Beijing Express 2026: Who are the couples and what will the route be?

The new season of Beijing Express It's ready to go. The famous adventure show is back on TV. Thursday March 12 2026 with a journey that will take the contestants through East Asia. The program will be led by Constantine della Gherardesca, which will accompany the public along a journey of over 5.400 kilometers between Indonesia, China and Japan.

The 2026 edition introduces some interesting innovations: ten couples in competition – the highest number ever seen in the program – and three envoys who will follow the competitors in the various stages of the journey.

Where and when will Peking Express 2026 air?

The program will be broadcast every Thursday at 21:15 pm on Sky Uno.
The episodes will also be available streaming on NOW and can be recovered later on demand.

The new season promises a mix of adventure, strategy, and contestant dynamics, elements that have made the format one of the most followed travel reality shows in recent years.

The route: three countries and over 5.400 kilometers

The journey of the new edition goes through three Asian nations, offering very different scenarios.

The starting point is Bali, in Indonesia, where the competitors will begin their journey through temples, nature and local villages. The race will then continue towards Java, before moving in China, where the stages will touch cities like Shanghai and Nanjing.

The final stage of the journey will take place in Japan, with passages between the modernity of Tokyo and the historical atmosphere of Kyoto, the city that will host the conclusion of the race.

The ten competing couples

The cast of Beijing Express 2026 mixes well-known faces from the entertainment world, athletes, digital creators and characters to be discovered.

Biagio Izzo and Francesco Paolantoni – Gli Spassusi

Among the most anticipated couples of the edition stands out the duo formed by Biagio Izzo e Francesco Paolantoni, historic friends and much-loved faces of the Neapolitan comedyThe chosen name, “The Spassusi”, evokes the idea of ​​fun and light-heartedness, perfectly in line with their style. Izzo has built a long career between theater, television and cinema, becoming one of the protagonists of Italian popular comedy. Paolantoni, on the other hand, represents a more experimental figure, with a career characterized by surreal humor, theater, and cult television programsThey will bring to the competition their irony, improvisation, and a bond that has grown over the years.

Chanel Totti and Filippo Laurino – Recommended

The couple formed by Chanel Totti e Philip Laurino combines friendship and self-irony. The name “The Recommended” It was born from the desire to play with the prejudice linked to the notoriety of the Totti family. Chanel, daughter of Francesco Totti e Ilary Blasi, grew up in the spotlight and today is a creator with a large following on social media, with content related to lifestyle, travel and everyday life. Alongside her is Filippo Laurino, video maker with a degree in video design, a curious creative with a passion for nature and animals. The duo promises spontaneity, youthful energy, and a humorous take on popularity.

Jo Squillo and Michelle Masullo – The DJs

The journey to the Far East will also see the competition Jo Squillo e Michelle Masullo, a couple united by an almost family relationship and by a passion for electronic music. With the name “The DJ”, represent the meeting between different generations of the entertainment industry. Jo Squillo began her career in the scene Milanese punk of the 70s, achieving great popularity with the song "Siamo donne". Over time, she has combined music with television and social activism. Michelle Masullo, model and DJ, has participated in several television programs and performs in international clubs and festivals, bringing a modern and dynamic style to the stage.

Candelaria and Camila Solórzano – Le Albiceleste

The Argentine sisters Candelaria and Camila Solórzano They arrive in Beijing Express with the name “The Albiceleste”, a clear reference to the Argentine flag. Both models and now residents of Milan, share a strong passion for travel and adventure. Candelaria is also a Electronic music DJ, with performances at international festivals and events. Camila, elected Miss Argentina 2012, has backpacked around the world and now works in the restaurant business. Different but complementary personalities: one more thoughtful and stable, the other more dynamic and artistic, a factor that could prove decisive during the race.

Dani Faiv and Tony 2Milli – The Rappers

The urban music scene enters the competition with Dani Faiv e Tony 2Milli, two artists very well known among fans of the new generation of Italian rapThe name of the couple, “The Rappers”, perfectly reflects identity and artistic language. Dani Faiv stands out for his style eccentric, ironic and charismatic, capable of combining energy and introspection in his lyrics. Tony 2Milli, a rapper and producer from Milan, comes from the underground and founded the collective Slitherich Pact, an influential force in the independent trap scene. The duo promises a competitive spirit, creativity, and a vision of travel as an experience worth sharing.

Fiona May and Patrick Stevens – The Fast

Among the most surprising competitors are Fiona May e Patrick Stevens, couple in life and symbol of international athletics. Competing with the name “The Fast Ones”, bring a professional sports mentality to the program. Fiona May is one of the greatest interpreters of the long jump, two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. Patrick Stevens, Belgian sprinter, participated in three Olympics and won numerous national titles. Experience, discipline, and a competitive spirit could prove to be a decisive advantage down the road.

Steven Basalari and Viviana Vizzini – The Exes

Among the most unpredictable dynamics of the program stands out the couple formed by Steven Basalari e Viviana Vizzini, known as “The Exes”Their romantic relationship ended shortly before departure, making the trip a sort of emotional as well as physical ordeal. Basalari is an entertainment entrepreneur, heir to the historic nightclub Number One, and a very popular figure on social media. Viviana Vizzini, Miss Universe Italy 2020, participated in television programs such as Men and women e Come on another one!Between tensions and complicity, the journey could become a decisive test.

Tay Vines and Assane Diop – The Comedians

Humor enters the competition with Tay Vines e Assane diop, pair of stand-up comedian known for sketches and viral videos online. The chosen name, “The Comedians”, reflects their mission: to tell the world with irony. Tay, originally from Togo, has won over audiences with content that addresses social issues such as immigration and stereotypes. Assane, of African origins Senegalese, alternates factory work with a comedy career spanning social media and television. The duo met during a television experience and have shared the stage and artistic projects ever since.

Elisa Maino and Mattia Stanga – The Creators

The world of social media is represented by Elisa Maino e Mattia Stanga, between most followed Italian creators online. With the name “The Creators”, bring to the competition a strong familiarity with digital storytelling. Elisa Maino was among the first Italian stars on Musical.ly and TikTok, where she talks about fashion, lifestyle, and everyday life. Her online success also led her to writing, with the novel Ops become a real publishing phenomenon. Mattia Stanga is known for his comic videos and Viral POVs, included by Forbes among the Most influential people under 30 in the social sector.

Gaia De Laurentiis and Agnese Catalani – Le Biondine

The cast closes with the couple Gaia De Laurentiis e Agnese Catalani, mother and daughter known as “The Blondes”. Gaia is a historical face of the Italian show, with over thirty years of career spanning theater, television, and international tours. Their artistic experience and stage presence are among the couple's strengths. Agnese, raised in a family with ties to the entertainment world, chose to follow the same path and began her journey towardsSilvio d'Amico National Academy of Dramatic ArtsTravel represents a special opportunity to share an adventure far from everyday life.

The variety of participants promises unpredictable dynamics between generations, personalities, and very different backgrounds.

The new season's correspondents

One of the novelties of the 2026 edition concerns the presence of three envoys, each dedicated to a country of the trip.

• Lillo Petrolo will follow the stages in Indonesia
• Julia Salemi will accompany the competitors during the journey in China
• Guido Medes will be present in the final stage in Japan

Having more reporters will allow us to better describe the journey and the different cultures encountered along the way.

"The rules of the game" by

The competition mechanism remains the same as what made the program famous. Each couple has one euro per day per person, converted into local currency, and a backpack with essentials.

Contestants must find passages, food and accommodation asking for help from people they meet along the way. At the end of each stage they reach the Red carpet, where the ranking is drawn up.

The last couples risk elimination, but fate always depends on the Black Envelope, which can confirm or cancel the exit from the race.

A journey between adventure and relationships

During the years Beijing Express It has built its success on the combination of travel and human dynamics. The competition tests not only physical endurance, but also the relationship between the couples.

The 2026 edition continues along this line, with a very diverse cast and a journey that crosses completely different cultures and landscapes. The final prize, as per the program's tradition, will be donated to a non-governmental organization which operates in the territories crossed by the journey.