Shanghai – BBC Worldwide, together with Honyee Media, production partner for Top Gear China, unveiled the three hosts for the Chinese version of the popular show Top Gear.
Actor, singer and professional racer Ren Xianqi (Richie Jen), famous TV host and Golden Microphone Award winner, Cheng Lei, and twice Olympic diving gold medallist and actor, Tian Liang, will lead Top Gear China from 5 November, when it premieres.
The China version will mirror the UK show’s irreverent humour and camaraderie between the three presenters, epic races, outrageous stunts and challenges, unique celebrity guest participation and eccentric methods of testing cars.
“This franchise is a proven winner worldwide and the hosting team of Richie Jen, Cheng Lei and Tian Liang that have come together for the China version offers a perfect match of humour, insider know-how and priceless track experience,” said Pierre Cheung, VP and GM, BBC Worldwide, Greater China. “With Honyee Media, we are going to create a high-powered show that, like the original, will keep viewers of all ages clutching the edge of their seats.”
“We are very excited about the three hosts,” said Mier Ai, CEO of Honyee Media. “We are confident that our audiences will enjoy the adventures they embark on together will get up to together. They share an undoubtedly special chemistry.”
The series went into production in late July. It will premiere in early November on satellite broadcaster, Shanghai Dragon TV and on OTT platform, iQIYI.com.
The hosts
Ren Xianqi (Richie Jen)
Richie Jen is one of the most popular pop stars in Asia, especially in the Chinese-speaking countries. In a career spanning 18 years, he has released 22 music records, performed at 110 concerts and starred in various popular movie
Jen is known for his passion for motorsports, and was the ambassador of Taklimakan Auto and Motorcycle Rally in 2011. The event is known to be the most gruelling off- road endurance race in China. During the rally, Jen was also the team leader for the Bayi Steel Team for the race and broke a rib on the course. Apart from Taklimakan Rally, Jen also participates in many motorsport events in East Asia.
He has a large car collection and counts Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maserati in his collection. He also owns numerous motorcycles.
Tian Liang
Former two-time Olympic diving gold medallist Tian Liang first shot to fame at the 2000 Sydney Olympics where he won his first gold medal. Four years later in Greece, he took home two gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal. He retired in 2007 and turned his attention to entertainment.
He has since starred in several movies and TV series. Liang has always said that other than diving, driving is his other passion. The first car he bought was a Nissan Sunny and has owned various vehicles ever since.
Cheng Lei
Golden microphone Award winner Cheng Lei is one of the most famous presenters in China. He has been presenting for over 20 years, and is currently hosting popular programmes Mamma Mia and Chinese Idol on Dragon TV.
Compared to the other two hosts, Lei echoes more the current Chinese first generation private car owners. His first car was a Volkswagen Polo. To him, it’s more important that a car is comfortable, practical, safe and discreet.
