Pechino Express 2026 Stage 6: A Major Game-Changer

Pechino Express 2026 witnessed a dramatic turn in its sixth leg, broadcast on Thursday, April 16, as the ‘mixed couples’ format disrupted existing alliances and led to the elimination of one of the show’s fan-favorite pairs. The stage, spanning 355 kilometers from Huizhou to Nanjing through Meren Quifeng, tested not only physical endurance but also interpersonal dynamics under pressure.

Host Costantino della Gherardesca instructed all remaining teams to form new mixed pairs at the start of the leg, requiring them to compete under temporary alliances until reaching the symbolic ‘Red Book’ checkpoint in Meren Quifeng. This twist, described as a renewal of one of the show’s most beloved traditions, forced contestants to adapt quickly to new partners and adopt ‘spirit animal’ names drawn from Chinese cultural symbolism.

The original couples still in contention before the leg began were: Biagio Izzo and Francesco Paolantoni (‘The Fun Ones’), Chanel Totti and Filippo Laurino (‘The Recommended Ones’), Jo Squillo and Michelle Masullo (‘The DJs’), Fiona May and Patrick Stevens (‘The Fast Ones’), Dani Faiv and Tony 2Milli (‘The Rappers’) and Candelaria and Camila Solórzano (‘The Albiceleste’). However, the mixed-pair format dissolved these pre-existing teams for the duration of the challenge.

Despite the reshuffling, the elimination that followed the leg confirmed the departure of Biagio Izzo and Francesco Paolantoni, known as ‘The Spassusi’ or ‘The Fun Ones’, marking a significant moment in the race. Their exit was reported by Torino Cronaca in a Google Alert discovery dated April 17, 2026, which highlighted the surprise elimination as a key development in the sixth stage.

The leg was guided by Costantino della Gherardesca alongside China envoy Giulia Salemi, who directed the teams through a route enriched with cultural challenges, including calligraphy tasks using local ideograms and an ‘Advantage Test’ described as ‘very tasty’. The journey concluded at a ‘Red Carpet’ finish in Nanjing, one of China’s four ancient great capitals.

Pechino Express 2026 airs exclusively on Sky and is available for streaming only on Now, with episodes remaining on demand via Sky Go. The show, produced by Banijay Italia, continues its route through Indonesia, China, and Japan, featuring a format where couples navigate with minimal supplies and one euro per day in local currency, relying on local hospitality for transport and accommodation.