Leoš Mareš Returns to SuperStar as Host After 5 Years

Leoš Mareš, a mainstay of Czech and Slovak television, inadvertently revealed plans for a return to a familiar format this fall. After a period focusing on radio work, the presenter let slip details about rejoining the popular talent present SuperStar, marking a significant shift after several years away from the spotlight.

A Step Back From the Center Stage

The past year saw Mareš largely concentrating on his radio commitments, a move prompted by a series of stalled productions. Following the cancellation of concert plans tied to a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and unrealized shows featuring Michal Nesvadba and Monika Bagárová, Mareš retreated from high-profile projects. He’s found a renewed sense of stability behind the microphone, a sentiment he shared with Super.cz. “I’m in radio and feel even more grateful than before,” he stated. “I finished the Morning Show today with the words: ‘Thanks for being with us.’ And I’m already looking forward to waking up tomorrow and having somewhere to go.” He expressed a pragmatic acceptance of the current situation, adding, “I’m in radio, I’m not hosting events, I don’t have concerts, but I take it as part of life and it will change over time.”

An Unintentional Reveal

That change is now upon us, and it centers around one of the region’s biggest television franchises. During a press conference for the Beats for Love music festival, Mareš unexpectedly announced his return to SuperStar after a five-year hiatus. The show is slated to air on Nova in the Czech Republic and Markíza in Slovakia this autumn, though an official premiere date remains undisclosed. “It’s a passion project,” Mareš admitted, acknowledging he may have spoken too soon. “It hasn’t been on for five years, and I’ve been connected to SuperStar for over twenty years. I got an offer to host SuperStar, maybe I shouldn’t have said that, maybe it was supposed to be a secret.”

A History with the Franchise

SuperStar, based on Simon Fuller’s British format, first debuted in the Czech Republic in 2004 as Česko hledá SuperStar. In 2009, the Czech and Slovak versions merged into a joint production. Over the years, the judging panel has featured a rotating cast of prominent figures from the Czech and Slovak music scenes, including Ondřej Hejma, Ondřej Soukup, Dara Rolins, and Ben Cristovao. The show consistently draws thousands of hopeful contestants, culminating in a final round where television viewers decide the winner via text message voting.

This year, fans will have access to episodes online, with the Oneplay platform offering bonus behind-the-scenes content. The return of Mareš marks a significant shift in the show’s presentation, as he previously served as a judge during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, alongside Pavol Habera, Monika Bagárová, Patricie Pagáčová, and Marián Čekovský. Now, he’s stepping back into the role of host, guiding contestants from the very beginning of the competition, including the initial audition rounds which began in the spring of 2023.

From the Judging Panel to Center Stage

Mareš’s return to hosting duties represents a full circle moment in his career. As he explained, “I will be a participant in SuperStar 2026, and after two seasons as a judge, I’m returning to where it all began. I will be the host of the live shows, but after years, SuperStar will have a host even in the first rounds, in the castings. I will be part of that train from the beginning. It’s a return to my roots, and I’m happy about it. It makes me happy and gives me energy to experience something I’ve always loved.” He clearly views this as more than just a job; it’s a reconnection with a project that holds personal significance.

What’s Next for SuperStar?

Production is now fully underway for the upcoming season. Whereas Nova and Markíza are keeping the exact premiere date under wraps, the show is expected to launch in the fall of 2026. The focus will be on identifying the next generation of singing talent, with Mareš playing a key role in shaping the narrative from the very first audition. The show’s online presence, bolstered by Oneplay’s exclusive content, is also expected to expand, offering fans a more immersive experience.

You can find more information about the show and its history on Leoš Mareš’s Wikipedia page and through updates on the Aha! Online website.