interview
Joachim Llambi
“I am 99.9 percent Mr. Llambi”
© Sebastian Reuter / Getty Images
The “Let’s Dance” juror Joachim Llambi speaks in the GALA interview about his reputation as a tough critic – and where he is just Joachim.
The grand finale is upon us! On Friday, May 19, 2023 (RTL, 8:15 p.m.), the jury and TV viewers will choose the “Dancing Star 2023” from the three “Let’s Dance” finalists. Juror Joachim Llambi, 58, who used to work as a stockbroker and was also successful as a tournament dancer, has been part of the show from the start. Clear words are his trademark. In the GALA interview, he reveals why this can also have private advantages.
Joachim Llambi in the big GALA interview
GALA: You said recently that you owe everything you are today to Hape Kerkeling. What do you mean exactly?
Joachim Llambi: Well, he was and is one of the greatest we have here in Germany. And as the moderator of the show, he started calling me formally and teasingly “Mr. Llambi” because I was strict – even if we used the first name behind the scenes. To this day it’s still a great label for me. No matter where I come from: 99.9 percent of the time I’m not Joachim, but Mr. Llambi.
Are you still in contact with Hape Kerkeling?
Not intense, but constant. For example, we write to each other on birthdays. It’s always a very pleasant conversation.
Today you tease with moderator Daniel Hartwich. What is different?
I tease and talk shop with him about everything – except for dancing. He has no idea about that, but he knows it too. Although in such a dance show he could do a little more than just occasionally shake his butt. In any case, we’re a bit like Netzer and Delling used to be when they commented on the national soccer team: expert and partner.
Sometimes on “Let’s Dance” you also criticize those celebrities who have given everything on the floor. That’s tough.
I only criticize when justified. Criticism can also help. It is important to call things by their proper name – also in private life, by the way.
Should you really always say what you don’t like in a partnership?
At GALA in particular, you know how many couples get divorced, whether prominent or not. I believe that a lot could be changed or even saved beforehand if critical things were also addressed. If you think about how many married couples sit across from each other in a restaurant and keep silent!
Where is the strict Mr. Llambi soft?
Of course I’m also a family man, I have two daughters. And they wrap dad neatly around his finger.