The Bottom Line
- The Rivalry: While teaming up to fly the flag for Norway against Sweden, the two countrymen have established a playful internal competition, with Gunnarsen openly targeting to outlast Northug in the competition.
- The Pro Lineup: Northug is paired with professional dancer Jasmine Takács, while Gunnarsen dances with Paulina Rosenkvist, alongside professional dancer Catalin Mihu, who is partnering with Swedish influencer and TV-profile Julia Franzén.
From Ski Tracks to the Stockholm Ballroom
Television is heating up across Scandinavia as TV4 launches its anniversary season of Let’s Dance. According to Nettavisen and Se og Hør reporting from Stockholm, the cast features two Norwegian participants: Petter Northug and Martinus Gunnarsen.
Northug, known for his athletic career and banter with Swedish rivals, admitted to TV4’s Nyhetsmorgon that his transition to the ballroom comes with a different starting point. “I have zero confidence when I go out on the dance floor,” Northug said. Speaking to Svensk Damtidning, the 40-year-old explained that the timing finally aligned for the Swedish venture, viewing it as a fun thing given his history with Sweden from his sports career.
Inside the Intimate World of Ballroom Rehearsals
The physical demands of ballroom training have provided fodder for headlines. Northug is partnered with professional dancer Jasmine Takács, describing the intensive preparation to Hänt. “I’ve had five practices, and it’s intimate. It’s damn intimate. You learn each other’s body parts,” Northug remarked.
When Swedish outlet Hänt pressed the skiing star on the chances for a possible dance romance, Northug responded with humor. “Yes, absolutely. But we have to keep a low profile now until week three or four, I think. Then it’s just to let it blossom all over the world until the final week,” he joked.
Northug isn’t the only Norwegian drawing eyes in the studio. Martinus Gunnarsen, usually seen with his twin brother Marcus Gunnarsen in the duo Marcus & Martinus, is participating alone. Gunnarsen noted in Nyhetsmorgon that he was the one who had the greatest desire to participate.
“It’s very new to me, but I like new challenges,” Gunnarsen shared. Though his brother will not be on the dancefloor, Martinus has drawn a competitive line between himself and Northug.
“I have one goal, and that is to get further than Petter,” Gunnarsen told Svensk Damtidning with a grin, adding that while they cheer each other on, the internal stakes are fun. “May the best Norwegian win!”
A Cross-Border Cast and Familiar Professional Faces
The 20th-anniversary season brings together a diverse array of public figures. Alongside Northug and Gunnarsen, the celebrity lineup features influencer Ludwig Blomqvist partnered with Ida Sund, TV-profile Lisa Borg with Nik Alexander, and athlete Bianca Salming with Hugo Gustafsson. Rounding out the field are artist Lilla Al-Fadji with Filippa Strand, personal trainer Julia Franzén with Catalin Mihu, YouTuber Lovisa Karlsson with Axel Jehrlander, and astronaut Christer Fuglesang paired with Ines-Maria Stefanescu.
Catalin Mihu, known as a professional dancer in TV 2’s Skal vi danse, is participating in the autumn’s Let’s Dance. Mihu is partnered with Swedish influencer and TV-profile Julia Franzén. The move means Mihu will not be seen in the Norwegian version this autumn. Mihu has been a professional dancer in Skal vi danse since 2020.
| Contestant | Background | Professional Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Petter Northug | Skiing icon | Jasmine Takács |
| Martinus Gunnarsen | Artist | Paulina Rosenkvist |
| Catalin Mihu | Professional dancer | Julia Franzén (Celebrity) |
The Broader Cultural Footprint of Nordic Reality Crossovers
As the ballroom doors swing open for the premiere, the narrative extends beyond choreography. Whether Northug’s humor or Gunnarsen’s drive will carry them past their Swedish competitors remains to be seen, but the cross-border spectacle is delivering the format.
