Comedian Zhao Benshan performs "Won a Lottery!" skit during the recording of Liaoning TV's Spring Festival Gala, Jan. 17, 2012. (youth.cn) |
Zhao Benshan was absent from last year's gala due to health issues as he had been working very hard during rehearsals, leading to exhaustion and forcing him to drop out before the actual event took place. His spokesman at the time said he would not miss the following year's show.
After a year of recovery, Zhao seemed to be in very good shape. He starred in recent Wong Kar-wai kung fu blockbuster "The Grandmaster," and was set to perform on several local television networks' New Year galas.
However, during the recording of Liaoning TV's Spring Festival Gala yesterday, Zhao unexpectedly performed his rumored "Won a Lottery!" skit, which was supposed to be performed during CCTV's gala. According to regulations, when a script is performed during another gala, it cannot be reprised on CCTV. The announcement of Zhao's withdrawal from the major event followed today.