Five interesting facts about the moderator - Alexander Bommes turns 50: From handball star to Germany’s beloved TV host
German television personality Alexander Bommes turns 50 on 21 January. Known for his sharp wit and engaging style, he has become a familiar face on screens across Germany. His career spans law, sports, and broadcasting—each phase shaping his public presence in different ways.
Bommes was born into a family with deep ties to media and sport. His grandfather, Karl Bommes, led Schleswig-Holstein’s state sports association from 1953 to 1973. His father, Klaus Bommes, worked as a radio host for NDR, the same broadcaster where Alexander would later begin his own career.
Before entering television, Bommes pursued law, passing the First State Law Exam in 2005. But his early passion was handball. From 1996 to 2007, he played professionally in the Bundesliga for Bayer Dormagen and VfL Gummersbach. A stint as an intern at NDR marked his shift into broadcasting. There, he met Julia Westlake, a fellow moderator, while co-hosting Hamburg Journal in 2008. The couple married and had two sons, born in 2009 and 2013. After seven years together, they announced their separation in 2016. Since then, Bommes has cemented his reputation as one of Germany's most recognisable TV hosts. His quick humour and versatility have kept him in demand across entertainment and current affairs programmes.
Now celebrating his 50th birthday, Bommes remains a prominent figure in German media. His journey—from handball courts to television studios—shows a career built on adaptability and public appeal. With two sons and a legacy in broadcasting, his influence extends beyond the screen.
