TVB Celebrity News

Yesterday Ricky Wong held the blessing ceremony for CTI new series Police Boundaries (警界線). The cast including Liu Kai Chi, Dominic Lam, Lawrence Chow and Leila Tong attended.

Ricky expressed CTI currently has enough series and variety shows in storage ready for CTI to begin operations next year, but he's in no rush. Regarding to his confidence in obtaining the free-to-air TV license, Ricky expressed: "We can definitely start operating next year because each our productions are on a HK$20 million budget, so I am very confident." It was rumored because the government keeps delaying the issue of the free-to-air TV license, iCable lost their exclusive rights to broadcast the London Olympics, which indirectly affects CTI's license issue? Ricky told the media not to pull two unrelated things together, don't make things that complicated.

In the series, Liu Kai Chi plays a big thief and will have a lot of scenes opposite of Dominic and Lawrence Chow. He said the new working environment brings new light. Before the series started, the cast and crew gathered to study the script together and took a course on gun shooting, which has never happened in TVB.

Leila reveals she signed a two year contract with CTI and this is her second series with CTI. This is her first time playing a policewoman, she expressed the series is male-oriented, so she'll have more time to look after her daughter.

Leila Tong started out as a child actor and has worked with several superstars when she was young, including Leslie Cheung and Stephen Chow. However, the most memorable collaboration for her was with former Beyond member Wong Ka Kui, who played her elder brother in a film. She frankly expressed back then she cried nonstop when she learned of Wong Ka Kui's passing.

(Leila speaks...)

"When I was a child actor, I was fortunate to have collaborated with several superstars. The first was Leslie Cheung (Gor Gor), I was so nervous! Back then I was about 8 years old, it was in my first film Flaming Brothers, but I didn't see Gor Gor on the set, instead I bumped into him in the dubbing room. At the time, I just remember I was so nervous, my heart was pounding because it was my first time bumping into such a handsome Gor Gor. At the time my mother reminded me to take a photo with him, but because I was shy, I struggled for a long time before having the courage to walk up to him. Gor Gor very friendly and put his arm around me for the photo.

Hoping for a miracle everyday

But, there was one superstar in my heart, although he has passed away, I still cannot forget him even today, that person is Wong Ka Kui! Back then in Beyond's Diary, Wong played my elder brother and really cared for me. During that period, I really thought he was my actual brother! I remember the last day on the set, the scene was about our family immigrating, except for my brother, who was sick and couldn't come with us. He prepared a winter hat to keep me warm far in advance, but actually before shooting the scene scene, I already wanted to cry. Also with the accompanying lines, my tears just came flowing down naturally, I really was unwilling to part!

For Wong Ka Kui, I made my first most daring move in my life, and that is to ask him for his phone number! I was even scared to just ask for a photo, so it's obvious asking for a phone number requires a lot of courage. However, I still took the courage and asked him. I carefully wrote it down too, of course I never had the courage to actually call him! After 2-3 years, I read the news about Wong's accident. At the time, I felt so shocked, and hoped for a miracle to happen every day. When Wong passed away, I saw the news before going to school and was very heartbroken. I was crying in school, I just couldn't accept his passing at such a young age!

Wrote a letter of grief to late Brother

Initially I planned to attend his funeral, but because of some reasons, I didn't go. I believe that's good too because I didn't personally bid my final farewell to him, this way it feels like he never left. Back then, I did something really silly, I wrote a letter to Wong, but I really can't remember what I wrote. I just remember I secretly took the lighter and ran into the bathroom to burn the letter to Wong, hoping he would rest in peace!"

Last year Leila Tong became a mother and in just a blink of an eye, her daughter is already 1 year old. Although she usually has to look after her daughter and work at the same time, she enjoys this kind of life. She said: "My time management is fine, my personal time and work schedule is pretty ok. If I don't have to work, I would take care of my daughter myself, but when I have to work, I leave her with a babysitter." She frankly expressed when she first had to part from her daughter, she felt uncomfortable: "At first, I really missed her and sometimes I would look at her photos. One time, I had to leave HK for several weeks, I was so reluctant to leave my daughter behind. However, now with the advanced technology, I can see her any time over the internet and this actually helps me concentrate more on work. Then, I'm able to get off work earlier and get home to see my daughter sooner."

Leila teaches her daughter each and every day as she grows, she said: "Currently there are a lot of things that starts from zero, like I would teach my daughter to wash her hands after using the restroom, let her get used to it. She is starting to talk, but whatever she sees, she would shout Daddy, it's really funny." She also reveals her daughter is a girl that can really eat, especially the milk powder brand Illuma. She has to have greater portions of it: "She can really eat, perhaps because the formula I'm using is really good, giving her some appetite. My daughter is quite heavy now."

Also, Leila has switched over to Ricky Wong's CTI and will be starting a new series later this month. It's been a long while since she's been in a series, so she is very excited and anxious at the same time. She said: "I've been 'hungry' for a period of time because I stopped shooting series several years already. Fans are worried I'm only doing theater and won't do TV series anymore. This year I'll get back to shooting TV series, very happy and excited." She wants to let audience see the mature side of her, she said: "I was too limited in the last 10 years, many people think I'm a little girl, so I hope to portray roles that are more mature."

Leila Tong appeared at an event for So Soap the other day, to promote and encourage people to use organic products. She also appeared in a short film for the organisation and so did her newborn son. However, Leila expressed that she will not consider accepting baby commercials, she replied: “I do not want him to feel the pressure or tiredness.”

Since giving birth, Leila has been losing weight at a vigorous rate. Her appearance has proved that her hard work is paying off, since her upper arms and legs are much slimmer. Leila smiled and said that she already lost 20 pounds and added: “I am happy with the results on my legs. Now I need to concentrate on slimming down my stomach!”

After losing ten pounds successfully after giving birth, Leila Tong carried her chubby baby to the Fanling market recently. Looking a little round and wearing a tshirt, shorts and flip flops, Leila was very much like a young housewife when she was picking out the vegetables and fruits.

As she needs to pick out the items and carry her baby at the same time, Leila faced some difficulties at times and had some problems trying to take out her wallet to make payment. Just as she was busy trying to get organised, the stallholders played with her baby and he reacted with some sounds and a sweet smile like his mother, pleasing them very much. They also praised that the baby was as cute as Leila. After leaving the vegetable stall, Leila went to a pet shop nearby, bought some turtle food and left within a minute for home.

Leila accepted a phone interview after the incident and said that she will bring the baby out to walk around in order to familiarize with the surroundings. She also explained why she left so quickly, "Because BB is very afraid of the heat and usually he will start to perspire while drinking milk. The weather recently is so hot that I do not dare to bring him out for too long."

As for buying vegetables, Leila explained that it was for her dogs at home. "I will prepare carrots for them to eat and I do not wish that they will feel neglected after I gave birth to BB."

"Parents worry about their children forever", first time mother Leila Tong has a deep understanding of this! Facing just her two month old baby boy Chun Chun, Leila is focused entirely on giving him attentive care. However, it is inevitable for babies to encounter injuries and illness during their growth, when she talks about her first breastfeeding experience, she carelessly hurt her baby's face, making her heart ache. "I accidentally scratched his face, that moment I felt very guilty and my heart was aching. Last month, my son had to get his shots, I saw him cry in pain, and couldn't help but drop a few tears with him...I rather suffer his pain!" The maternal love is surely generous!

Started out as a child star Leila Tong tied the knot with stage play actor Desmond Tang last year. March of this year, she gave birth to their son and after two months, Leila has already lost the weight. During her interview with [Mingpao Weekly], she talks about the joys of baby care.

"I never felt too familiar with babies or children, but instead I would get excited when playing with dogs. It turns out that there the so-called 'sacrifices of mothers' does exist in nature. Like when Chun Chun was born, first time breast feeding at the hospital, I felt nervous. I had to hold him tightly on one arm and also help him turn to the side. Perhaps my nails were a tad too long, but I accidentally scratched his face and saw him hurt. That moment, I felt very guilty. The doctor told me that I should not be too worried. Later, many times no matter if the mother or the baby hurts him, it will be fine in no time."

"Just like a few days ago, I was carrying Chun Chun, he suddenly started crying. Later I realized he scratched himself on the face with his own nails, his face had two scratch marks. In fact, I already tried my best to check his nails, but just one miss can cause trouble. There was also another time when he was 6 weeks old, he had to go visit the doctor for his first shot. I saw a needle poke into his arm and he cried in pain. My heart really ached, Chun Chun actually stopped crying pretty quickly, but I was still tearing up nonstop. Later, I couldn't stand myself anymore, what was I crying for? It turns out that being a mother really does feel pain inside her own heart when she sees her children in pain." Leila's eyes became teary as she spoke.

Will not give up beloved pet dogs for Baby

In the current society, for their child's education, many parents become a worry master. However, Leila is not too worried in this area. "I just want my son to be a happy person and have good health. Many people are so anxious to find a school for their children to attend. The baby's just a few months old and they are already thinking from A to Z. Let him get a bit older and let it naturally develop. My husband and I are actually more concern about teaching by action, allowing him to be in contact with more people, nature, and more interaction with our four dogs at home. It's interesting, two of our dogs especially like my son. One time they were licking his feet and when Chun Chun is crying, they charge over to see him faster than me. There was another time, a friend was carrying Chun Chun, those two dogs were following the friend. It's like they were helping me guard him. Of course baby is too small, I have to be around for them to have mutual interactions. Some people give up on their pets after they have a baby, this is really not a good move! I treat my dogs as my own children, they are part of the family and there is no reason because of a new family member, that we have to give up on a current member, both can coexist. "

Started out as a child actor, Leila Tong suddenly announced that she's marrying stage play actor Desmond Tang in September 2010. It was said that the couple was already pregnant before marriage. Leila always kept it low-key and did not respond, she just got things done conventionally. Later she becomes pregnant and enjoys a warm family life with her husband. Usually she would go on Weibo to kill time, but rarely does she mention her pregnancy. Having a bulging stomach, Leila was still unwilling to reveal the baby's sex.

It was said that 29 year old Leila is expected to due in three weeks. When she and her husband were counting down on welcoming their baby into the world, Leila suddenly felt movement in her stomach yesterday. Fortunately, Leila done all her preparations for the pregnancy and had a smooth delivery. Both mother and son are safe, her husband was especially excited and was smiling the entire day.

A friend said Leila's baby is extremely beautiful. The baby's eyes are big, nose is tall and have lots of hair, definitely inherited Lelia's pretty face. When Leila saw her beloved baby, she was extremely emotional. She was tearing endlessly, but at the same time she was smiling at her baby: "I can finally see you!" The couple have not given the baby a name yet, but there are several names they have in mind to choose from.

Started her career as a child star, Leila Tong announced her pregnancy last year and personally revealed on Weibo that she and stage play actor Desmond Tang got married. There were also news that the couple had a baby before marriage. Yesterday Leila appeared with her bulging belly, with happiness written all over her face. Although she was rumored to have been pregnant before marriage, Leila kept it very low-key and did not respond to the news.

Yesterday Leila appeared dressed in a long black jacket with a gray scraf with her husband walking to their car. The couple drove to Mong Kok to send new year greetings to a close friend of theirs. Leila first got out of the car and waited for her husband to park the car before they went into their friends' place together. In the car, 6 little piglet figures were seen, perhaps the 'family of 6' represents Leila's feelings.

Leila and her husband, Tang Wai Kit completed their wedding solemnisation in a church earlier this month. Being secretive as usual, she did not send out the invites to the attending relatives and friends nor tell them about the actual location to prevent the news from leaking out. She did this to ensure that she had a very private wedding. Leila said, "I won't tell anyone when the ceremony will take place and where will it be held. I hope that this will be a small secret between me, my husband and my close relatives and friends."

Being emotional, Leila could not stop crying on the day of the wedding ceremony. Be it entering the venue, during the solemnisation or signing the papers, it was filled with tears of joy. Her manager recalled the scenes during the ceremony and said, "She was already tearing when she entered. While taking the vow, she was so touched that she was unable to say anything. Leila really cried throughout the ceremony."

Leila Tong and Eva Lai attended the function Caring for the elderly at home, knowing Alzheimer's Disease + My Dearest lyrics-composing prize presentation held by Olympian City. There were rumours about Leila being pregnant as she had a chair arranged for her by the organisers during the event and had someone to hold on to her when she stepped down from the stage. When being asked if she's pregnant, she said, "I don't want to respond to that as I don't want to talk about my personal life. If I'm pregnant, I will definitely tell everyone (Afraid that the baby will be angry?) There have been people asking ever since I announced that I'm getting married but I really don't wish to talk about all these when I attend functions." When the reporter pointed out that she has been staying at home due to her 'pregnancy', Leila said, "I have been filming everyday."

Lelia Tong announced she was marrying her boyfriend Desmond Tang of 3 years earlier. Yesterday she expressed that her wedding will be held in Hong Kong and it will be a simple ceremony. The wedding will be kept low-key, only having a celebration dinner with family and friends. As for wedding date, her manager will be handling it. Asked if she's busy handling her 'love nest' instead? She said: "We are already living together, there won't be that much of a difference. Since we both decided to live on together, then it is not necessary for us to change our lifestyle."

Lelia expressed that after marriage, she'll won't quit and will let nature take its course when it comes to having children. She does not plan to take a break, she said: "Many people thought that I'm going to be taking a break, and quickly called to ask me for an autographed photo. Actually as long as I have jobs, I will continue to work even if I'm 80 years old."

Earlier Lelia Tong announced that she's marrying her boyfriend Desmond Tang of 3 years. Recently busy shooting for RHTK series Rooms To Let (有房出租), her father in the series, John Chiang suddenly shouted: "Surprise!" while they were filming in the studio the other day. The other cast members then pushed out a 8 pound wedding cake, Lelia was so surprised that she was speechless.

Lelia Tong and her boyfriend Desmond Tang (鄧偉傑) of 3 years are getting married. Lelia announced her marriage on Weibo.

Yesterday morning, Lelia uploaded a photo of her and her fiance on Weibo, she said: "To all my good friends, thank you all for being by my side to witness my growth. I want to tell everyone now that I am preparing to step into another phase in my life! I am announcing to everyone, I am getting married!"

Lelia and Desmond's fate started when they collaborated in the stage play Popcorn Killer (爆谷殺人狂). The two started their low-key dating 3 years ago, then started living together last year. The couple is getting married because Lelia's mom hopes to have an explanation to relatives and friends. Lelia and Desmond do not plan to hold a wedding banquet, when the time comes, only the families from both sides will celebrate with a meal.

After Lelia's marriage announcement, many many artists congratulated them!

Leila recorded an episode for ATV's programme (Enrich Your Lifestyle) and chatted with the host, Eva Lai, about the many interesting things that happened in the many years of her acting career. She entered the industry at the age of eight as a child star and her first movie was together with Chow Yun Fat, Leslie Cheung and Cherie Cheung these big shots. Although there weren't any scenes together, but she managed to take a photo with Leslie Cheung and it was an unforgettable memory for her. She revealed that there was once she was filming with Kenneth Tsang Kong and he glared at her jokingly. However, she was so scared that she started crying, making Kenneth Tsang Kong very embarrassed and had to carry her to calm her down.

Also, she has very little rumours to date and laughed that she is rather tomboyish and the other male actors treat her like a 'brother'. When being asked if she has a boyfriend currently, she said, "I'm very happy with my life now!"

To support her friend's beauty salon opening, Leila actually agreed to take some promotional pictures 'topless' and did not charge for it. She said, "The boss of the beauty salon is my friend and the reason for my nice skin is because she helped me with the facials. Also, I really look up to this friend. Previously there were a chain of natural disasters that happened in mainland China and she actually offered free facials for her customers if they donate 300 dollars. I really think that it was very nice of her! " When being asked about skincare tips, Leila recommended honey water as it is moisturising and helps against infection.

She says that she isn't a very old-fashioned person and does not mind some sexy performances if it's reasonable. When the issue about young models baring themselves to climb up the ladder was brought up, she said with a sigh, "The most important is to feel comfortable when taking the pictures. There are no problems with taking some pictures to keep as memory while you are young but it is not good to go overboard. In short, I will not buy, will not see and will not make any comments."

With a near seven figures offer, Leila Tong went to Malaysia earlier on to film an advertisement for an American brand of facial products. At the same time, she went to the famous Petronas Twin Towers to take some pictures for memories and also managed to try some local food and drinks.

Although filming the advertisement for the American brand of facial products is the priority for this trip, Leila, who usually loves to play, managed to take half a day off to tour around. She said, 'I went to Malaysia's tallest building, the Petronas Twin Towers to take pictures and also had tea around that area. (What's special about it?) The most special was a drink which had lots of crushed ice on top and the inside is very smooth and soft."

No fate to visit the World Expo

Apart from paying Leila a near seven figures amount, the advertiser is also very accommodating to Leila. Not only they tried to fit her schedule, they also allowed Leila to choose her own makeup artist and hairstylist. Leila said, "Of course I will bring Mae and Daniel along since I've worked with them for more than 10 years! I really don't know what to do without them."

Leila pointed out that the advertiser originally wanted to film in Shanghai but had to cancel the plan because the timing clashed with the World Expo and she felt that it was a pity. She said, "Initially I thought I can make use of the chance to visit the World Expo. Never mind! I don't like to queue anyway, so no point for me to go there." Leila also pointed that her income for the start of this year alone is equivalent to her entire year's income last year and said that 2010 is a fruitful year for her.

Known for being a dog lover, Leila Tong spends around eight thousand dollars on her dogs (Boo, BB, DouDou and Yellow) every month. She said that because she spends too much, her manager and family members have banned her from adding another member to the 'dog family'. "I am only willing to use a few hundred dollars to buy clothes every month but yet I'm more willing to pay more for dog food. That's why my manager says that I do not look like a female artiste because i am not willing to spend money on clothes. Haha! For my dogs' health, I will only feed them with organic dog food. Luckily there are a few pet food companies who are willing to sponsor me and I can save a bit more money. I'm really thankful to them! "

Among all her dogs, Leila dotes on Yellow the most and pointed out that it has the most character, "It's very loyal and would start barking loudly when it sees that someone wants to touch me. However, it also has character and will ignore me when I don't go home for a long time. I have to humour it!" As for Boo, it's her photo companion becuase it has a flair for performing and will sit still without getting angry everytime it sees the camera, making Leila laugh, "It likes to pose and if there's a chance, there is not problem for it to be a dog star." As Leila has to go to mainland to film occasionally, she will definitely bring her laptop with her and use it as a channel to communicate with her dogs, "I will chat with my dogs using my laptop whenever I'm free and they wiill be very happy and can't stop barking."

From Kong Lai Na to Tong Ling

Of course, I believe that most of the audience in Hong Kong will definitely have some feelings for Leila. After all, this girl grew up under our eyes. Since she started acting when she was eight, with her big eyes and innocent smile while reciting the lines, the Kong Lai Na back then has grown up to be a young lady in a blink of an eye and even has some romantic scenes on-screen. The years just passed like that and to the audience, they definitely have some feelings about it. Luckily, Leila's look did not change, unlike some other child stars (Look at Xiao Bin Bin! - Taiwan Artiste). Her appearance still remain as good and it is considered a blessing for the audience as well as a miracle. It's not difficult to imagine that Leila will be able to keep her pretty looks like Vivian Chow even in ten years time.

Leila, who has just completed a RTHK TV programme and a stageplay, has not much comments about her pretty appearance. "Frankly speaking, there are many beautiful girls in the entertainment circle and I'm probably one of those who just passed. On the other hand, after growing up, I've learnt that inner beauty is something that deserves to be treasured the most," she said. Thus, she has been focusing on a couple of stageplays in these recent years in order to improve on her acting skills. There was a movie at the start of the year (2009), , she played an abused young mother. In the film, she was beaten up and even attempted suicide. Her acting was so focused and her acting skills were praised by many people.

Even being in the entertainment circle for more than ten years, Leila does not have the 'superior and experienced' attitude. Her eyes beneath her long lashes do not seem to reflect any moodswing and remained very clear and sincere like a newbie. No wonder with the influx of the younger models, there are still guys who are Leila's loyal fans. However, Leila is actually not that feminine in private and the way she talks does not have the doll-like voice. "My character is very boyish and I don't like to dressup myself. If I do not have to work, i will try my best not to put on make-up," she said. Although this is the case, she still has the habit of going to beauty salon for facials even though her complexion is naturally good. She added, "Of course, I am very concerned about the process of skin care, and will emphasize on the steps of make-up removal. This is because if the make-up is not removed fully, it will jam up the pores and make the skin bad." Among all the artistes, she admires Rene Liu's complexion the most. "Lots of people say that her complexion is very good!" Leila exclaimed.

Everyone knows that Leila is a fan of dogs and apart from going to Lamma Island to visit the stray dogs occassionally, she has also kept one of them. Currently, she has four lucky dogs at home. "Actually all the animals deserve to be treated with respect because they are like us and are considered as a living thing," she said. Leila emphasized that education is very important, "We must definitely let the young kids know about the importance of loving animals as well as responsibility towards them." I totally agree as I am also a animal-lover and has three cats and a dog at home - it's really a huge responsibility.

Regarding the plans in the near future, Leila, who does not have a TVB contract expressed that she will let nature takes its course. "I will also film some mainland dramas in the meantime and will have some stage performances," she said. Even so, it is a loss for the television fans.