Hong Kong actor and singer Ekin Cheng (Zheng Yijian) makes his reality TV show debut on China's version of "The Amazing Race" which airs Fridays on the Shenzhen network.
The 47-year-old Cheng is one of 16 celebrity contestants who were made to cross three continents and five oceans in pursuit of the coveted prizes. He was paired with fellow actor and singer Jordan Chan (Chen Xiaochun).
Hong Kong actor Zhijie An and Singapore-based Chinese-American actor Allan Wu served as the show's hosts.
In an interview with Tan Kee Yun of The New Paper, Cheng admitted that in his younger days, he would not have signed up to do a reality TV show where he will be seen by audiences with his proverbial hair down.
He said: "Back then, I was very serious and wasn't up for fun." Chen credited the "change" in his personality to his long-running camaraderie with his "band of brothers" from the "Young and Dangerous" film series and its various spinoffs.
He counts actor-presenter Jerry Lamb, actor-singer Jordan Chan (who was also his partner on "The Amazing Race China"), actor Michael Tse Tin-Wah and action choreographer Chin Kar Lok among his closest "brothers."
Chen's career in film and TV, which spans over two decades, is a testament to his staying power in an industry known for its fickleness.
Of course, he is still best remembered for his portrayal of the Triad gangster leader Chan Ho Nam in the "Young and Dangerous" series. Chen is also a successful singer, having scored a number of hit "Cantopop" records and sell-out concert performances. His book, "Looking into Ekin's Eyes," is now reportedly in its third edition.
Chen has married 41-year-old Hong Kong actress Yoyo Mung in January of last year.
Asked during his interview with The New Paper about the prospect of having any children, he replied: "If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said very firmly that I did not want (kids). But now, I guess I'll let nature take its course."
Chen concluded that he does not know what the future holds and throws back a rhetoric question if the world's situation is a good sign to have children.