Saying Goodbye to "Who Knows What?" After a Decade with Elton
Elton Jumps Ship on 'Who Knows It' Project? - Elton reveals plans to depart from "Unknown"
Elton, the beloved host of ARD's quiz show "Who Knows What?", is stepping down after 10 years. The announcement was made on Tuesday night, culminating with the current season ending on April 22, 2025. With a heavy heart, Elton shared, "I've had the honor to entertain such an amazing audience for a decade. Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm yearning for more quality time with my loved ones." He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards Kai, Bernhard, and the entire crew, calling their time together an incredible journey.
A Spark of Fun and Laughter
Elton was renowned for his vivacious humor and comical dance moves. One unforgettable moment was during an episode when he triumphantly danced after an odd response from Bernhard, inciting applause from the audience. The chemistry between Elton and host Kai was another signature component of the show, with memorable exchanges like when Elton sarcastically commented on Kai's tricky questions, "Even Einstein would've struggled with these - and I'm just a guy from Leer!"
Elton often energized the show with his spur-of-the-moment quips. In the face of a challenging question, he would sigh, "Kai, that's not a question - it's a riddle with no solution!" Even when guessing incorrectly, he'd keep the laughter flowing: "I thought I knew this, but evidently, my brain is on vacation in Florida."
Ratings Goldmine
"Who Knows What?" has been a ratings powerhouse on German television. During its recent season, the show brings in an average of 3.3 million viewers per episode and maintains approximately a 20% market share. This outstanding viewership makes "Who Knows What?" a triumph for the ARD.
The finale to bid Elton farewell will air on Saturday, April 26, at 8:15 PM. Elton surprised the audience with his flamboyant outfits during special episodes, as seen during Halloween and Christmas editions. Known for his fantastic reindeer costume, Elton's infectious energy left viewers in awe, even though he could barely maneuver in the cumbersome suit.
A Quiz Master to Reckon With
ARD's program director, Christine Strobl, commended Elton's charm, intelligence, and talent for unity, while ARD entertainment coordinator, Andreas Gerling, bestowed upon him the title of "Honorary Game Leader" and underscored his impressive 545 wins in nearly 1300 episodes. Elton, aside from his comedic talents, proved to be a formidable quiz contender. The question remains: who will succeed him as team captain? Speculations point towards the possible entry of Christoph Maria Herbst, a seasoned guest on the show with a promising reputation for wit and charisma.
Despite his departure, Elton will maintain visibility by hosting "Eltons 12" on RTL, which began in November 2024, and making guest appearances on the show "You Don't Win the Million Here with Stefan Raab" in 2025.
In a past interview, Elton remarked, "I'm living proof that you can navigate quiz shows without a high school diploma - barely!"
In the upcoming finale on April 26, Elton, known for his flamboyant outfits during special episodes, will bid farewell to "Who Knows What?" viewers, leaving behind a 10-year legacy of entertaining audiences with his catchy phrase, "♪ I'm not going to let you go ♪". Elton's successor, speculated to be Christoph Maria Herbst, is expected to bring wit and charisma to the coveted position. In 2025, Elton will be highlighting his talents on other shows, as he begins hosting "Eltons 12" on RTL and appearing as a guest on "You Don't Win the Million Here with Stefan Raab". Despite stepping down as the quiz show's host, Elton will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on German television.
