[New Episode] Anne Menden Returns to GZSZ as Emily After Seven-Month Maternity Leave

Anne Menden has returned to the set of Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten as Emily Wiedmann following a seven-month maternity leave. Her first episode back airs on Monday, September 7, 2026, in episode 8,602 on RTL, with the episode available one week earlier on RTL+.

Menden, 40, gave birth to her first child, a son, in February 2026. She returned to filming in June, approximately four months after giving birth.

 

 

The actress described her return to the long-running series in practical terms. ‘Es war tatsächlich ein bisschen wie Fahrradfahren,’ Menden said. ‘Emily begleitet mich schließlich seit über 20 Jahren. Die verschwindet nicht einfach, nur weil ich eine Zeit lang nicht gedreht habe.’

In the series, Emily has spent several months in Singapore overseeing a project for the agency. Upon her return to Berlin, she finds her professional and personal life in disarray.

A Changed Emily

Emily returns with what the show describes as a new mindset. She is structured, calm, and balanced after her time abroad. Menden characterized the shift carefully: ‘Die neue Emily und die alte Emily müssen erst einmal miteinander verhandeln.’

This composure faces immediate challenges. The agency is in financial trouble, and Julian, played by Onno Buß, repeatedly provokes Emily during business meetings.

Menden addressed the friction between the characters: ‘Julian und Emily sind beide nicht unbedingt dafür bekannt, klein beizugeben. Das ist natürlich eine interessante Mischung. Er schafft es jedenfalls ziemlich schnell, etwas in Emily zu triggern.’

She added that Emily will not simply accept Julian’s behavior. ‘Und Emily wäre nicht Emily, wenn sie sich alles einfach gefallen lassen würde. Vielleicht bekommt Julian also auch relativ schnell eine Antwort auf seine Art.’

Professional and Personal Storylines

Emily’s return also involves her shoe label, Everlasting Shoes. Menden said Emily is focused on branding, corporate identity, and an upcoming launch.

A reunion with Tobias, played by Jan Kittmann, is also part of the storyline. Both characters have spent months apart, and their shared history resurfaces.

Regarding Emily’s new composure, Menden suggested it may not last. ‘Wenn jemand die richtigen Knöpfe drückt, kann es mit der Tiefenentspannung natürlich schnell vorbei sein.’

Family Arrangements

Menden’s return to work was made possible by her partner, Gustav Masurek, who serves as the primary caregiver during filming days. Masurek’s mother also provides support. Menden said the family spends time together in Potsdam during production.

The actress addressed criticism about returning to work relatively soon after giving birth. ‘Ich verstehe halt nicht, wo das Problem ist, dass der Papa ein Teil der Betreuung eines Kindes übernimmt. Es ist ja nicht so, als würde ich mich als Mensch aufgeben, nur weil ich ein Kind bekommen habe.’

She described her partner’s involvement in positive terms: ‘Gustav macht das mit unglaublich viel Liebe.’

Menden has portrayed Emily since December 2004, making her one of the longest-serving cast members on the series.

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Image Via: GZSZ