The “RTL Aktuell” farewell of Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben was quite emotional – and peppered with some surprises.
“It’s 6:45 p.m. The news with Ulrike von der Groeben and me for the last time. Here from our wonderful studio. I’m glad you’re here”: With these words, Peter Kloeppel (65) began his last presentation of the news program “RTL Aktuell” on Friday evening (23 August). For his colleague Ulrike von der Groeben (67) it was also the last show as a sports presenter. For both of them it was an emotional farewell with numerous surprises.
Surprise for the presenting duo
While Kloeppel and von der Groeben were apparently preparing to go home after a brief farewell, the broadcaster had other plans. The broadcaster repeatedly flashed the message “Surprise for Ulrike and Peter immediately afterward” on the screen.
After the weather forecast by Christian Häckl (60), the first emotional farewell: “I really enjoyed working with you, thank you for the last 30 years. From the bottom of my heart, I say ‘Servus’ for the last time,” said Häckl. “We will miss you,” Kloeppel replied, before he and Ulrike von der Groeben addressed the audience personally once again.
“After 32 years of incredible years together and almost 40 years at RTL, we are both saying goodbye to this studio and this show today,” said Peter Kloeppel, sounding slightly emotional. Von der Groeben added: “We are saying goodbye to the news that has shaped our lives more than almost anything else. It was an honor, an obligation and always a pleasure for us to be there for you and to keep you informed – on good days and on bad.”
At the end, Peter Kloeppel also expressed his special thanks to the viewers of the show. “None of this would have been possible without you. That’s why we bow to you in gratitude,” said the presenter, before the duo did just that. Von der Groeben wished her successors: “Have fun at work, just like we do.”
Frauke Ludowig visits Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben in the studio
As Kloeppel finishes with the words “All we have left to say is: do well, stay loyal to our show and always stay well informed,” the announced surprise is about to happen: colleague Frauke Ludowig (60) enters the studio and conducts a short interview with the duo. The two feel “relieved” to have the last show behind them. But also apparently a little taken aback: “I didn’t expect that we would go on for much longer. I thought I’d have a glass of wine now,” admits Peter Kloeppel.
And then comes the surprise – in the form of a detailed review of numerous special moments since the duo’s first broadcast on April 6, 1992. In addition, several companions and RTL colleagues of the duo send their greetings. Congratulations also came from politicians – from Friedrich Merz (68), Ursula von der Leyen (65), Karl Lauterbach (61) and even Chancellor Olaf Scholz (66). Günther Jauch (68) promised to offer the duo the next time they meet.
World record for the presenting duo
Afterwards, the two reflect on their time together with Ludowig. The two have never argued in all these years and have mostly been on the same wavelength.
It is precisely this good relationship that Kloeppel and von der Groeben have to thank for their next surprise: an entry in the “Guinness Book of World Records”. With more than 32 years together, the two are the “Longest Serving National Anchor Duo”, a “Guinness World Records” referee ceremoniously announced in the studio.
Special song
But the surprises don’t end there: Frauke Ludowig then leads the two into a room full of emotional and applauding colleagues and their families. Kloeppel’s wife Carol has to wipe tears from her eyes several times.
With weather presenter Christian Häckl on the piano, the entire team joins in singing and performs the hit “Niemals geht man so ganz” by Tommy Engel (74), Trude Herr (1927-1991) and Wolfgang Niedecken (73).
Last broadcast after 32 years together
Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben announced in mid-March 2024 that they would be quitting their jobs together in August. Both had been part of the “RTL Aktuell” team for more than 30 years: Kloeppel as a US correspondent from 1990 and chief presenter of the main news from 1992, while von der Groeben had been an editor and sports presenter on the show since 1989.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
