Finland's 'Tanssii Tähtien Kanssa' Reveals New Star-Student and Coach Line‑up

MTV announced the line‑up for the 19th season of Finland’s dance competition “Tanssii Tähtien Kanssa”. The new star‑student (celebrity) pairings include singer‑songwriter Ellinoora with Marko Keränen, actor Janne Saarinen with Katri Riihimäki, actress Anna Hanski with Sami Helenius, tuber Jaakko Parkkali with Kastanja Rauhala, actress Anni Ihamäki with Anssi Heikkilä, actress Johanna Puhakka with Claudia Ketonen, footballer Matti Leino with Jurijs “Jurza” Trosenko, footballer Linda Sällström with Kia Lehmuskoski, rap‑artist Uniikki with Valtteri Palin, former defence officer Nico Lingman with Liisa Setälä, and Katri Riihilahti paired with host Ernest Lawson.

The season also marks the departure of long‑time host Vappu Pimiä after nine years, while Ernest Lawson will be joined by a new co‑host whose identity will be revealed in the first episode. The two coaches named Katri Riihilahti and Katri Riihimäki, whose surnames and hair colour are similar, have prompted jokes about mixing up their names, with Lawson coining nicknames “Kutri” and “Katri”. The live orchestra will be re‑configured and the judging panel remains Jukka Haapalainen, Helena Ahti‑Hallberg and Jorma Uotinen. The show returns on 30 August on MTV3 and MTV Katsomo.