Fans of skit and sitcom star Zhao Benshan, who has appeared regularly in CCTV's Spring Festival gala, are destined for disappointment this year.

Zhao has performed 21 classic works since 1990, but won't be on stage this year, instead appearing in several galas hosted by local television networks as his last stage performances.

"From now on, I may not appear in short sketches on stage any more because I am retiring," Zhao said on Jan 30 when he attended the shooting of comedian Guo Degang's Good Show by Jiangsu Satellite TV.

Guo will be appearing in the CCTV gala for the first time this year.

Zhao said he has been under great pressure in recent years and his health has suffered.

"I have deep affection for the CCTV gala. But all those who have attended it know that we can't enjoy Spring Festival with our families because we have to prepare for it," Zhao was quoted by chinanews.com as saying.

He said he will spend more time on creative work for his own company, including TV series, and wants to make way for others in the CCTV gala.

Actress Song Dandan, who has performed in the gala with Zhao several times, said he had "opened a window" and paved the way for her. "He is a genius actor," she said.