TVB Celebrity News

Yesterday Myolie Wu, Fala Chen and Francis Ng were shooting at the airport for TVB new series Triumph in the Skies II. The scene was about Myolie encouraging Francis to pursue Fala. Myolie expressed in the sequel, she turns into Francis' sister-in-law, but they are still considered good friends. She is also very excited to be shooting in England and France later, and due to this, she will not be able to attend the TVB Anniversary Gala, but may be able to rush back and attend the anniversary awards ceremony at the end of the year. She said: "I already chose my outfit, it's a little sexy and hot looking." As for the TV Queen battle this year, she expressed she doesn't have too much confidence and will be supporting in the audience. She supports Tavia Yeung to get the award this year. When she support Bosco Wong for TV King? Myolie was unwilling to mention Bosco and expressed she supports Kenneth Ma. She also joked if its going to be public voting this year, she hopes she won't have the fewest votes.

Fala had a hand-holding scene with Francis, when asked if the scene gets even more intense? Fala said Francis plays a very serious and strict guy, but behind the cameras, she's actually very funny. He's like two different people. Fala expressed Francis is very willing to teach her acting and filming with him feels like she's in class. In the series, she also sees him as a mentor. As Fala will also be shooting in England and France, she won't be able to attend the TVB Anniversary either, but she can avoid all the 'TV Queen' gossips. It was said, this year is a battle between Tavia and Kate, Fala expressed she collaborated with Tavia a little more, but Kate is very hard working as well. We will just have to wait until the awards ceremony to find out who wins. "I'll be happy if Chung Mo Yim (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts) is part of the nominations."

Fala called Francis her mentor, he laughed: "Anyone who gets tormented by me says that." When asked what he thought of Fala's performance? He said Fala is a very hard working person, but is too rational: "When she was studying at university, she was very rational. She goes seeking for the results one step at a time, but acting is not about the results, it is about finding the cause."

Also, the day before Fala and Chilam Cheung were shooting a dating scene in Central. Chilam was seen with his head on Fala's shoulder. After they completed the scene, Chilam got into his HK$3 million sports car and left, while Fala left with the crew.

Yesterday Francis Ng was a guest at an event hosted by wine brand Martell. Francis said he has been working closely with Martell and is personally a wine lover himself. When he was young, he loved the feeling of being drunk, but nowadays he doesn't have the strength to anymore and actually think its meaningless and a waste of time to get drunk. However, he does have a hobby of collecting beautiful wines. He said: "I have nearly 20 bottles of 100 point red wines, which are worth several HK$1,000 per bottle, and now the value has increased to over HK$10,000 a bottle!"

Recently, Francis has been busy shooting TVB new series Triumph in the Skies II, and has met up with the cast for hot pot, but doesn't just take out a bottle of wine from his collection that easily, he laughed: "I will first take my heart out, and do a thorough observation of who can really drink, then I can take one out of my collection. Otherwise I don't want it to go waste."

It was reported that Francis has been continuously scolding his co-star Ron Ng on the set? He replied: "It is just necessary for the scene. Ron is very happy to see me, and I've complimented that he improved a lot compared to him 10 years ago." In regards to Ron's love life, Francis does not dare to ask him because he's someone who had personal experience too. "In this industry, romances are dessert. When others hear about the romance, they may think it's really sweet, but the actual couple may not think its sweet at all. Also, he has a several [rumors] going on, it's already very troubling." When speaking of him complaining that TITS2 shooting isn't going smoothly? He explained: "Actually every series doesn't go smoothly. Rain, typhoons or bird flu could affect the shooting progress."

The soul of TVB's grand production Triumph in the Skies II, Francis Ng, runs the show. Francis is already in his 40s and is still making a fuss. He finally agreed to be part of TITS2 for HK$80,000 per episode, but brought along a lot of 'headaches'. It was understood that for Francis' return to his maternal home (TVB) to 'help out', he would only do it on one condition, that is TVB has to accommodate his schedule. He wants to finish up his new film Du Yuesheng 杜月笙 with Chow Yun Fat before he makes his comeback. As a result, TITS was forced to push back its initial schedule from June to sometime in September. Even the Siu Sangs and FaDans including Myolie Wu, Fala Chen and Raymond Lam had to modify their entire schedule to accommodate him.

TVB planned to shoot a sequel to the 2003 popular hit Triumph in the Skies, but unfortunately after 9 years we are seeing less and less of the original cast. Flora Chan and Michelle Yip are already out, Bosco Wong is shooting in Mainland, Sammul Chan and Joe Ma left TVB and became 'traitors'. Although the sequel added Chilam Cheung, Fala Chen and Raymond Lam into the cast, but they still cannot compare to the handsome pilot Francis Ng, the 'soul' of the series.

It was understood that in the recent year Francis has been doing quite well in his career and hopes to continue the good luck in both the film and TV scene. An insider exposes: "TVB makes a hero through time. TVB accommodates everything for Francis, making him so cocky! Initially he said he's not going to shoot TITS2 at all, but then he saw an opportunity to take a beautiful spot, so he suddenly changes his mind. He even wanted two in one, asking the entire crew to accommodate his schedule. The most unexpected is TVB agreed, so the schedule all changed. He really played Chilam Cheung to the ground, who thought he would be leading! The Siu Sang and FaDans, don't have it any better because their schedules were initially already pretty tight, and now it's all confusion. TVB quickly made arrangements for them to shoot a modern series to pass the time (from June - Sept)."

TVB production director Tommy Leung confessed: "We are accommodating Francis' schedule and delaying the start date a little. We are mutually accommodating the schedules, don't say the whole world is relying on him, such negative news."

Myolie Wu: "I received internal notice, but I'm not too sure of the reason. Even if the whole world is accommodating Francis, that is not a problem, he's really a Film King. I'm just worried we can't shoot it. I heard I'll first start with a modern series, TVB will make the arrangements."

Fala Chen and Kenneth Ma were both clueless. Fala said: "All along it had been said we are starting in May, I don't know! Is this true or false?" Kenneth said: "Why is it like this? But, shooting series had always been about the scheduling, mutual accommodations. I'm already very happy to be able to participate in a grand production. It's fine to accommodate a little."

Francis Ng is known to be a straightforward person. Back then when he was shooting Triumph in the Skies with Myolie Wu, it was said he criticized her bad acting and this has stirred up some response. Francis: "I never said Myolie isn't good, just talking about S4!"

(Francis speaks...)

I remember in 2003, when I was shooting Triumph in the Skies for TVB, aside from Joe Ma, Flora Chan and I, at the time, the group of newcomers had many scenes opposite of me. In fact, in my standpoint, the so-called Film King/Queen or TV King/Queen level candidates all cannot have instant success. They have to go through countless cuts and polishes to get to that level. So, I have never put up any attitudes, otherwise I don't know what to do if I frighten them, but I never thought gossips could still stir up.

Back then when I was on Sandra Ng's hosted TV show, and spoke about the rising stars in TITS, I did mention a certain newcomer NGed over 30 times and someone cried. I didn't give the names, but the public just assumed the person I was talking about was Myolie Wu! Although the incident happened several years ago and it's meaningless to bring it up again, I still believe if it happened, it happened, and if not then please don't start condemning! Basically I never said anything about Myolie, just Mr. Stephen Chan and Gallen Lo mentioned it once in an interview, at the time I thought to myself: "What the heck?" I felt before making this incident public, shouldn't we confirm if it's true or not first?

As a TV host, there is a bottom line too. That is you must not give names. Why did it become like this? I really don't know, perhaps because Mr. Chan invited me to go on Be My Guest several times and I quickly declined each time! In fact, I am not suitable to go on this type of interview, but the public felt astonished by my decision. As a newcomer, there is no doubt your acting may be mediocre! But, newcomers from different generations, have a different attitude when handling things. I remember when we were newcomers, the seniors would pat our backs and encourage us to put in the effort, and one day we will succeed.

Acting is useless?

I couldn't believe that same action used on me, when I used on Myolie back then, she responded back to me in tears: "Acting is useless!" This reaction puzzled me deeply, why would an '80 After' give me this answer? Honestly, since that incident, I rarely had the opportunity to encounter Myolie again, so I don't know how she felt at the time.

But, I have also paid attention to her earlier performance in Curse of the Royal Harem, it's considered good. Continue the hard work! She finally became immersed after being in TVB for so many years and her has improved a lot.

Embarrassed Newcomers

At the time, was Myolie's acting really that bad? Not really. Actually S4 (Sammul Chan, Ron Ng, Bosco Wong, Kenneth Ma), I am not saying their acting was inferior, but it is just they were not focused and didn't arrive to the set with the script familiarized. The problem is their lines have to be interactive with mines, so I had to think of a special way to make them feel embarrassed. It is only then that they will obediently give in. I believe until this day, it was an unforgettable moment in their lives.

2003 TVB anniversary series Triumph in the Skies was a highly acclaimed series. TVB had always wanted to shoot a sequel, but couldn't bring back 'Sam Gor' Francis Ng. This year at the TVB Anniversary Awards, Francis was the guest award presenter for the Best Actress award. When Myolie Wu took the award, she tearfully urged her senior to accept Triumph in the Skies II and hoped her sincerity will touch Francis.

The fresh out of the oven TV Queen, Myolie Wu, strongly tried to persuade Francis to shoot the sequel and even expressed her request to the executives. Once the TV Queen opens her mouth, big boss Chan Kwok Keung personally called Francis and invited him back.

To show their sincerity, TVB offered Francis HK$80,000 per episode to come back to his maternal home and be the handsome pilot Sam Gor again.

On Wednesday (12/28th), Myolie did not hesitate to tell [Sudden Weekly]: "Although my salary for shooting series is fixed, if Francis agrees to be in TITS2, I really don't mind if my salary gets reduced because the whole cast and crew wants him back. With Francis and Chilam Cheung here, it is the best!"

Regarding Francis's return for HK$80,000 per episode, Virgina Lok admitted Francis is already part of the confirmed cast: "The sequel will start shooting in May. We are currently marking Francis' schedule, but there are still many things that are unconfirmed. We don't even know who the producer is yet. (Myolie and TVB big boss came out to persuade Francis to come back?) I'm not telling!"

TVB plans to make TITS2 the anniversary series of 2012, with two handsome lead actors, will Myolie have a higher chance to become TV Queen for the second time?

Michael Tse Tin Wa and Francis Ng Chun Yu yesterday worked on TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN). In his prison uniform Tse Tin Wa opened fire in the stairway. Wai Ying Hung and a group of actors worked on a struggle scene. The film's actors Ng Chun Yu, Tse Tin Wa, Wai Ying Hung, Liu Kai Chi, Lau Siu Ming and director Herman Yau To Lai shot at a factory. The always direct Chun Yu took the chance to poke fun at Tse Tin Wa and revealed that he was asked to present the award to Tin Wa on December 5. Chun Yu said, "There really is an inside story and a fix, he asked me to present the award to him!" Tin Wa looked helpless as Chun Yu said to him, "The entire world knows you will win!"

Chun yu stated that this film will wrap in a few days. Reportedly TVB asked Chun Yu to sign a long contract and could not come to an understanding to make TRIUMPH IN THE SKY 2 (CHUNG SEUNG WON SIU II). Chun Yu said, "I never said I won't make it. My manager is currently negotiating the price with TVB. Let's wait until after TVB celebrates its birthday!" Speaking of him acting up and might not take the role, Chun Yu was puzzled and urged the media to ask the person who wrote it. Speaking of TVB's long hours, it was no different from his past Mainland television productions. Chun Yu said that a series production taking a long time was expected and thought the standard would be hard to change. He said, "I want to finish TURNING POINT 2 to keep it from dragging on." He said that his wife saw Fat Gor (Chow Yun Fat) on the street. Many asked Fat Gor for pictures and he would do so without fail. Thus an actor deeply understood a series required both studio and location shoots. Chun Yu said, "I was trained with the standard! However even I do I would only make one or two series!"

As for long term contract, Chun Yu stressed that he left everything for his manager to discuss. He said, "Series production has always been tough, TVB wouldn't release artists. Film productions feel more complete and comfortable. Situation series would be better, and I have made many." Chun Yu pointed out that even if he would make TRIUMPH IN THE SKY II it will be next year. If confirmed he will work with TVB Best Actress favorite Myolie Wu Hung Yi. He explained that it still will depend on TVB's arrangement. Chun Yu said, "Who knows how the world will turn out then, maybe I don't know who will work with her!"

After Chun Yu's revelation, Tin Wa came prepared. He said that because Leung Ka Shu's daughter (Tobey Leung Ching Kei) was getting married he knew Chun Yu would stay in Hong Kong. Thus he asked whether he could attend the ceremony. He said, "Chun Yu won't necessarily present the award to me." Would he like to win TVB Best Actor with Chun Yu as the presenter? Tin Wa said, "Who knows what award he will present then, the Best Actress award probably won't go to me!" Tin Wa said that his wife would be responsible for what he wore to the awards. He would focus on making the movie. He will not be able to attend the TVB anniversary show until after work. Chun Yu did not hold back with Tin Wa. "I received the notice, the whole world knows you will win. Even the guests are fixed!"

Yesterday Wai Ying Hung had coconut tarts on the set. She revealed that she had low blood sugar and lack of strength in her arms and legs. Thus she had to constantly have sweets. The director heard that there were cakes and desserts and he immediately grabbed some. Siu Hung also said that lately she has been busy with guest starring roles in movies. Later she will attend the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards on the 6th. She said, "I will leave on the 25th. That day I will attend several dinners with Taiwan friends."

TV King hot favorite Michael Tse was absent from the TVB anniversary award press conference, and attended an event for new film Laughing Gor Turning Point 2 with Francis Ng, Janice Man, Kate Tsui and Bosco Wong instead. Michael appeared at the event dressed as a prisioner, he will be playing battle of the wits with the intelligent criminal Francis. Michael had always been Chok, he said: "It won't be a good watch without Chok in a cops and criminals film. (Compete with Francis on the Chok?) He has his own type of Chok."

Francis clarified that it is not confirmed whether he will shoot Triumph in the Skies 2: "I won't say anything yet, if I get blown off then I'll really miserable! (Guest star?) If it's a guest appearance, then don't try to contact me." When speaking of him pretending to be Patrick Tse again in the sales presentation, Francis expressed that part was purely for jokes and won't be broadcast. Also, kate was asked if she will have to be kissing nonstop in the film like she did in the series? She laughed: "This time, it probably won't be as much, but there will be some kiss scenes."

Francis Ng (Real Name: Ng Chi Keung, 48 years old) was involved in an injury someone case in Kowloon City bakery on New Year's Eve. That night, Francis and his Singaporean wife (Wong Lai Ping) were at the bakery and got into a dispute with someone at the store. It was reported after that the person was grabbed and slapped, having to get stitches on their left ear. Francis was arrested and charged for wounding someone.

Yesterday at court, Francis was sentenced for HK$10,000 fine and has a criminal record. Yesterday afternoon at 2:20pm, Francis appeared at the court's entrance wearing a black suit with yellow shaded glasses and a LV wallet. His wife was not seen with him.

Francis' lawyer accompanied him to court and was able to lessen the offense of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Francis appeared calm in court, when the magistrate read the case, he answered before he/she was done: "I plead guilty". The magistrate then said: "Let me finish first." The case spanned for about 20 minutes, in the end the court sentenced Francis a fine of HK$10,000 and will have a criminal record. The magistrate continued and said that as an artist, Francis should control his temperment and personal emotions. His actions were also said to be a foolish act: "learn your lesson, do not be reckless!" Fortunately there was a change in the alleged charges otherwise, Francis could have been sentenced for imprisonment. However, there was not enough evidence that could prove he was impulsive to commit the crime, so a lighter sentence was given.

In defense, the lawyer said that Francis is a successful artist, a famous figure among the Chinese. He explained, at that time the victim was verbally abusing Mrs. Ng with the use of foul language. Protecting his wife is a man's duty, Francis mistakes are forgiven. When Francis was leaving the court, a large group of reporters surrounded him, causing some confusion. The security guards had to step in to clear up the pathway, asked if he's satisfied with the sentence? Francis did not respond. Asked again, the magistrate told him to control his temperment? He only let out the sounds: "hee hee hee" as a response.

Francis Ng was arrested for allegedly wounding a bakery worker on New Year's day. It was thought that he was trying to protect his wife. Following the incidence, his wife's waist was hurt and he was allowed out on bail. Michael Tse and Nick Cheung expressed that Francis is not a violent type of guy and both offer their support. Francis's other friends such as Anthony Wong, Dayo Wong, and Sean Lau have all maintained their silence and would not make any comment.

Michael Tse said "I have seen the media report, the Francis I know is not the type of guy who uses violence. I don't know exactly what had happened, as 2010 has just started, I hope he is OK and stay away from any trouble involving the law". Michael was asked if he had ever got into trouble with the law trying to protect his wife? Michael replied "As a man, it is our job to protect the ladies, I am sure there is a very good reason for what he did."

Nick is very concerned about Francis, but he wasn't able to contact him. He supports Francis by saying "Francis knows what he is doing, his EQ is higher than mine." Asked if he knows Francis loves his wife very much? Nick replied "Everybody wants to protect their family, I don't know what had happened, I can't comment."

However, Johnnie To told reporter that Francis had an "explosive" character, but he has changed since he got married. He believed that the whole saga is a misunderstanding and hoped that the incidence would blow over very soon.