Prague – Singer Marta Jandová is set to lace up her dancing shoes for the 14th season of StarDance, the popular Czech television competition, it was officially announced this week. The daughter of renowned Czech musician Petr Janda, she is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for the upcoming season, which is a Czech adaptation of the British indicate Strictly Come Dancing.
The announcement has already sparked considerable interest among fans of the show, with speculation mounting about other potential participants. Media reports have suggested that singer Vojtěch Dyk, Tomáš Polák from the band O5, Radek Šárka, and tennis player Raděk Štěpánek are also being considered, but Czech Television has yet to officially confirm their involvement. StarDance consistently ranks among the most-watched programs on Czech Television, drawing a large and dedicated audience.
A Long-Running Czech Television Staple
StarDance first premiered in the Czech Republic in 2006 and has become a fixture of the country’s television landscape. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers, who then compete in a series of ballroom and Latin dance performances judged by a panel of experts. The format, originally developed in the UK as Strictly Come Dancing, has proven remarkably adaptable and popular across numerous international markets.
Roman Vojtek took home the coveted trophy in the inaugural 2006 season. More recently, actor Oskar Hes and his partner Kateřina Bartuněk Hrstková were crowned champions in the 2024 edition of the show, as reported by Novinky.cz. The competition’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of celebrity glamour, athletic skill, and the captivating spectacle of ballroom dancing.
A History of Stars on the Dance Floor
Over its thirteen seasons, StarDance has featured a total of 130 well-known personalities from various fields, including acting, music, sports, and politics. The show has also provided a platform for over 60 professional dancers, some of whom have partnered with multiple celebrities across several seasons. The dedication and expertise of these professional dancers are crucial to the success of the show, guiding their celebrity partners through the challenges of learning complex choreography.
Foto: Jan Handrejch, Novinky
Vítězové finále 13. ročníku taneční zábavní soutěže StarDance …když hvězdy tančí Oskar Hes a Kateřina Bartuněk Hrstková.
Future Seasons and Continued Popularity
Czech Television has secured the rights to broadcast StarDance through 2027, and is reportedly hoping to extend the agreement to include the years 2029 and 2030. The show’s consistent high ratings – the 13th season averaged 1.6 million viewers aged 15 and over, plus an additional 122,000 children, the highest viewership since the second season in 2007, according to Czech Television – demonstrate its enduring appeal to a broad demographic. The show’s success is a testament to the Czech public’s enthusiasm for dance, entertainment, and the captivating stories of its celebrity participants.
As Jandová prepares to embark on her StarDance journey, anticipation is building for the upcoming season. The full lineup of contestants is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, and fans are eager to see which celebrities will take to the dance floor. The premiere date for the 14th season of StarDance has not yet been announced, but Czech Television is expected to release details soon.
What do you consider of Marta Jandová joining StarDance? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow fans of the show!
