Fan favorite Tina is back! In an interview, Christin Balogh reveals what it’s like on the “Storm of Love” set and whether she could return completely.
The time has come, actress Christin Balogh (36) returns as Tina Kessler (2013-2019, 2022) to the telenovela “Sturm der Liebe” (since 2005, weekdays, 3:10 p.m., the first). The first of 14 episodes featuring one of the big fan favorites will air on Tuesday afternoon (April 12):
On the occasion of the cookbook presentation by André Konopka (Joachim Lätsch, 65), the Icelandic star chef Tina is returning to her old home in Bichlheim. All she really wanted to do was write a review of the cookbook and then enjoy a little time out from her family and her restaurant. But when André asks her to stand in for him in the Fürstenhof kitchen, Tina can’t say no…
In an interview with the actress before the big comeback, spot on news wanted to know what the native of Magdeburg did after leaving the Fürstenhof in 2019. At least that’s what she implied. Christin Balogh, on the other hand, spoke in more detail about her return to the set, the stunning fan reactions and her personal cooking skills.
Welcome back! Who and what did you particularly miss without “Storm of Love”?
Christin Balogh: Thank you very much. I’m also very happy to be back. I particularly missed the team, working together, the chatter in between and, to be honest, “Tina”. It was just nice to re-embody the character and wield the parsley slicer… no guarantee that there is (laughs).
What was the greeting like when you first came back on set?
Balogh: Oh, very sincerely. Fortunately, the joy was mutual. On the set you are “called” to the scenes over a loudspeaker and there was a very sweet announcement about my first picture. The family feeling was there again straight away and I will always associate that with the “Storm”.
They are considered a big fan favorite. What were the fan reactions after your comeback became known?
Balogh: I was really overwhelmed. There’s always a doubt. Are the fans happy or are they actually happy that you were gone. I was really touched by all the lovely messages that reached me on Instagram.
Which fan reaction after your exit in 2019 surprised you the most?
Balogh: I received a star from very dear fans who have also accompanied me through the six years. Well, with a certificate and all. I was really flabbergasted. Overall, the flood of loving messages to me was overwhelming. That was really touching and, next to the great farewell that the team gave me, unforgettable.
A year before you left, you took a longer break from filming for health reasons. The fans suffered with you there too. How are you today?
Balogh: Thank you very much for asking. I am happy to say that everything is fine.
Could you imagine getting back into it for a longer period of time?
Balogh: I really didn’t take my decision lightly back then and I made it very consciously. I’m staying with that. But I’m always happy to visit. If, for example, Hildegard [Antje Hagen, 83, Red.] needs help, Mr. Konopka is going on vacation or a wedding cake needs to be baked.
In the series story you were in Iceland with your family. What have been your highlights in real life since leaving the series?
Balogh: Spending time with loved ones.
If you were to emigrate like your series character Tina, where would you be drawn to? Also to Iceland?
Balogh: I would follow the pasta’s loud call to Rome. I love Italy and I love Rome. Last year I fulfilled a dream and went there with a very good friend for my birthday.
Your series comeback is about cooking, among other things. What about your private cooking skills?
Balogh: That’s my Achilles heel (laughs). I love the fact that Tina is a chef and really good at it. I cook more intuitively myself. With recipes I always think to myself: “Oh come on… a spoonful more is fine, that can also go in”. Unfortunately, this always leaves a lot of room for aberrations in taste. But at least I like to do it, and I also cook for my friends.
What’s your signature dish? And what do you never succeed in?
Balogh: I love cooking stuffed zucchini. But when I try to recreate my grandma’s potato soup, it just never tastes like hers. I love this soup and I believe there is that secret “grandma ingredient” that makes it just perfect that I’m missing. Still, I love to cook them and love the memory of when she cooked them for me.
Which calorie bomb will make you weak?
Balogh: Oh, how much time do we have? I love pasta of all kinds. I also love everything my dad cooks. He doesn’t really care about my waist size, but it’s worth every calorie.
And what do you do to keep fit?
Balogh: Not enough. I love Pilates, swimming and long walks. It’s mostly a mix.
You work a lot in the radio now. What do you particularly like about it? And do you miss acting?
Balogh: In the beginning radio was a big challenge and it still is. But it’s also a special feeling when the red light is on and you know that some people will be able to hear you right away. In the car, in the kitchen, at work. It is particularly nice when the listeners share their stories and you receive a picture while you are accompanying them. Luckily this job doesn’t exclude acting and I was able to shoot a few projects without any problems.