The television competition StarDance will be left by Marek Eben and Tereza Kostková. We'll reveal who has the biggest chance to replace them
One of the most-watched television shows of recent years will be changing its main faces. This year's 14th season of the dance competition StarDance will be the last one hosted by Marek Eben and Tereza Kostková.
Every Saturday evening, when Czech Television broadcasts StarDance, up to around 1.6 million viewers sit down in front of their screens. In the case of final rounds, it's almost 1.9 million. Why does this show, which originally comes from the workshop of British public broadcaster BBC, rank among such popular ones?
In thirteen series, 130 media-known personalities have danced so far, such as Jan Čenský, Lenka Filipová, Aneta Langerová, Jitka Čvančarová, Jan Cina, Richard Krajčo or Vojtěch Dyk. The jury is usually four-member. In all series to date, Zdeněk Chlopčík has been a juror. Tatiana Drexler then has only one "appearance" less.
Popular Duo
Viewers first saw the presenting duo Marek Eben and Tereza Kostková on StarDance in 2006. Since then, they have become an inseparable part of this brand. They lend it not only their face, but also witty commentary that distinguishes the Czech version of the broadcast from a number of foreign versions. Only in one episode was there a change, when Aleš Háma took the microphone.
Eben in particular excels in the show. Rightfully so. He has therefore repeatedly placed first in the TýTý viewer poll in the categories of presenter of current affairs programmes and personality of entertainment programmes. Besides StarDance, this is also thanks to the television series Na plovárně, where he conducts interviews with various personalities. Every year he is also connected with the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which he presents and also broadcasts on television screens. For his contribution to culture, he was therefore awarded the honorary academic degree of doctor honoris causa and the Gold Medal of the University of Hradec Králové four years ago.
Repeatedly, he appears at the top of polls dealing with the question of whom Czech citizens would like as president. However, he refuses to run. He argues that he doesn't have enough political experience.
Tereza Kostková began appearing in the role of presenter after gaining experience on theatre boards. Particularly at the Divadlo pod Palmovkou (Theatre under Palmovka), where she worked from 1999. From there, it was only a small step to her starting to appear in other roles as well. Besides StarDance, she tried the television competition Duety … když hvězdy zpívají (Duets … when stars sing) and then also the program Blízká setkání (Close Encounters) on Czech Radio Dvojka.
An even greater surprise appeared after both hosts announced at a press conference in September that they would be saying goodbye to StarDance after twenty years.
"There is a time to arrive and a time to leave,"
was heard during the announcement of their departure.
The favorites are Gondíková, Kopta, Háma, Mareš and Dancingerová
Immediately, the first speculations emerged about who would replace them. The betting company Fortuna, according to the first odds, favored Adéla Gondíková and Václav Kopta for their position. Behind them, at a distance, was Aleš Háma. A different opinion prevailed among the public. People consider the host of Europa 2's Morning Show Leoš Mareš and actress Marta Dancingerová to be the biggest favorites.
"If we were speculating about StarDance's intention to revive and bring closer to a younger audience, Dancingerová might be precisely that interesting and fresh member of the tandem who can deliver on this assignment,"
said Fortuna company expert Roman Kovařík in this context to the portal iDnes.
Reportedly, names such as Libor Bouček and Daniela Brzobohatá would also be under consideration.
Žilková is clear
Actress Veronika Žilková took a completely different approach to the planned departure of Marek Eben and Tereza Kostková, stating that they will supposedly "be talked into staying" and therefore the change may not be definitive at all.
"I simply think that at this moment it's so that you'll watch it, knowing various marketing plans. Maybe Tereza and Marek feel that someone else should do it. And maybe they'll be persuaded again or viewers will write them many letters and they can say they wanted to end, but they won't. If anything, you'll get used to someone else,"
outlined further possible development.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: StarDance won't disappear from television screens anytime soon. According to Hynek Chudárek, the Director General of Czech Television, which has been facing strong pressure from Andrej Babiš's government recently, the planned budget cuts will not affect the show. And if the show were to be on the chopping block after all, according to our information, TV Nova is already waiting for its chance.
Sources: original article, ČT, iDnes.cz, Wikipedia
