It was announced as a surprise, but it was more of a shock for the prominent "Let's Dance" candidates: In the upcoming episode of the RTL show, they have to hover over the floor with new dance professionals. This was announced at the end of the fifth live broadcast last Friday. So far, no "Let's Dance" participant has had to face this challenge, the partner exchange is a premiere in the 16th season.

Now RTL has announced the new dance constellations. Favorite Anna Ermakova gets professional dancer Christian Polanc at her side. His actual partner, ex-Bachelorette Sharon Battiste, is allowed to dance with Ermakova's professional Valentin Lusin. Ermakova reported on Instagram how much the announced change of partner surprised her at first. "I was very nervous about learning to dance with a new partner. Everyone has a completely different teaching style," said Boris Becker's daughter. In the meantime, however, she sees the task as a challenge.

Gymnast Philipp Boy and star chef Ali Güngörmüş also swap partners Patricija Ionel and Christina Luft respectively. Philipp Boy and Christina Luft already shared a joint Instagram story from the rehearsals. "I'm really looking forward to starting the week with this bundle of energy," said Boy. Luft also seemed enthusiastic, but also emphasized that both miss their actual dance partners. "Your thoughts are always with us. We take good care of each other. The partners are in good hands," said the 33-year-old.

Viewers can see how the new dance couples perform on the floor next Friday from 8:15 p.m. live on RTL. At the end of the sixth episode, another celebrity will have to leave the show, as previously entrepreneur Sally Özcan, singer Natalia Yegorova, TikTok star Younes Zarou and comedian Abdelkarim and model Alex Mariah Peter. The partner exchange remains a one-off thing: After the Easter break, all celebrities will get their original dance professional back.