Well-known actor Zhao Benshan has expressed his intention to quit his leading act in a TV series and focus on directing instead, Chengdu Business News reports.

"I prefer to elevate my apprentices to the public, who are all very excellent, and try to offer each of them suitable roles. I will not play the leading role unless the opportunity offered to me is a very challenging or touching one," he said.

"I always want to quit the Spring Festival Gala because I am glad to give more opportunities to young performers," he added.

The news was received at the shooting starting banquet of "Guandong Master", a series directed by Zhao Benshan.

He first gave up the leading role of the play to one of his apprentices and then another role of head policeman to another apprentice.

The three-year prepared "Guangdong Master" will be shot in Shenyang Qipan Mountain Guandong Studio, which is specially established for the series.

(CRI July 30, 2008)