that my child and I are healthy and that I can go about my job.