Tra bananas, rabies rooms, squid intestines and a Japan postcard, the eighth episode of Beijing Express 2026 put the competitors to the test. A stage dedicated to speed and discussions between the Albiceleste and the Recommended. Luckily, it was cheered by the new correspondent Guido Meda and the voices of Gialappa’s, who commented on the performances of the semi-finalists.
627 kilometers, from Tokyo to Naraseparated the couples from the longed-for finale. The ninth adventure began with the entrance rumbling of the new correspondent Meda, world championship reporter and insane bearer of the Asciugona Flag. The competitors they discovered the busy Shibuya crossing, visited the known Tsukiji fish market, competed in the popular Odaiba beach and stopped in Hamamatsu metropolis.
Beijing Express 2026: winning couple, the semi-final ranking
In the intermediate destination of Nagoya, where the red book was placed, the DJs triumphed, while the Veloci finished last. In Nara, however, in front of the imperial residence of Suzakumon, Constantine waited for them to reveal their fate one step away from the most important moment. The first finalist couple, winner of the semi-finalAnd that of DJs.
The secret of their understanding according to Michelle: «compensate each other. Jo transmits enthusiasm, I try to give a little peace, we are strong for this.” The second couple to be able to continue the game that of the Recommended. The Albiceleste are second to last, the Veloci are last.
The DJs win the semi-final of Beijing Express 2026the eliminated Albiceleste, the previews of the final
Costantino asked all the couples why they should deserve the final. I Veloci: «we are sporty and we know what it means to make sacrifices to win». The Recommended: «we have made a good journey, Beijing Express he taught us a lot and we deserve the final». The DJs: «we are enthusiastic about this journey, we want to have more fun». The Albiceleste: «we deserve it, we are united more like sisters and we want to get to the final.”
By saving the Veloci, the DJs sacrificed the Albiceleste. Unfortunately, the black envelope also confirmed that the ninth stage is once again preliminary and the two sisters had to leave the group. In the last appointment on May 14th with the original show sky, the 3 couples will meet Sumo wrestlersthey will not have to let themselves cry too much due to too much tiredness and tension and will be forced to face dizzying heights. Anything to win.
The couples of the semi-final of “Beijing Express 2026”. (Sky)
Beijing Express 2026report cards for competing couples: tops and flops
The Recommendedrating 8
The revelation couple of this edition (and the most loved by fans of the program) continues to delight with jokes seasoned with an irresistible Roman accent from the super Chanel . «How do you say statue in English? darnit”. «But you weren’t a native speaker?». «Anyway, remember that without me you are lost!». «If I run, you have to pick up a spoon!».
There was no shortage of rather heated controversy with the Albiceleste, accused of trying to boycott the rival couple during a rehearsal. Philip: «For me, those who have always arrived at least among the first deserve to move forward. Here the poorer you are the more you get ahead, good for them but no one gives a shit». Who has the courage to disagree?
I Recommended at “Beijing Express 2026”. (Sky)
The DJs, vote 7
Michelle and Jo Squillo are cheerful steamrollers. No one has yet managed to put this elective mother and daughter duo in a corner, or at least in last place. In every episode they always proved to be combative, never discouraged, capable of playing down even the most difficult moments. They won the semi-final by singing the legendary song at the top of their lungs Stardust by the duo Sordi&Vitti: But then go (if you don’t have the banana). Michelle also managed to flirt remotely with the handsome Brazilian Thiagoa friend of a Japanese streamer who welcomed them for the night.
The DJs win the semi-final of “Beijing Express 2026”. (Sky)
The Fast, rating 6/7
For the first time from the beginning of the program, right in the semifinals, the pair of former Olympic athletes received the feared Malus flag. With great patience, they were accompanied by Guido Meda throughout the eighth stage, listening to Mister Asciugone’s long and deliberately verbose anecdotes. Despite the less than ideal impact with Japan, Fiona and Patrick gritted their teeth and their luck (and the DJs) gave them a place in the final.
The Albiceleste, vote 6
At the beginning of the stage, Constantine commented Like this the presence of the Albiceleste: «No one saw them coming and yet they are here». It is true: the two Argentine sisters have never left their mark and they certainly don’t shine with sympathy. The disagreements first with the Rappers and then with the Raccomandati didn’t even help to win over the public. Nevertheless, stage after stage, they showed that they have a lot of perseverance and ability to adapt. Two important virtues that they weren’t enough to keep them in the race. End of the dream.
The Albiceleste eliminated. (Sky)
What happened in the semi-final of Beijing Express 2026
After the shocking presentation by Guido Medathe competing couples they had to brave Tokyo traffic to reach Shibuya crossing and exchange 10 business cards with hasty passers-by. The second step was to reach the statue of the dog Hachikō, national symbol of loyalty and loyalty as well protagonist of the film of the same name with Richard Gere.
While Constantine rested in a typical capsule hotel, the contestants have reached Tsukiji Fosh Market to prepare 6 perfect pieces of sushi. The Veloci, accompanied by the Guido Meda penalty, lost the test and had to taste local dishes such as tuna eyes, squid intestines and fermented soybeans. The journey then continued to Odaiba Beachthe artificial island beyond the large bridge, known for its many tourist attractions.
The arrival of the voices of Gialappa’s, hired to comment on the insane tests of the unaware competitors, raised the difficulty level. The contestants first had to compete while carrying a bananabetween the legs, then reach for an apple with women’s pantyhose on the face. In the end, blow into a transparent tube being careful not to swallow a cockroach.
En route to Hamamatsuthe home city of Suzuki, they learned 3 Haiku by heart. In the metropolis, the competitors found it very difficult to find a place for the night. On the last day they discovered the existence of the Rage Roomrooms where Japanese can vent their anger creatively by throwing objects against a wall.
The couples had fun smashing everything and anything. Have they thought about their rivals? Among the deer of Nara park, sacred animals for the Japanese, Guido Meda waited for them to entrust them the last test: photograph yourself together with 5 fawns.