CCTV9英语新闻：中央电视台的春节联欢晚会（在线收听）

The Spring Festival Gala is just weeks away. As the most important celebration for many Chinese people, sitting in front of the TV with family and watching CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala is something of a tradition. But who will be hosting this epic, annual event?

Veteran host Zhu Jun has been at the helm of CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala since it began back in 1997. He has been joined on stage at the event by Dong Qing since 2005, who will be there this year.

Plans for CCTV’s biggest night of the year

Bi Fujian earned his fame and popularity on his show "Star Walk". Nicknamed "Grandpa Bi" by audiences, he has been a included in the hosting line-up in recent years.

Li Sisi is the youngest anchor and will be joined by newbie Zhang Guoli. The actor has never anchored for CCTV before, but is well-known for his energetic roles on screen.

So what else is in store for viewers on the big night? Outside the rehearsal room, comedy partners Guo Donglin and Niu Li try to avoid the cameras and keep their show a secret.

"It’s a story between a couple. I really can’t tell you what it is about," Niu Li said.

Another pair are busily preparing for their show.

"We’re rehearsing our lines. It’s a new sketch and we’ve just been given the final draft," comedian Yan Xuejing said.

Plans for CCTV’s biggest night of the year

Zhou wei, appearing in a bright tuxedo, says he’s confident with his show. His tuxedo has many secrets hidden inside it.

"This tuxedo is a very important prop. In our show we have been very creative and crossed boundaries. We’ve used up all our tricks. I don’t know what we’ll do next year!" Zhou wei said.

Zhao Benshan is the director for the crosstalk and comedy sketches. All of the secrets and surprises for the show will be revealed on new year’s eve which falls on the last day of January.