Guido Maria Kretschmer moderates "Showtime of my Life – Stars Against Cancer". In the interview he explains why the topic is so important to him.
In "Showtime of my Life – Stars Against Cancer" on VOX (February 1st and 2nd, at 8:15 pm or via TVNow) 16 celebrities let their covers fall. The aim of the show is to raise awareness of cancer prevention. The message: those who undress can save their lives. Both episodes are moderated by designer Guido Maria Kretschmer (55). In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he reveals why the topic of cancer is so close to his heart and what it was like for him when celebrities got naked in front of him.
You have been a DKMS LIFE ambassador for many years. Why is this topic so important to you?
Guido Maria Kretschmer: You just have to look at the numbers. I've worked with women my whole life and I know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life. So it was obvious for me to get involved. I stood by many women during this difficult time and as a textile designer I was there when they lost their breasts or lost their femininity. I've learned that prevention is the most important thing. Many women are still afraid of undressing in front of their doctor. Working with DKMS LIFE means that I always see the women who have already had it. I think: Go to the precaution, feel yourselves! And that's the message of our show. That I can convey that and that celebrities also take part – it couldn't have been better.
What can TV viewers expect at "Showtime of my Life – Stars Against Cancer"?
Kretschmer: It's something that has never been seen on German television. There are celebrities who would never get the idea to undress on a stage. But they were all personally or indirectly affected by cancer, even if you didn't even know that beforehand. We all have one thing in common: if we look around, almost everyone is affected by family, friends, partners or colleagues. Cancer gets very close to people. And that's what viewers experience on the show: a very great openness. You hear what you would otherwise never hear and see what you would normally never see.
You were there when the participants stripped themselves naked. How was that for you?
Kretschmer: For me it was a little strange at some points. I was there when the men had to get naked for the first time with a nude artist. I sat on a bar stool and the men undressed and lay next to me while I talked to them about their stories. I wouldn't have dreamed that either. I've never experienced that before. But it was completely normal for her. You said: If Guido is there, then it works. That was really amazing.
Were there any other special moments that you will remember?
Kretschmer: Yes, definitely. For me that was, for example, the women's shoot where our female candidates were supposed to undress for the first time. I was really amazed that people who are so beautiful and young suddenly felt so insecure. If I had such a body, I would have thought for just a second and then said: Today is the time to take off my clothes! But there were also moments when our celebrities didn't just drop their literal covers and get completely private and emotional. That was new to me and I really appreciated it. I believe that such a format draws a lot out of people and I'm very proud of everyone involved.
To what extent could you, as the moderator, be a support for the participants?
Kretschmer: By always being there on the way and the checkups. For example, we had a candidate who felt very uncomfortable at the thought of undressing. I then asked him what he liked about his body and he said: "Nothing at all!" For some, that was a real structure. I tried to cheer them up, be brave and always put the topic in the right context: Please don't forget, it's about reaching out to people!
We were a good, tight-knit group and it was amazing to see the closeness with which it worked at some point. In the end, everyone hugged and kissed me, even though it was them who performed on stage. For them it was a feeling of togetherness. That was very nice for me. In the end, I was the host, but also a little bit the mom and dad. 16 children and everyone with different problems – just a real extended family (laughs).
The format differs both in terms of subject matter and concept from shows such as "Shopping Queen". Did you prepare for the show separately?
Kretschmer: No, not really. I think, like "Shopping Queen", it's about humor, but also about depth. It's the mix – just like in life. I found it very nice that people immediately thought of me for the show and that the celebrities later also said: "Oh Guido, if you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have done it." That was very touching. From that I noticed that it was also important to them that it was a decent and serious format. That's what I stand for: I'm warm-hearted and you know you won't be shown.
Did the show allow you to develop a different perspective on cancer?
Kretschmer: Definitely. Especially with the men's group: Men are often accused of reluctance to go to the doctor and that they are letting their health deteriorate. I experienced it differently here. What I've learned is that you have to create a platform for men. As a young woman there comes a point where you switch from pediatrician to gynecologist. But no man does that. Because for him there is no doctor except the urologist. Many only leave when it's too late. Cancer diseases are the most malignant diseases in men. Every 140th person suffers from testicular cancer and often doesn't even notice it.
It is important not to forget that cancer continues while we are fighting Corona. We need to have a generation of young men who learn that they can also have regular checkups. They shouldn't realize in old age that they never learned to speak to a doctor if something wasn't working well.
Could you also imagine standing on the other side of the show and undressing for a good cause like the participants?
Kretschmer: No, I wouldn't be there and I haven't even thought about it. I think you also need someone to keep your pants on. That is why I am so enthusiastic about our people and I also said to them: You are the bravest children one could wish for. But I warned them that they had to stop again. (laughs) Not that they are walking everywhere and getting naked now. Because once this limit has been exceeded, the spirit cannot be returned to the bottle.