Several TTK contestants tell Helsingin Sanomat about the behind-the-scenes of the popular program.
The picture shows TTK competitors 2025. Atte Kajova
Dancing with the stars -program’s former contestants open up For Helsingin Sanomat the severity of the competition. The public figures in question talk about their experiences anonymously.
According to the contestants, the exercises are tough and the dance performances are judged publicly as part of an entertaining drama. At the same time, participants experience inadequacy, shame and fear of failure.
One participant said that he got himself strong pain medication before the live broadcast. In addition to the pain, the performance situations were burdensome for him.
– I cried once before the live broadcast and I didn’t get sympathy from my dance partner, the participant tells the magazine.
The TTK judges are Jorma Uotinen, Helena Ahti-Hallberg and Jukka Haapalainen. KAISA VEHKALAHTI
Another participant names as one of his most traumatic experiences a situation where his body was commented on. He himself was able to relate to the situation, but the swelling of the public debate made the experience extremely unpleasant.
– Yes, it left traumas. For example, I couldn’t watch the show for years. It’s a pretty cruel game, the participant tells the newspaper.
The contestants also mention that after the broadcasts are over, the participant is left alone for a while. They talk about a steep drop after the program.
The participants’ revelations came shortly after the former TTK winner Benjamin Peltonen told recently Maria Veitola in Yökylä – program, that the competition that lasted for many months was a tough experience for him.
– TTK was the most punishing thing I have ever done, both mentally and physically. That’s when I started having panic attacks in a big way. Since then I’ve been on mood medication, the kind that takes away the worst anxiety. TTK triggered mega-anxiety, the artist said in the episode.
Benjamin said that his heart beat so hard in the evenings that it felt like he was having a heart attack. He also developed stress-induced arrhythmias. Benjamin sought help.
– Since then, my New Year’s resolution has been that I feel mentally and physically better than ever, he said.
Benjamin Peltonen said that he experienced anxiety behind the scenes of TTK. Atte Kajova
