Opinion | Reality diving show makes tepid splash on China television

Celebrity Splash China, a variety show about diving produced by Zhejiang Satellite TV (ZJSTV), received mixed reviews after its Saturday premiere.

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Mainland actor Niu Qun, 64, prepares for a 10-metre dive. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Published: 1:11pm, 9 Apr 2013Updated: 2:43pm, 9 Apr 2013

What could make better entertainment than a reality television show about one of the mainland’s most venerated national sports? Diving.

The programme showcases celebrities from across the region and has all the lights and stage glamour of a high-production variety show on HD primetime state television - obviously.

But, alas, Celebrity Splash China, produced by Zhejiang Satellite TV (ZJSTV), received mixed reviews after its Saturday premiere.

Despite a star-studded roster of contestants including Hong Kong canto-pop singer Charlene Choi Cheuk-yin, South Korean K-pop star Chae Yeon and mainland singer Abao, as well as national diving champion-turned-actor Tian Liang as a “consultant”, the show hasn't impressed.

Right off the bat, celebrities criticised the show as a form of exploitation and for putting contestants in danger - especially after the pilot episode featured 64-year-old actor Niu Qun performing a daring three-story dive, feet-first. Injuries were common. Choi reportedly injured her back during training, and Chae allegedly perforated an ear drum.

“Artists and singers are not athletes. How is it possible that they can just receive a few lessons and compete in a sport that requires so much professional training? Diving from 10 metres high is way too dangerous!” said Hong Kong singer Denise Ho Wan-si on Sina Weibo.

“How do the artists’ agents agree to this stunt show, I really do not know,” wrote another weibo user.

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