The first months of 2024 are shaping up to bring big changes to Telecinco with new programs on the horizon. In addition to the ongoing renewal of Big Brother with a fresh twist, Mediaset’s network is actively developing a refreshed format for the beloved competition show Dancing with the Stars. This update was exclusively reported by YOTELE, the entertainment portal affiliated with El Periódico de Catalunya and part of the Prensa Ibérica group.
Under the plan, a fresh cast of celebrities will take the floor to master a variety of dance styles. They will be guided by expert instructors and paired with professional dancers who will choreograph routines, coach rhythm and technique, and help them contend for the lucrative prizes awarded at each gala, culminating in a grand prize. The move aims to refresh the franchise while maintaining the thrill that fans expect from a high-stakes dance competition.
Historically, Dancing with the Stars is the Spanish adaptation of the British program Strictly Come Dancing. Its most recent broadcast in Spain occurred on La 1 of TVE in May 2018, with Roberto Leal and Rocío Muñoz serving as hosts and Gestmusic handling production responsibilities. The new edition signals a return after a hiatus, with Mediapro-style timing and production oversight as part of the broader strategy for this revival.
According to the information published by this portal, which is affiliated with YOTELE, Bulldog TV—owned by Mediaset—will be behind the television development, aligning the format with other dance talent projects produced by the same group. This arrangement follows the transition of some production duties for Survivors to another producer, reflecting a broader shift in how the network allocates resources for its reality and talent-based franchises.
The idea of staging a celebrity dance competition in Spain dates back to 2005 with the original program Look who’s dancing!, developed by Gestmusic. Since then, the show has evolved in notable ways, offering different twists and production choices that set it apart from the British inspiration while preserving the core appeal of celebrities learning new dance forms and facing public scrutiny.
Anne Igartiburu was once a standout presenter in the early years, delivering strong viewership and establishing a rhythm that kept audiences engaged. The bustling schedule around those editions left little room for rest between seasons, and that pace became a defining feature of the show’s early era.
In 2010, Telecinco acquired the rights and appointed Pilar Rubio as host. The season that followed highlighted the public’s enthusiasm, with a charismatic contestant capturing public votes and the jury weighing performances. Edurne emerged as a standout favorite, delivering stage-worthy performances that impressed judges and viewers alike, contributing to memorable moments that defined that edition.
Years later, in 2014, TVE revived the format with a more modest production budget and brought Jaime Cantizano to present. The landscape shifted again in the wake of the hit Operación Triumph in 2017, which spurred a renewed interest in bringing a Britain-originated format back into the Spanish market, culminating in renewed collaborations and adaptations under the Telecinco umbrella.