Gabriel Kelly, winner of ‘Let’s Dance’ season 17, formed a close friendship with Ann-Kathrin Bendixen during the competition. They plan to explore Vietnam together in August, sharing their excitement on social media. Despite facing criticism and safety concerns from fans regarding their adventurous activities, they continue to document their travels. Ann-Kathrin humorously updates followers on their experiences, including a fall that led to her knee surgery, which will feature in their upcoming vlog series.
Gabriel Kelly’s Triumph and New Friendship
At just 23 years old, Gabriel Kelly emerged victorious in the 17th season of the popular dance competition ‘Let’s Dance’. Yet, beyond clinching the coveted trophy, the son of Angelo Kelly, aged 43, gained something even more significant: a deep friendship with 25-year-old Ann-Kathrin Bendixen. Throughout the competition, their chemistry flourished, leading them to plan an adventurous trip together across Vietnam.
Exciting Travel Plans and Upcoming Vlog
In August, the dynamic duo is set to embark on their exciting journey through Vietnam, and they have shared their enthusiasm on Instagram. Ann-Kathrin posted a cheerful snapshot of herself alongside Gabriel, both beaming at the camera. She announced, “The trailer of @gabrielkelly_official and me is finally online! The knee surgery is behind me, Gabriel’s ‘Let’s Dance’ tour is wrapped up, and the Atlantic crossing is complete.”
As she gears up for the upcoming trip, she stated, “Time is ticking away, and I will continue editing over the next few weeks while living in a camper in Norway. I hope you enjoy the upcoming episodes.” Fans can anticipate the release of their first 20-minute Vietnam vlog episode on January 1, 2025, on Bendixen’s YouTube channel.
Despite their excitement, the pair faced some criticism during their travels. They shared multiple updates from Vietnam, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, scooter rides, and even a mountain climb. In her post, Ann-Kathrin humorously noted, “VIETNAM Day 3. Today we rode scooters, climbed a mountain in flip-flops, and took a bread break. PS. I won against Gabriel in foosball.” Her playful commentary delighted many followers, although it also ignited discussions about their relationships.
While some fans were skeptical of the platonic nature of Gabriel and Ann-Kathrin’s friendship, others defended their bond, emphasizing that strong friendships can exist between men and women. One user remarked, “Let them talk! You both have great partners, and imagine, there are also very good friendships between men and women!”
However, one point of consensus among commenters was the need for better footwear during their adventures. Concerned fans cautioned against climbing mountains and riding scooters in flip-flops, emphasizing safety. “Great, but please don’t be reckless and climb a mountain in such flip-flops! If you get hurt, it won’t be funny anymore,” one user warned.
Another user added a note of caution, stating, “Scooter NOT in flip-flops! Surgeons at vacation spots deal with this all the time: If you fall, half your foot can get ground off on the asphalt – that’s NOT an exaggeration!” Tragically, Ann-Kathrin did experience a fall from her scooter, resulting in knee surgery, a challenging experience that will also be documented in their upcoming vlog series.