A preliminary challenge has begun for contestants of the upcoming season of Pechino Express, ahead of its official launch. On Sunday, March 1st, Sky and NOW premiered “Pechino Express – La Missione Zero,” a pre-departure trial for the ten teams competing in the new iteration of the adventure reality show, according to a press release.
The teams, preparing for a journey through Indonesia, China, and Japan, were summoned to a “secret laboratory” by the show’s host, Costantino della Gherardesca. The objective of this initial mission is to assess the contestants’ readiness for the rigors of the Far East, testing their physical and mental capabilities, as well as their palates. The winning team of “La Missione Zero” will receive a black envelope containing information relevant to the first leg of the competition.
The ten couples participating in this season include Biagio Izzo and Francesco Paolantoni (Gli Spassusi), Chanel Totti and Filippo Laurino (I Raccomandati), Jo Squillo and Michelle Masullo (Le Dj), Fiona May and Patrick Stevens (I Veloci), Dani Faiv and Tony 2Milli (I Rapper), Steven Basalari and Viviana Vizzini (Gli Ex), Tay Vines and Assane Diop (I Comedian), Elisa Maino and Mattia Stanga (I Creator), Candelaria and Camila Solórzano (Le Albiceleste), and Gaia De Laurentiis and Agnese Catalani (Le Biondine).
The main competition, “Pechino Express L’Estremo Oriente,” will commence on March 12th, airing every Thursday at 9:15 PM on Sky Uno and streaming on NOW. Throughout the race, della Gherardesca will be supported by three field reporters: Lillo in Indonesia, Giulia Salemi in China, and Guido Meda in Japan.
RTL 102.5 has been named the official radio partner for Pechino Express. Sponsors for this season include Sustenium – Menarini, Skechers, Sector Orologi, Gruppo Ganassini, Airalo, and WeRoad, facilitated by Sky Brand Solutions and Banijay Italia.