ARD Denies Rumors of Bergdoktor Hans Sigl’s Firing – Latest Update
Actor Hans Sigl is stepping down from the „big New Year’s Eve show“ after Francine Jordi. The headlines about a firing are being denied by the broadcaster.
On Monday, June 10th, Hans Sigl made a statement on his own behalf. On Instagram, the „Bergdoktor“ actor responded to inquiries about „The Big New Year’s Eve Show“ and wrote: „Due to my filming schedule and other professional commitments, I unfortunately cannot be available this time. I had a lot of fun twice before. Thanks to the entire team around the big production.“
According to Bild.de, Sigl’s announcement is said to be a result of a firing. The actor was reportedly „toxic“ for the New Year’s show. Florian Silbereisen is said to be in talks as a replacement, according to Bild.de citing sources from the broadcaster.
We reached out to ARD for a statement.
A spokeswoman from the leading Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) told us: „We are surprised by the BILD coverage. As Hans Sigl himself announced on social media, he is not available for this year’s ‚New Year’s Eve Show‘ due to scheduling reasons, which we regret.“ She went on to say: „A show for the upcoming New Year’s Eve in the ARD is currently being planned, and we are in intensive discussions with our partners from ORF and SRF as well as all those involved.“ All further questions, including about the hosts, can only be answered later. The broadcaster also explicitly responded to the allegations: In a letter to the tabloid, Iris Mayerhofer, Head of Entertainment and Home Affairs at BR, stated: „The claim that ARD kicked out Hans Sigl is simply false. Hans Sigl, as he himself announced on Instagram, cannot host the New Year’s Eve Show this year due to scheduling reasons. We were always in touch with him and knew about this issue. We regret his final cancellation because we highly value Hans Sigl as a professional and charming host and a reliable partner, and we will continue to discuss potential projects with him in the future.“
Earlier in March, Sigl’s co-host Francine Jordi announced her departure from the „New Year’s Eve Show.“ She felt it was time to move on and focus on new projects and her music.
Francine Jordi took over the New Year’s Eve party in 2015 from Andy Borg and initially hosted with Alexander Mazza, then with Jörg Pilawa, and in 2022 and 2023 with Hans Sigl.
The ARD party is usually recorded in November, a time when Hans Sigl is still busy filming „Bergdoktor.“