Gala is sync and tired of non-performers

The upcoming CCTV Spring Festival Gala should be a classic - and for all the wrong reasons. After four rehearsals, and just a week from D-Day, the problems keep mounting. According to Sohu, many performers are unable to adapt to the strict no lip-synching policy and directors have been forced to axe three acts.

Losing singers who can't hold a tune may be a blessing but Zhao Benshan is the real deal. Orphaned at 6, his blind uncle taught him to play various traditional instruments. He climbed the celebrity ladder the hard way and ended up at CCTV in 1987, where he earned an annual spot on the top-rated Spring Festival show performing "farmer skits".

Unfortunately, the Golden Horse-nominated actor and Liaoning soccer club director was unable to turn up for rehearsals this week because of a cold and there are rumors he has a lung infection. Although Zhao's agent has denied this, his absence on the big night would be a mortal blow.