"Farmer Seeks Wife International" Inka Bause - on a love mission with a broken toe

Inka Bause goes on an international love mission for lonely farmers. In an interview with "Bluewin", the TV matchmaker talks about her dream job as a love helper, her next album - and why she wants chickens and a donkey.

For the 15th time, TV personality Inka Bause plays Cupid for lonely farmers. The love journey of "Bauer sucht Frau International" takes the Berliner around the globe - from Australia to Costa Rica, Chile and Canada. "Bluewin" asked the 50-year-old about her love story, which farmers she has grown particularly fond of and whether she wants to host the flirting format until she retires.

Ms. Bause, for "Bauer sucht Frau International" you look for suitable women for lonely farmers. So you're a TV matchmaker, or what do you call yourself?

I think branding is okay, but I don't have a name for myself. I think matchmaker is a great synonym for lucky charm.

Is there a couple that you are particularly fond of?

Of course there are the cult farmers that people keep asking me about on the street: Josef and Narumol, Heinrich. Iris and Uwe are all over the media at the moment, although it's been a while since they were on the show. Or Anna and Gerald, who got married last year. They are all particularly popular.

And which couple do you particularly like personally?

I don't have a favorite because otherwise I would be doing the other wonderful couples an injustice.

Do you know your love success rate?

No. But I think it's sensational that the 30th wedding is taking place this year. In 15 years of "Bauer sucht Frau", that's two weddings per season - I think that's incredible. There have also been more than ten children born, and more than 50 couples are still living together.

How has your show ("Bauer sucht Frau") changed over the last 15 years?

In the beginning, we used a lot of stick rhymes in the off-screen texts, but without making fun of the farmers. Raising myself above the farmers in any way is not in keeping with my upbringing or my character. My team and I have grown with the farmers over the years. They have taught us better and shown us what wonderful and hard-working people they are.

Sounds exciting.

Let's put it this way: our program has outgrown puberty, so it has grown up. And we are receiving more and more applications from all over the world because our reputation for 30 weddings precedes us. That is a success. And by that I don't mean the ratings, but the fact that we make people happy.

So "Bauer sucht Frau International" starts on Monday. Do you see any major differences between farmers in Germany and those who have emigrated?

The people are different. The emigrant generation is completely different to a Bavarian farmer who is the fourth generation to inherit a farm. A 68er who emigrates to lead an alternative life abroad is different. These people have influenced their children with their spirit. They are often globetrotters.

So there are no similarities?

Yes, the life stories are similar: they are all people in search of happiness, contentment and love. Only the setting is completely different. But I don't think you can attract anyone to the TV with a palm tree in the background.

It's not the palm tree that attracts TV viewers - what is the recipe for success then?

Nowadays, anyone can travel for little money. That's why it's not the filming in Costa Rica that's interesting. It's the people and their stories. Josef and Narumol are the best example of this.

Why is that?

In the beginning, Josef was an unexcited, introverted farmer. We asked ourselves, what are we going to do with him? He didn't say a word. Then Narumol came along. We thought he'd throw her off the farm after a day, she talks without a dot or a comma and he doesn't even understand her with her accent. And that in the depths of Bavaria.

And then the withdrawn Bavarian fell head over heels in love with the lively Thai girl ...

Narumol won everyone over with her character and authenticity. That's the exciting thing about the farmers, you never know which love story will work and which won't.

Is "Bauer sucht Frau" your dream show?

Yes, absolutely. The farmers are jewels, not only for my life, but also for television. Many people write to me saying that they want to take part because our show is so authentic. That's one of our strengths.

Beatrice Egli now also matches people on RTL, but with pop singers ("Schlager sucht Liebe"). What do you think about that?

I like Beatrice Egli and wish her luck with the show. But I have my doubts as to whether a pop singer is really looking for love on television. Love is private - you have to open up. Whether a person who wants to be famous is able to do that, I'm very curious.

You live in Berlin, but you've raved about country life several times now. Could you imagine moving to the country?

I've just visited a friend who lives two hours away from Berlin, which was fantastic. Nevertheless, I was glad to be able to drive back in the evening. I'm lucky that I live in a quiet part of Berlin. I've already asked the people on our estate if I can have chickens and a donkey. But unfortunately that's not appreciated - what a shame. I would like to have a small farm in Berlin, but nobody can afford it.

But you spend a lot of time in the countryside during filming.

That's true - by the way, I've just broken my toe because a horse stepped on my foot during filming. That's what happens when you're often around animals.

You're 50. Will you remain a TV dome until you retire?

If we continue to find great farmers, I would like to do the show until I retire.

In addition to your job as a presenter, you are also a singer. Will you be releasing a new CD soon?

Yes, there will be a new record soon. Music warms my heart, I studied music and singing was my first profession.