"Germany's next Topmodel": Models come out as virgins, victims of violence and sperm donors

It's getting intimate in word and deed: Only two weeks until the winners of this year's season of "Germany's Next Top Model" (Thursdays, 8:15 p.m., ProSieben or on joyn ) will be announced. To make it to the semifinals, Heidi Klum's (52) protégés are giving it their all—and sometimes a little more. In tabloid interviews, three models come out as virgins, victims of violence, or sperm donors. During a bed shoot on the streets of LA, two long-time enemies come face-to-face. And further slip-ups threaten on the raunchy catwalk.

Backstage quarrel between "Troublemaker" and "Gossip"

"There's nothing worse than not being in the press." This is what "taff" presenter Christian Düren (34) says, who is leading this year's media training for the models. In his interview simulations, Aaliyah (22) in particular proves to be a "gossip," ranting about her colleague Moritz (19) and her intimate enemy Kevin (24). Some models, in turn, call him "fake" and a "troublemaker." Afterwards, things clash again behind the scenes between Aaliyah and Kevin—not a good starting point for their subsequent intimate photoshoot.

Coming out as a virgin, sperm donor, victim of violence and bullying

In interviews with Tanja May (52) from the "Bild-Zeitung" newspaper and Stephanie Göttmann-Fuchs from the magazine "Bunte," the models are introduced to pure tabloid journalism for the first time. Expert Christian Düren gives them the motto: "Tell good stories, but don't give yourself up." Some models succeed in this more than others. Canel (26) immediately speaks openly about her father's "severe psychological problems" – coupled with domestic violence. Pierre (22) reveals that he doesn't know his "father." Magdalena (21) reports on "difficult phases" at school, bullying, and a "minor eating disorder."

Eliob (29) addresses "Bunte" about a social media post: "I read you're a sperm donor. How does one get that?" The smart Austrian living in Tokyo "doesn't want to have children myself, but I have good genes. It would be a waste. I could be a father by now." Finally, Daniela (20) admits that, like Moritz, she hasn't had a steady relationship yet. "But you're not a virgin now?" "Bunte" wants to know. "Yes, you are." And Christian Düren is certain: "Daniela can say whatever she wants now, the headline is already there." His conclusion: "A godsend for her colleagues, not quite so smart for our models."

Permanent rivals are supposed to represent lovers

The next shoot promises to be particularly explosive: In pairs, the models are chauffeured through the streets of Los Angeles, lying on a bed. Star photographer Rankin (59) frames them as passionate lovers. Most of the pairings are quickly found – until only the two perennial rivals Aaliyah and Kevin remain. Aaliyah's friend Zoe (19) finds it "deadly hilarious": "Yesterday they were yelling at each other, today they're flirtatiously riding on the bed together." While Moritz, who is inexperienced in relationships, is still considering "how to pull off the shoot well," Canel and Eliob are already moving on to their physical dress rehearsal. Will this help them advance to the semifinals?

Failed "reconciliation shoot"

During the shoot, Eliob and Canel experience a "liberating feeling" and kiss "professionally and passionately." They receive high praise from Heidi Klum (52) and Rankin – undeservedly, as it later becomes clear, given the unusable photos. Love novices Daniela and Moritz, on the other hand, overcome their initial shyness. They become – "two traffic lights later," as Heidi notes – the couple of the day, albeit only for the camera. Jannik (22) and Magdalena signed a "no kissing" agreement before the shoot. They received little positive feedback from Rankin and Heidi. However, their photos later tell a completely different story and are praised as particularly romantic. Remember: Even a star photographer can be wrong. Finally, the dream couple, Kevin and Aaliyah, are forced to cuddle. But they don't want to kiss. And the hoped-for "reconciliation shoot" doesn't happen either. Did the two of them have a falling out?

Before the semifinals, the models face another challenge. They walk on a rain-soaked catwalk in downtown LA wearing creations by New York designer Christian Cowan (29). Zoe, who calls herself a "Christian Cowan Ultra," is allowed to open. She doesn't let the rain bother her and receives high praise from her favorite designer. Like her shoot partner Pierre, who slips briefly but doesn't stumble, she advances to the semifinals. The same goes for Daniela, Canel, and Magdalena in the women's category, as well as Eliob, Jannik, and Moritz in the men's category. Designer Cowan even says of 19-year-old Moritz: "You look like a billion dollars. You could be booked for any fashion show."

Long-time favorite Kevin has to pack his bags

Magdalena learns that she will soon be featured in "Bild" magazine with the headline "Eating disorder due to nasty bullying." The Viennese native expresses satisfaction at having opened up so much. Eliob feels honored to soon be featured under the headline "I worked as a sperm donor." For Aaliyah and Kevin, however, the "GNTM" adventure is over. "You came to the shoot with such a strange attitude, it was disappointing," Rankin fumes. Unsurprisingly, Heidi doesn't have a photo for either of them. It's a bitter pill to swallow for Kevin, who was long considered a hot favorite, landing several professional jobs. Renowned designers have already predicted a great career for him—which may yet follow. Aaliyah leaves GNTM with her head held high: "I never would have thought I'd make it into the top five girls."

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