The ballroom is beginning to fill as the roster for the next season of StarDance takes shape. In its latest reveal, Česká televize oznámila, kdo bude šestým soutěžícím ve StarDance, adding the versatile talent of Tomáš Matonoha to a lineup already brimming with diverse personalities from the worlds of sport, music, and film.
Matonoha, a household name in the Czech Republic known for his sharp comedic timing and theatrical range, joins a competitive field that includes singer Marta Jandová, actor and musician Tomas Sean Pšenička, actress Sara Sandeva, former tennis pro Radek Štěpánek, and stuntwoman Hana Dvorská. The announcement marks a strategic addition to the cast, blending Matonoha’s established public appeal with the rigorous physical demands of professional ballroom dance.
As the Czech adaptation of the global Strictly Come Dancing franchise, the program has evolved into more than just a competition; it is a cultural fixture that tests the discipline and adaptability of the nation’s most prominent figures. For Matonoha, the transition from the stage and screen to the dance floor represents a new kind of performance art, one where humor must be balanced with the precision of Latin and standard rhythms.
A multifaceted performer takes the floor
Tomáš Matonoha enters the competition not just as an actor, but as a seasoned entertainer. Born on March 13, 1971, Matonoha’s career is defined by a refusal to be pigeonholed. A graduate of the JAMU Theatre Faculty, he spent years honing his craft at the HaDivadla in Brno starting in 1994, before moving to Prague’s A studio Rubín in 2003.
While television audiences recognize him from a string of successful series—including Rodinná pouta, Ulice, and Comeback—his cinematic contributions in films like Divoké včely (2001) and Mistři (2004) cemented his status as a reliable lead and character actor. It is this ability to inhabit different personas that the network hopes will translate into a compelling journey on the dance floor.
Česká televize highlighted this versatility in a social media announcement, stating: „O zábavu na parketu bude postaráno! Do StarDance míří oblíbený herec a bavič Tomáš Matonoha. Svůj pověstný humor a muzikantský talent teď zkusí prodat v rytmu latiny a standardu. Zvládne náročné choreografie s úsměvem?“
Foto: Archiv TV Nova
Tomáš Matonoha S Danou Batulkovou a Kristýnou Leichtovou v sitcomu Comeback.
The legacy of the Czech ballroom
Since its debut on the public broadcaster in Česká televize in 2006, StarDance has maintained its position as one of the most-watched programs in the country. The display’s enduring appeal lies in the juxtaposition of high-stakes professional dance with the vulnerability of celebrities learning a difficult skill in the public eye.
The scale of the production over the years is significant. Across thirteen completed seasons, the show has featured 118 celebrities and more than 60 professional dancers. The professional partners often become the unsung heroes of the series, with some returning for up to five different seasons to guide their celebrity partners through the grueling training schedules.
The history of winners reflects the show’s broad appeal, starting with actor Roman Vojtek in the inaugural season and most recently crowning actor Oskar Hes in 2024. This pattern of actor-winners suggests that the ability to perform and project emotion—skills Matonoha possesses in abundance—is often a decisive factor in winning over both the judges and the voting public.
Season 14: At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | October |
| Season Number | 14th |
| Latest Addition | Tomáš Matonoha |
| Format | Ballroom/Latin Competition |
What the upcoming season means for the cast
For the participants, the road to the final is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The “StarDance effect” typically involves a rapid transformation in posture, fitness, and confidence. With a mix of athletes like Radek Štěpánek and performers like Marta Jandová, the 14th season is shaping up to be a clash of different types of discipline.
Matonoha’s challenge will be integrating his “musician’s talent” and comedic instincts into the rigid structure of standard ballroom. While his experience in theatre provides a foundation for stage presence, the technical requirements of the Latin rhythms—often requiring explosive energy and precise hip movements—will be the true test of his agility.
The show continues to draw massive viewership by leaning into these narratives of growth, and struggle. As the production prepares for the October launch, the focus shifts to the pairing process, where the chemistry between the celebrity and their professional partner often determines the trajectory of their season.
The upcoming season of StarDance is scheduled to begin airing in October on Česká televize. Viewers can expect further announcements regarding the remaining contestants and the professional pairings in the coming weeks.
Who are you rooting for in the new season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us realize if you believe Tomáš Matonoha has what it takes to take home the trophy.
