This May 1, 2026, M6 is broadcasting a new episode of Beijing Express, season 22. An edition filmed in Southeast Asia, between Nepal, China – in the Yunnan region – and Thailand, where ten pairs have been competing since March 5, 2026.
At the heart of this extraordinary adventure, a figure has remained unchanged for two decades: Stéphane Rotenberg, whose energy seems to defy time despite a daily life full of pressure, risks and unforeseen events.
For more than twenty years, Stéphane Rotenberg has embodied the soul of Beijing Express. With his calm tone and his sense of storytelling, he accompanies the candidates through sometimes hostile territories.
Rare longevity in an extreme program
However, behind this image of mastery lies a much more trying reality. The host continues filming at a sustained pace, between travel, extreme weather conditions and logistical constraints. “It’s our stress,” he admits, evoking in particular the dangers linked to the road and hitchhiking, at the heart of the concept of the show.
Over the seasons, he has been able to build extraordinary physical and mental resistance. But this endurance is not without consequences. Between accumulated fatigue and constant pressure, he has already come close to the limits. “I didn’t realize that I had had a sleepless day and a half,” he confides about an illness that occurred at home, a direct result of overwork. An alert which testifies to the intensity of an often idealized profession.
Filming under permanent tension
Season 22 is a new illustration of this. During their visit to Nepal, the team found themselves immersed in the middle of a revolution. Demonstrations, shootings, burning buildings: the scene was transformed into a crisis zone. “The city was on fire,” says the host. Faced with this situation, the production had to interrupt filming for several days, confined to a hotel. “We hid and we were confined,” he summarizes, describing a heavy and uncertain atmosphere.
Despite these extreme conditions, Stéphane Rotenberg keeps his cool. He even continues to shoot sequences at the heart of events, guided by his professional instinct. “When things go south, you never know how things might turn out,” he admits. This ability to remain operational in unpredictable contexts undoubtedly explains his longevity at the head of the program.
But these experiences leave traces. The host constantly evolves between adrenaline and caution, aware of the risks but committed to telling the adventure as close as possible to reality.
Accidents, scares and hard blows: the price of adventure
Because behind the success of Beijing Express lies a succession of misadventures which could have put an end to his career. In 2012, Stéphane Rotenberg was the victim of a violent sidecar accident, hit by a car. Result: several injuries, around ten stitches and persistent pain. “It could have been the end of the banquet,” he admits lucidly.
Another notable episode: an arrest in 2010 during filming in India. Suspected of espionage, he was held for several days by the authorities. “I risked ten years in prison,” he remembers. A situation as absurd as it is distressing, which illustrates the unforeseen events that the team can face.
Added to this are filming accidents, difficult health conditions and even external events, such as the pandemic or political tensions. Without forgetting this vagal discomfort that occurred after excess work, where he confides having been resuscitated: “I was resuscitated only once in my life”.
Despite these challenges, Stéphane Rotenberg continues to move forward, faithful to his role as conductor of the adventure. A consistency that commands respect, as it is based on extraordinary resilience. Behind the image of an animator who does not age, in reality emerges the portrait of a man who has learned to deal with risks, without ever giving up his passion.
Continuous Hits & People
Public Radio
Mentioned in this article
On the same subject
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
