TVB Celebrity News

Joel Chan and Florinda Ho, the daughter of 'King of Gambling' Stanley Ho's third wife (Ina Chan), have been dating for a little over two years. All along, the public did not support the 36 year old TVB actor dating a girl 12 years his junior and the relationship had always been regarded as 'the woman superior to the man'. Due to this relationship, Joel didn't hesitate to withdraw from showbiz and concentrate entirely on being Florinda's boyfriend. Ever since the couple publicized their relationship, they frequently showed off their love and often posted heart warming photos on social networks. At one point, there were even rumors that they're getting married, which shocked the public. Even Florinda's mother, who strongly opposed them being together, eventually changed her mind and allowed her daughter to marry. Also, Joel would frequently attend their family events and show off his status as the 'King of Gamble's Son-In-Law'.

"In a blink of an eye, the Green Light turned into a Red Light!" When everyone thought Joel secured his role as the Gambling King's Son-In-Law, a new break up rumor started spreading.

All along, Joel and Florinda appeared inseparable, often spotted together, publicly chatted on Weibo and posted intimate photos of their dates. However, yesterday when Florinda attended an event with her mother, Ina Chan, reporters asked why she attended alone? Florinda had an indifferent response. That night, she posted a photo of a thousand words forming the shape of a heart and wrote: "Love=Money". Earlier, she uploaded a photo that had the English message: "Some people come into your life as Blessings!! Others come in your life AS LESSONS!!" These Weibo posts implies the pair have broken up.

The day before yesterday, Florinda uploaded another photo of her carrying her pet dog ('Siu Kat') and said: "Siu Kat, we have to separate." It was understood, they are not playing 'love games' this time, their relationship has really come to an end.

Yesterday reporters contacted Florinda via WhatsApp to confirm the break up rumor. She expressed: "No comment" , which differs from her previous responses to negative news, she would usually clarify them. Regarding the break up, Joel apparently has been in denial and is currently trying his hardest to patch the relationship up. Florinda seems indecisive and has not given the 'death sentence' (official break up) yet. How will the 'Joel-Florinda' romance end? It is currently unknown.

Since the King of Gambler's daughter Florinda Ho and Joel Chan started dating, the couple often shows off their love in public. A few days ago during Lunar New Year, Joel especially went to send new year greetings to his girlfriend's parents and then accompanied her to watch fireworks in Macau. He later posted the photo on Weibo to show off the love.

The relationship seems to be getting more and more stable. The couple will be celebrating their first Valentine's Day since their relationship was made public. In fact, last year they have already secretly celebrated together, as Florinda excitedly posted photos of 99 roses, cake and champagne on Weibo.

It was said Joel greatly values Valentine's Day this year, and especially spent 6 figures to prepare a 'loving' gift for Florinda. He wants his girlfriend to have a memorable and surprising Valentine's Day. Joel admitted he is preparing a gift, but when asked what the gift is, he remained mysterious: "Of course I can't tell you!" Joel expressed they will be in HK to celebrate the holiday.

Since Joel Chan started dating the daughter of The Gambling King's (Stanley Ho) third wife, Florinda Ho, he gets to fully experience being someone significant during the celebration of the Gambling King's 90th birthday. Joel said: "I haven't received an invitation yet, but when it comes to gifts, I really get a headache. Mr. Ho already has everything." Since Joel is the future son-in-law, he is especially nervous, asked if he'll tell Florinda to help him pick out a gift? He said: "Don't say it like that, Florinda will be thinking hard on her own and I will have my own intentions." Does he hope to borrow this opportunity to gain more points? He asked back: "What points?" Asked how Mr. Ho's condition is like now after he was discharged from the hospital? Joel said this is Florinda's family matters, but he already told his girlfriend to send his regards on his behalf.

It was reported Florinda is investing into opening a new fashion store, in attempt to force him to retire from the entertainment circle. Regarding this, Joel denied: "She didn't stop me from acting. She also has no intention in opening a men fashion store. Everyone knows I like fashion, but that does not mean I have to do a fashion business." As it was said he likes to wear fish net clothing after he started dating Florinda, Joel stressed his style is very broad and has high receptivity. He said Florinda likes baking, and he is also shooting new series Ladder to Heaven with coffee lover Moses Chan. Since they both like coffee just as much, Joel is considering opening a coffee shop with Florinda. He said: "However, brewing coffee requires deep knowledge, I am just a beginner. Recently, Moses Chan has become one of my idols. I admire his smooth career, relationships and his skills of making coffee."

Also, Florinda has been involved with everyone after she started dating Joel. She recently became good friends with Joel's good buddy Derek Kwok. She even became the godmother of Derek's daughter, Ashley, a very cute girl. Florinda writes on Weibo: "My god-daughter Ashley Kok! Chubby and cute! @DerekKwok. Today I am very happy!"

Joel Chan and Florinda Ho, the daughter of Macau's Gambling King, are currently in a sweet relationship. Joel will soon be starting Lee Tim Shing's new series. The other night, brought his girlfriend to see TVB's Production and Resource Director Virgina Lok. After dinner, the three were greeted by a large group of reporters and generously took pictures.

Reporters asked if Virgina was discussing Joel's work schedule? Florinda answered on her boyfriend's behalf, she said: "Job interview, it's my job interview!" Based on what Florinda said, reporters pursued the question of if she wanted to play a couple with her boyfriend? Florinda answered instantly: "I'm just saying!" Virgina added with a wide smile: "I'm trying hard to persuade her. (Which means if she is willing to, then you'll accept too?) She's not willing to!" However, when Florinda was asked what type of role she wants to portray? She said happily: "The Great Empress! I want to be the Queen Dowager." This clearly matches her boyfriend's earlier role as the Emperor.

Yesterday reporters contacted both Florinda and Virgina. Virgina was asked if Joel brought her girlfriend to see her because he wanted to ask TVB for their forgiveness? She said TVB basically did not blame Joel for anything, nor did he did anything wrong. Florinda was asked over the phone to confirm once again if she wants to enter the entertainment circle? She denied: "No way! I was joking! (In English)"

The other night at the dinner, Joel formally introduced her girlfriend to Virgina. Virgina expressed that the dinner was just a friend gathering, and they had a great time chatting.

After going public with their romance, Florinda Ho, the daughter of casino tycoon Stanley Ho, and TVB actor Joel Chan San-chung showed up hand-in-hand at a Gucci event in Hong Kong.

It was their first public appearance together, since Ho, 22, confirmed that she is in a relationship with the 34-year-old actor.

The lovebirds arrived at the venue at 10.15pm last night in matching fashion. Ho was seen channelling old Hollywood glamour with her smoky eye make-up and sexy see-through dress, while her beau suited up in a retro gear.

They were swarmed by photographers in no time. Protected by security guards, Ho held on to Chan’s arm and smiled sweetly throughout. Upon sensing that Ho was nervous in the media’s presence, Chan placed his hand on hers to comfort her.

On the other hand, Florinda’s younger sister Laurinda, another hottie of the Ho clan, was rumoured to be seeing Taiwanese singer Kenji Wu. The rumours began when the latter was spotted fetching her with his sports car. Despite so, Laurinda insisted that they are nothing but friends and that she has not considered starting a romantic relationship with the musician.

While she shied away from talking about Wu, Laurinda said she has a good impression of potential brother-in-law Chan, despite meeting him for only a few times. Their big sister Pansy, who was at the same event, also sent her blessings to Florinda.

The Macau Gambling King's daughter Florinda Ho came back to Hong Kong from England last Saturday to have a high-profile dinner with her parents and boyfriend Joel Chan. Florinda and Joel have been dating for half a year, but although the public has been spreading false rumors and negative news, the couple were never indecisive about their relationship. On Sunday (the 14th), Florinda accepted an exclusive interview where she strongly supports that Joel is not greedy for money: "He loves me a lot, and I deeply trust him. As the public thinks Joel only likes my money, I can honestly say at this moment, he already has fame and fortunes, is that not enough?"

Joel also declare a deep statement to [East Weekly], greatly praising Florinda as "gentle and has a good heart". He clarifies that he never spent Florinda's money. "Usually when we have dinner, I pay for it. If I were to be like what the media said, eat and live off her, then I believe Florinda wouldn't have been with me."

Florinda also frankly said she does not mind if her boyfriend is wealthy or not: "I do not care if he can support me or not, the most important is he treats me well and love me. That is enough."

During the interview, Florinda talked about the entire progression of her relationship with Joel, from when they first met to when they started dating.

"We met at a banquet in Macau, a friend introduced us. After meeting him for the first time, we used 'whats up' to chat. Later, the times I would be in Macau, he would come out to have dinner with me."

Both of them love the fashion trend, and they have unlimited topics to talk about. After a few more times seeing each other, love started to spark. Not long after they started dating, Florinda already invited Joel over to her house and introduced him to his mom and younger sister."

"My mom won't control me on relationships, she knew we were dating and just mentioned 'That's good, be careful!" She would also have chats with Joel like asking him 'Is filming difficult? I don't have a good memory, do artists have to have good memory? and other topics like that."

"At the time Joel had a lot of negative news, but my father is very open. He just asked: 'Are you clear of Joel's past?' I answered: 'I am very clear.' Dad then expressed: 'Then it's not a problem, even if there are some negative news on the papers, just as long as you both are truly in love, insist to go on, and don't give up, then it is not that you won't be happy."

At the dinner with Florinda's parents, because Joel played the Emperor in TVB series Relic of an Emissary, the Gambling King joked that he's the Emperor and can have several wives. Florinda immediately said: "I forbid him from getting more than one wife!"

Macau Gambling King Stanley Ho's daughter Florinda Ho admitted that she is dating Joel Chan in [Oriental Daily]'s exclusive interview the other day. Yesterday Joel accepts an exclusive interview and recounts his dinner with The Gambling King.

J - Joel Chan ; R - Reporter

R: After Florinda announced your relationship with her, did many people come congratulate you?

J: It is too many people calling me, so I didn't answer the calls because I'm just too tired.

R: Last night, was it your first time having dinner with The Gambling King (Florinda Ho's father, Stanley Ho)?

J: It is my first time, but in fact I have met him before. That time I was at Mr. Ho's residence, we just said said hi and met, but this is the first time we had dinner, so I was very nervous.

R: You and the Gambling King never chatted before?

J: Yes, he's a great person.

R: Has the Gambling King asked you to love Florinda more?

J: He didn't mention, but he did ask me about my work, and before he watched me play the Emperor in Relic of an Emissary.

R: The Gambling King praised you did well?

J: (Smiles Happily) He didn't say it, but he did ask how old the Emperor was.

R: What else did you guys chat about?

J: Later we took some pictures, Mr. Ho had to rest and I didn't want to disturb him.

Had consensus to announce relationship

R: His 3rd Wife (Ina Chan) was also your second time meeting her?

J: Yes.

R: Some of the media are saying 3rd Wife doesn't like you?

J: It's just a rumor! Auntie told me to go have dinner with them, so you know right there that the rumor is not true.

R: Florinda announced your relationship with her, are you relieved?

J: Not about that, we are truly dating, didn't want that to affect too many people. We both discussed on announcing the relationship, her family gave their suggestions too and we were all OK first before we announced.

R: The public said you are going to be the Gambling King's future son-in-law, how do you feel about this?

J: Don't say that, just dating! It's just romance, a relationship, we are all exaggerating this. Dating is just dating, not going to think too much! I am just thinking about work now, later I'll be participating in Tim Gor (Lee Tim Shing) new series, and I have to tidy up my emotions, so I can look at the script later.

R: Any commitments you have for Florinda?

J: The greatest commitment is focusing on work, my career comes first and to treat her well.

R: The public is often comparing you and Florinda's social status, describing the relationship as 'the woman in honor, the man inferior'. What do you think?

J: There are a lot of different voices in the public, some congratulate us, some oppose us. We were already prepared for that, we will not care about it! I'm single and she's single, everyone knew we had different backgrounds, if we are together, we won't care about those things.

R: Have you thought of marrying Florinda?

J: (smiles) We are not going to think about marriage now, currently just dating.

Gambling King knows about divorce

R: You were divorced before, will this be a barrier to your relationship?

J: Things that happened before is the past, each individual has their own different past, this is a new start.

R: The Gambling King and his wife knows about your divorce?

J: They should know, the reports have written about it. Also, Florinda told them, but I didn't get involved. I don't want my past to affect anything.

R: Do you have confidence to develop with Florinda?

J: We just started, give us some space and time to think about it and get to know each other more. I do have confidence, but I hope to enjoy a comfortable and normal dating life, have dinner and go to the movies.

R: You will have to start a new series in September, when you have to work, will you neglect your girlfriend?

J: No, she understands I have work, she will be used to it.

R: Did you two set a rule that there must be a certain amount of phone calls and SMS each day?

J: Nothing special, just started dating, so there must be phone calls and SMS, very natural.

Admits his girlfriend was hard to pursue

R: Actually how did you pursue Florinda?

J: (Happily smiles) Ha! Can I not say? It wasn't deliberate.

R: Was Florinda hard to pursue?

J: Hard, why wouldn't she be hard? If she's not hard, then that be frightening.

R: What did you do to pursue her? Give her flowers?

J: Every girl likes flowers! Did stuff that made her happy!

R: Is it easy to make Florinda happy?

J: Hard! You have to guess! Usually when she says something, she might leave out a few words. You have to pay attention to what she likes.

R: Then what does Florinda like?

J: She likes anything.

R: Does Florinda like your ideas?

J: Yes, we both like fashion.

R: What kind of gifts have you given Florinda?

J: Earrings and necklaces.

Congratulations from Friends in the industry

Tavia Yeung: Take me along if there is anything good. Take care of me when I go to Macau. (Worried he'll drift apart from friends hereafter?) I believe friendship won't affect love, he can handle it himself. Friends will give support."

Christine Ng: I treat Joel like my little brother, they are both handsome and pretty, I'm happy for him! (Great pressure with a huge age gap?) Let them have the freedom to develop!"

Louis Yuen: That's good, I am happy for anyone who is dating. This industry is difficult and stressful, there should be support and encouragement given to a person who finds someone they like. I hope they live a happy life together. 

Florinda Ho has been in England studying fashion design all along. Yesterday she finally returns to HK at around 1pm. Her assistant and bodyguards were greeted by over 10 reporters rushing up towards her. Reporters chased after her asking if she was with Joel Chan? After several times of asking the same question, Florinda said she felt unwell during the flight and had to find a place to settle down before she explains to everyone. During the time, the media that followed her closely were taking photos by the escalator.

It was understood that Joel Chan accompanied Florinda back to HK, and they sat together during the flight. Joel and Florinda went their separate ways once they landed in HK. After Florinda got back to HK, she accepted an exclusive interview by [Oriental Daily] where she sweetly talks about her current passionate relationship with Joel.

R - Reporter ; F - Florinda Ho

R: Are you really nervous this time coming back to HK?

F: Yes, I didn't think I would see reporters at the airport. Joel and I are in a very difficult situation. When they photographed us, we weren't holding hands.

R: You came back to HK with Joel?

F: Yes.

R: In the past several months, Joel was with you in England?

F: No, it was just around March or April, he came over to England to visit me. He only stayed for 5-6 days because he only came because of work.

R: Why didn't you come back to HK earlier?

F: I was busy doing a few papers relating to design. Joel knew I would be back today, and because he didn't want me to come back alone, he especially came over to England 7 days ago to join me, so we can come back together.

"He's very straightforward and loves me"

R: Why didn't Joel reveal himself after being back in HK for so long already?

F: He was hiding because there were a lot of negative news, so he didn't want to be exposed yet.

R: Are you dating Joel?

F: Yes, I am dating Joel.

R: When did you and Joel start dating?

F: About 4 months ago.

R: What do you like about him?

F: (In a sweet voice) He is very straightforward, very attentive, very heartwarming and loves me a lot.

R: Excuse my frankness, was Joel in the same room with you for the 7 days he was in England?

F: No, I had a girl friend who stayed in the same room as me. Joel stayed in the room next to me. In the 7 days he was there, I had to continue my research for the paper I was doing, Joel and I just went out strolling the streets, ate and went sight-seeing.

R: Since you two were dating, have the relationship not developed to living in the same room?

F: We are not at that stage yet.

Maintain contact with Father

R: There are a lot of reports saying that you are so concentrated on dating, and didn't care about your father. Even on Father's Day, you didn't come back to spend it with him. He was said to have been really upset?

F: The reports really made me unhappy. Actually my father was never upset with me nor did he ever blame me. My father knows I have homework, that I wasn't able to come back. My father and I keep in touch by phone, and have very close contact by mail. Sometimes my father says: "Daughter, long time no see, I miss you very much! When are you coming back?" Then I say: "Dad, I miss you too, once I finish homework, I'll back immediately to see you!"

R: The reports say your mom opposes your relationship with Joel Chan?

F: No (In an affirmative tone), actually my mom have already accepted us long ago. She knows we are dating, my mom feels Joel is a pretty good person too. My dad has seen Joel, my parents do not oppose at all. They are very at ease with our relationship, never have it been stressful for them.

Since Joel Chan's news broke out that he divorced ex-wife Ponny Leung, he had not made a public appearance until yesterday when he went back to work on TVB new series My Cruel Lover. He went to Sai Kung to shoot outdoor scenes, not only was he in a good mood, but he appeared like a winner and generously accepted interviews. He had a chok look on the whole time. He said: "I already tidy up my emotions, the reports didn't really affect me. I will do what I'm suppose to do."

Joel was asked if he still keeps in touch with Florinda Ho? He said: "I know she did interviews, I called her and said thanks and apologized. We joked, couldn't believe that liking leopard designs can call the media's attention. (Florinda clarified for you?) Not for me, the incident had impacted her, she is only 22 years old and still has a lot ahead of her, she still needs to date. (More development in the relationship?) We are more in touch, but not more development. We are just friends!" As Florinda expressed that there may be a chance to develop a relationship, Joel said: "It's hard to say what will happen in this world. (Her qualities right for you?) At the moment, I don't think so, I have many female friends, will everyone be my girlfriend? (No development opportunities?) I don't know, I don't dare to answer, but at the moment, no."

'Victory Joel' has many female friends, but he did not forget to defend his ex-wife, he said: "She's not in the industry, it's not a problem to bother me, but my ex-wife is not in the industry, I hope the media won't bother her. She already didn't have a good marriage, I don't want her to get anymore trouble. (Still keep in touch with ex-wife?) No, been busy with work." After a failed marriage, Joel frankly said that he has matured, and will learn from the mistake all over again.

Nothing to say to Pakho Chau
Since the Florinda rumors, Joel and Pakho had been "love opponents", asked if Joel has anything to say to Pakho? He said: "I really don't know him, so I don't want to comment. I don't want to affect other people." After the interview, Joel was seen constantly on the phone, is he reporting to Florinda?

After King of Gambler's daughter Florinda Ho broke up with Fur Prince (Wong Dai Yip), she continues to have splendid rumors. Recently it was rumored that because she wanted to get closer to Raymond Lam, she first got familar with his good friend Joel Chan. Yesterday Florinda accepted an interview and stressed that they are not friends, and that she and Raymond Lam are 150% impossible. Looks like she's drawing a line with him.

Currently in Thailand with friends, Florinda did the interview over the phone and denied to the rumors. She first clarified that she is not friends with Joel Chan: "I don't really talk to him on Weibo. If I really do want to contact Raymond, it's not necessary for me to contact him through Joel. No such thing." Soon after, she said that she and Raymond are just Hi-Bye friends: "We went out for meal once with over 20 other people. Strictly speaking, we aren't even friends." Although she stressed that she is currently single, for the new year she hopes to find a boyfriend. When asked if it's possible for her and Raymond to develop a relationship? She denied strongly: "150% not possible, it is 150%!"

Flo on the left

King of Gambling Stanley Ho's third wife (Chan Yuen Chan)'s two daughters Florinda Ho and Joise Ho are both troubled with their love lives. After Florinda Ho broke up with her boyfriend Andy Wong, she was rumored to have secret contact with Raymond Lam. Joise cried on Weibo, exposing that she's single again. Last night, Joise and her sister Florinda attended an event to support their mother. When taking about breaking up with her boyfriend Jeremy, Joise said: "I never said I broke up, there is absolutely no third party." Florinda drew a line with Raymond saying that she does not know him and they are not friends.

When asked about the rumors with Raymond, Joise answered for her sister: "They are not dating, it is for the movie promotions." Florinda continued: "Raymond and I are not friends, I don't even know him, it is just to promote the movie because my company wants to invest in his movie, that night we chatted during the dinner reception. There were also many people at the dinner, but only photos of Raymond and I were taken, looks like you all are playing me! I do not keep in touch with him."