KimVirginia
“The rapprochement between Mike and Leyla is fake”
Kim Virginia has to forego the jungle crown.
© Photo: RTL / Stefan Thoyah
Reality star Kim Virginia looks back in an interview after leaving the jungle camp and explains why she will only change privately.
On day 14 it was time for Kim Virginia (28): say goodbye to the RTL jungle camp. The reality TV star appeared on “I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!” by far the most polarized. What remained in the minds of those watching was her discussions with candidate Mike Heiter (31), with whom she had a relationship in the past. From her point of view, the current love story between him and candidate Leyla Lahouar (27) is “fake”, as she says in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
Why do you think it wasn’t enough for the next round?
Kim Virginia: Because I just can’t keep my mouth shut about certain topics. Somehow I had the feeling that I had to leave the camp, so I packed my things in advance. But I think the TV audience noticed that I was able to finish with Mike. In the end, I just wanted to draw a line under this kindergarten that we both put down.
You gave those watching the impression that you kept bringing up the topic with Mike…
Kim Virginia: I definitely went to him again and again, but because he also teased me regularly. I just wanted to bring this up because I found it unnecessary. However, I am aware that I have overstepped the mark in some places. I apologized for that and can only hope that he accepts the apology. The way we interacted with each other in the camp wasn’t necessary – he had hurt me in private and then I had hurt him on TV. And in the end I was probably too stubborn because I wanted us both to put this behind us. I probably wouldn’t do that again in that form. At the end of the day, that’s how it is and at least I can’t blame myself for not trying everything.
How real is the rapprochement between Mike and Leyla?
Kim Virginia: The approach is fake in my opinion. Mike had said in interviews before the show that he wanted to start something with me at camp. Even Leyla wrote to me about it before – she was still on my side and said how embarrassing Mike was. She also wrote that she would absolutely not do anything with him. But there was an extremely quick change on site: after I rejected him, she immediately threw her arms around him and ran after him. This love story doesn’t seem to be unintentional on either part, because Mike in particular knows how well something like this sells. That’s just his trick and he’s gotten very far in the show with it. I don’t think he’s interested in Leyla.
Who would you trust or wish to win?
Kim Virginia: I would be very surprised if Mike or Leyla didn’t take home the crown because of their scam. I want victory for Lucy or Tim. They are both very authentic people with a message. Lucy brings such female power to the day and is passionate about the team. Tim was the person I loved locally. He’s had to endure a lot in his life and yet he still has so much love for people. I would give him everything.
Were you able to achieve your goals by participating in the jungle camp or did it even damage your image?
Kim Virginia: I pay very little attention to my image, I don’t care much about it. I was also accused of being fake and having a strategy. If I had a strategy, I probably would have done better. No one would cross a line like that and then think: “That was great, I’m in a good position now.” I was just who I am and revealed a lot about myself.
Overall, I’m proud of my performance, I was able to show many facets of myself that weren’t planned, but it was all the more genuine and real. I even exceeded my expectations of myself: as the biggest chick ever Jungle Camp took part, it could have been that I would have to cancel the show. I reflected and learned from my mistakes and that’s the main thing. The people who want to see the good in me will find it here and there.
What plans do you have after the jungle camp?
Kim Virginia: I will continue to rock German formats. I will probably also be seen on US television. I’m also starting my own music and shooting a horror film in Los Angeles. I don’t know what anyone was thinking – I’m a Botox mouse, you can’t read emotions. But it will be enough for a horror film (laughs). In any case, I will be indispensable and the people I annoyed: “Sorry, I’ll keep annoying.”
Are you taking a lesson from the jungle with you for your future formats?
Kim Virginia: When it comes to difficult discussions, I will take a lot with me into my personal life. But in such reality formats, the bad bitch will continue to emerge because you are confronted with different people. So I won’t change completely.