Music producer Ralph Siegel (77) had to be taken to the hospital after collapsing at home. "I fell over like a wet sack. The reason was an overdose of morphine and cortisone tablets, which I administered myself without thinking," explains the Munich resident in an interview with "Bild".

Why did he do this? "I wanted to be fit for my New Year's Eve party." He couldn't take part in it because: "I had to stay in the clinic for observation." At his request, his guests still celebrated with him. He didn't want his "friends to spoil New Year's Eve". Together they found a solution that allowed the former Mister Grand Prix to participate in what was happening: "We still had contact via mobile phone video."

Siegel was able to leave the hospital on Monday afternoon.