Hanka Rackwitz on the Legends Jungle: She was very excited before the broadcast

In the anniversary season of the RTL jungle camp, you could see how the mood of Hanka Rackwitz (55), who was actually very cheerful and friendly when she first joined the TV show, deteriorated from day to day. On day seven, the former TV real estate agent pulled the ripcord and voluntarily left “I’m a Celebrity – Showdown of the Jungle Legends”. Some time has passed since the recording, but her exit episode was only broadcast yesterday, August 22nd. The day after this broadcast, the jungle legend revealed in an interview with spot on news, among other things, whether what the viewers get to see is authentic or not, and how satisfied she is with the choice of the jungle king/queen – who she already knows.

It’s been a while since you won the Jungle Camp award. Have you recovered from the ordeal in the meantime?

Hanka Rackwitz: I soon felt better again because I didn’t regret the decision to voluntarily leave the camp. Not 100 percent, of course, because it also had disadvantages for me. But it was the right decision. However, the closer the broadcast date came, the more I worried that the life I had fought for would somehow be negatively affected. In retrospect, I had doubts about whether I had made the right decision or reacted well in one or two situations, and whether I was actually the way I perceived myself to be. And what do you do if Germany throws eggs at you after the broadcast?

Have you watched all the episodes so far?

Rackwitz: After I managed to block out the approaching broadcast date, I actually sat in front of the TV with Prosecco, excited and happy, when the jungle started. But it was strange: I kept hearing my name, I thought my voice was weird… It was somehow surreal.

How did you like the content of what you saw? Was it authentic?

Rackwitz: The editing is really fantastic and the events are mostly shown as they were. Of course you can’t show everything, but the basic tone is realistically portrayed. That was very reassuring to me at first, because there are also formats that somehow edit you. But of course it is also like an animal film about a leopard mother who kills an impala for her starving cubs. When you see that she manages it, you are happy for her. But the animal film could also tell the story of an impala mother who is killed by a leopard. It’s all a matter of perspective – and that is also very exciting in formats like the jungle camp.

In addition, it is usually the audience that shows what is right and what is wrong through their decisions. What was it like in this pre-recorded Legends season where the audience vote was omitted?

Rackwitz: Yes, that confused me more and more, because no behavior resulted in consequences. At some point I no longer knew what was right and what was wrong. In addition, I am very sensitive and justice is very important to me. That led to me overreacting a little in some situations. In these situations, it would have been nice if the clever Hanke from outside, who definitely solves things more confidently today, had come to the fore a little more on the inside.

After the exit, you said that Elena Miras’ arrival changed a lot. What changed?

Rackwitz: When Elena moved in, they all suddenly became TV professionals again. And it had just become a bit authentic. At some point I couldn’t stand listening to the partially staged stories about other formats, Dubai, lion mothers and so on, or the partially constructed arguments. I made no secret of it and then I heard more and more: “Hanka, go away!” At some point it all got too annoying and then I pulled the ripcord for myself, for the Hanka from back then and for the Hanka who is sitting here today.

You already know who won the Legends Jungle Camp. Would you give it to the Jungle Queen/King?

Rackwitz: I’m very happy with the winner, I can tell you that much. (laughs)

What happens next? Are there any new TV projects coming up?

Rackwitz: Not at the moment. I need to calm down first. I didn’t think it would affect me like this. And now I’m happy to be able to be a little bit ME again. What I can say, though, is that I’m buying a food truck and driving around in it. Anyone who wants a little magic powder, a good mood and great food is welcome to contact me, because I’m actually a really funny and nice person.