In a surprising turn of events, a teacher from Germany is facing disciplinary action after being seen participating in TV cooking shows while on sick leave.
Dominic W., a 35-year-old teacher of English
and Geography and a civil servant, had been on sick leave for over a year. During this period, he appeared on two popular TV cooking shows in Cologne.
Dominic first featured in ‘Das Perfekte Dinner,’ a show inspired by the UK’s ‘Come Dine With Me,’ aired on Germany’s VOX channel in August 2024.
He excelled in this competition, winning €3,000 (approximately Rs 2.7 lakhs). He later took part in ‘Die Küchenschlacht‘ (The Kitchen Battle) on the ZDF channel in April 2025, where contestants showcase their culinary skills.
However, Dominic’s participation in these shows has sparked controversy. The Cologne City Authority has confirmed that disciplinary investigations are underway. As a government employee, Dominic could face severe administrative actions, including warnings, salary reductions, transfers, or even dismissal. The specifics of Dominic’s illness and whether he has returned to work remain unclear. He has declined to comment on the situation.
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