The upcoming season of StarDance, the popular Czech dance competition, is gaining momentum with the announcement of its third celebrity contestant: actress Sara Sandeva. Česká televize revealed the casting on Wednesday, adding another familiar face to the lineup for the show’s latest installment. The program, a Czech adaptation of the British Strictly Come Dancing, consistently ranks among the country’s most-watched television events.
Sandeva, 26, is a well-known figure in Czech television, with roles in series like Dvojka na zabití (Double Kill), Jakub a Sara, and Jedna rodina (One Family). Her versatility extends to film, with a part in the upcoming comedy Láska a její příchutě (Love and Its Flavors), directed by Radka Balaše. She also maintains an active presence in the theater, currently performing in a production of Othello at the Letní shakespearovské slavnosti (Summer Shakespeare Festival), as confirmed by Ticketmaster.
Foto: Česká televize
Sara Sandeva
A Familiar Face on the Dance Floor
Sandeva’s participation adds to the growing anticipation for the show’s upcoming season. Born in Skopje, North Macedonia, in 1997, she moved to Prague at the age of two. She honed her acting skills at the Prague Conservatory and quickly rose to prominence with a leading role in the teen drama Gympl s (r)učením omezeným at just 14 years old. Her early career also included performances in theater productions like Alise in Pěna dní (Foam Days) at Divadlo La Fabrika in 2012, and the musical Kouř (Smoke) at Divadlo Na Fidlovačce.
The actress’s personal life has also garnered public attention, as she is in a relationship with actor Jakub Prachař, with whom she co-starred in the popular series Dvojka na zabití and Jakub a Sara. According to Novinky.cz, Sandeva has spoken about the importance of maintaining individual interests within a relationship.
StarDance: A Czech Television Staple
StarDance has been a cornerstone of Česká televize’s programming since its debut in 2006. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers, who train and compete in various ballroom and Latin dance styles. The program’s popularity has steadily grown over the years, with the most recent season, the thirteenth, attracting an average of 1.6 million viewers over the age of 15 per episode, plus an additional 122,000 children, according to Česká televize. This represents the highest viewership since the second season in 2007.
Throughout its thirteen seasons, StarDance has featured 118 celebrities and over 60 professional dancers. The show is known for its longevity and the enduring partnership of hosts Tereza Kostková and Marek Eben, who hold the record for the longest-running hosting duo in the show’s international format, as noted by Česká televize.
What to Expect This Season
Ten couples will compete in the upcoming season of StarDance, which is scheduled to begin in October and conclude in mid-December. Česká televize currently holds the broadcasting rights through 2027 and has expressed interest in continuing the show through 2029 and 2030. The format has evolved since its inception, increasing from eight couples per season to ten in 2015, a structure that will continue in 2026.
The show’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of celebrity glamour, skillful dancing, and the compelling narratives that emerge as the contestants navigate the challenges of learning new routines and performing under pressure. The latest season promises to deliver the same level of entertainment and excitement that has captivated Czech audiences for nearly two decades.
As the premiere of StarDance approaches, viewers can anticipate further announcements regarding the remaining contestants and the professional dancers who will be partnering with them. Česká televize is expected to release more details in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates on the official StarDance website and Česká televize’s social media channels.
Do you plan to tune in to StarDance this fall? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
