Popular mainland female talk show host Li Xiang is expected to replace another pop face Liu Yiwei as the new host of a brand BTV talk show "Tales of Cities", for 2007.

According to a program producer of "Tales of Cities", or "Sou Cheng Ji", Li Xiang hopes to make a breakthrough in her way of hosting style by this first ever talk show program she is to take over. Li Xiang has made her name a household one by her lively, witty, casual yet fashionable hosting manner when she was a TV host in central China's Hunan Television.

"Tales of Cities", a leading program designed by BTV to hook young audiences, made its debut at the beginning of 2007. But it failed to meet expected audience ratings. The program producer decided thereafter it expands to cover both the young and middle aged audiences, particularly women viewers. This adjustment of the show's orientation paves the way for Li Xiang, who has been popular among mainland audiences for her natural way of hosting.

Li Xiang is reported to sign her formal contract with the BTV talk show program soon. Her first show will be on air Wednesday night at BTV-1.

Popular mainland female TV host Li Xiang.

(CRIENGLISH.com February 27, 2007)