A duo from Liégeois goes on an adventure in the 20th season of “Pékin Express” on RTL club, every Saturday at 8 p.m.
It is in Africa that “Beijing Express» will pack their bags for this anniversary season… or rather those of the adventurers who will have to reach South Africa in Johannesburg, departing from Tanzania. Along the way, they will discover the landscapes and customs of Mozambique and Lesotho. Ten pairs will be at the start, including a duo of Belgian cousins from Grâce-Hollogne, Matteo (22 years old) and Emerald (23 years old), who will mark the adventure with their shared humor, their strong characters and their constant teasing.
What motivated you to participate?
Matteo: To prove to ourselves that we were capable of doing it, both physically and psychologically. It’s a great adventure to discover new cultures and meet people.
Emerald: It’s about taking on a human challenge and surpassing yourself.
Did you have the idea of also casting “Koh-Lanta”?
M. : We said to ourselves that we were just going to cast for “Beijing Express” until it aired. We had tried it three times.
Was it difficult?
E. : You will see in the first test that it is the worst test of my entire life… We had to run with our luggage. I left Liège with a huge suitcase. The biggest one we have ever seen in all seasons of “Beijing Express”. I had put almost my whole life into it… When Stéphane Rotenberg told us that we were going to go on a trek with our suitcases, I very much regretted not having listened to Mattéo who told me to only take the essentials.
Have you prepared yourself physically for it?
E. : Not at all, and apart from that, I just dance… I hate running, it’s a real phobia. I went there by feeling.
M. : A little bit… It’s the cardio and the mind that can make the difference, for me, in sporting events. As soon as I knew we were caught, I started running every day. And I do a little boxing, but nothing exceptional.
The press kit says that you are very teasing…
M. : We bicker a lot. We’re like cats and dogs, but I couldn’t see myself playing the game with anyone other than Esmeralda. We bicker, it’s true, but we laugh a lot too.
-E. : Mattéo is my friend, but he is also my enemy. As in any duo, everything is not always rosy all the time. But we reconcile quickly. This is our strength. Whatever happens, he is like my brother, he will always be there.
Who had the last word?
M. : It depends… Overall, when it came to deciding, it was quite divided.
E. : In the adventure, in the big decisions, it was rather Mattéo.
What was your experience like?
M. : As we were far from our loved ones, and on another continent, it scared us a little to know that we were leaving for Africa. But the welcome from the locals was great, and the landscapes were magnificent. The hardest part is that we are without a phone.
E. : But since we know the show, we also knew that we were going to meet new cultures. The challenge was very rewarding no matter where we went.
What did this participation bring you?
E. : We realized that on the other side of the planet, people live in different conditions than us. It is often those who have the least who give the most.
How do you see the future and possible popularity?
E. : I adore ! It doesn’t bother me. Being recognized in the street doesn’t bother me, as I love contact. I’m very comfortable with that. My job pushes me to be very present on social networks. I’ve always loved cameras and being in the spotlight.
M. : I don’t think about it too much. I’ll take things as they come. It doesn’t stress me out that much.
Interview : Pierre Bertinchamps
