The Lantern Festival gala of China Central Television (CCTV) will be broadcast as usual on Thursday evening, the night of the traditional Lantern Festival.

The Today Morning Express reports that the favorite programs of the Spring Festival gala will be revealed at the Lantern Festival gala.

According to a survey, the "Olympic Torch Bearer" skit with veteran actor Zhao Benshan and actress Song Dandan still led the contenders on Wednesday morning. If the skit ends up winning, it could be Zhao's tenth year in a row to win the top gala honors.

The Lantern Festival gala will consist of a grand "banquet" combining songs, dances, and skits, with some performers working outside of their usual disciplines.

Except for one skit, programs excluded from the Spring Festival gala will not be included in the Lantern Festival gala this year.

The same hosts from the Spring Festival gala will host the Lantern Festival event.

(CRI February 20, 2008)