TVB Celebrity News

Yesterday Wayne Lai, Edwin Siu, Natalie Tong, Pierre Ngo, Corinna Chamberlain, and Sire Ma took part in TVB new series Bullet Brain's promotional event.

There has been wide rumors that Joel Chan and the 'King of Gamble' Stanley Ho's daughter (Florinda Ho) broke up. TVB's golden producer Lee Tim Shing had worked with Joel before and is still very interested in working with him again. Yesterday at the event, Tim Gor expressed he will definitely use Joel again in his future series and is not worried about his damaged reputation. He said: "Holy roles does not work well with Joel, he's most suitable for those weird or bizarre roles."

In the series, Wayne plays a detective with an extreme character. He said he had never played such role before and it was very challenging. However, he's not sure of the audience reaction yet. The lead actresses Natalie Tong and Sire Ma will be fighting over Wayne in the series. Wayne's co-stars are getting younger and younger, even he admitted he's very lucky.

Corinna plays Pierre's wife and will have a kiss scene. In one of the photos from their kiss, there are speculations that Pierre had his hand on Corinna's chest. Yesterday Corinna disclosed she gave her first on-screen kiss to Pierre and praised that he's a handsome guy. She was nervous too when she was filming that scene. When asked if Pierre touched her chest? She expressed he did not touch the sensitive parts and Pierre is very respectful of female artists. They communicated throughout the shoot.

Pierre was asked if he had contact with Corinna's chest during the filming of the kiss scene? He said he didn't, perhaps the misunderstand came from the angle of the photo.

Edwin expressed Gigi Ho is still her "rumored girlfriend". Earlier they were spotted together at the Sha Tin Racecourse, but there was actually many other friends with them. He disclosed Gigi plans to purchase a horse and become a horse owner. Edwin expressed he will give both his spiritual and financial support.

Yesterday afternoon Wayne Lai, Nancy Wu and Kristal Tin attended a Christmas event and played games with the audience. Wayne expressed he has several jobs to earn extra income from Christmas to the Lunar New Year holidays. Since he continues as the TV King, he is getting paid the same amount, no wonder he joked he's a bargain, "I haven't had a pay raise in years. (Go to Mainland to shoot dramas and earn the real money like Kevin Cheng?) I don't really care for that, I love my son so much, how could I bear to leave him behind for so long?" It was recently reported Wayne's wife Julia is pregnant. Yesterday Julia accompanied her husband to the event and clarified the rumor: "Of course not, before when our son was still young, we were trying everyday, but not anymore. If I'm really pregnant, I will announce on Weibo."

As for Kristal, reporters kept asking her questions regarding ATV firing 5 of their artists. She helplessly said: "Can't help it. Artists just want more opportunities to perform, not going back to the company to punch in (time cards). I will pray for my former colleagues. It's useless talking about it, just get frustrated the more we talk about it."

Nancy expressed this year she spent Christmas with her boyfriend for the first time, but they celebrated together with a large group of friends. She laughed: "Christmas was celebrated like a normal day, the atmosphere is much more lively with more friends." What Nancy really wants is to work with Wayne to earn more money together by attending more shows in pairs.

Three time TV King winner Wayne Lai was on a radio interview yesterday. when speaking of the rumored The Confidant sequel, Wayne said: "I haven't heard about it, there are no plans for so far into the future. Rosy Business 3 will be shooting until July, but I heard TVB intends to start a series called The Confidant Five Tigers (basically the 5 eunuchs Wayne, Raymond Wong, Power Chan, Edwin Siu and Raymond Cho from the series) because TVB feels we click very well." Kenny Wee (Suki's husband) sent out a lawyer's letter to Oscar Leung suing him for defamation? Wayne sighed: "I hope he's fine, but all these gossips, how many of them really end up going to court?"

Yesterday Moses Chan, Fala Chen, Wayne Lai, Christine Ng, Samantha Ko and Wu Fung attended TVB new series Transfer of Love Firm blessing ceremony. In the series, Samantha plays Wu Fung's young wife. Everyone teased Samantha asking her to kiss Wu Fung, it was a funny moment.

Moses was very happy to collaborate with Wayne again, he believes they have invisible chemistry. This time, the TV Kings are going to have many scenes opposite of each other, Moses laughed: "This is a good thing, with Wayne around, I'll have to concentrate on the series completely and thsi will help me do better. This type of pressure is healthy competition. Wayne is great, I will have to contribute more. (Are you worried there may be rumors that you and Wayne are fighting over the screen time?) No, we have similiar personalities. We are more inclined to the attitude of not thinking highly of anything, so we won't fight over screen time. But I will participate in the awards, entertaining level is high. Actually it's quite awkward, I currently have fame, and not in the situation where I'm pursuing fame. Wayne and I share the same interest; our interest is placed on acting."

For this series, Fala got a new short haircut, but it turns out she only got a trim and didn't actually get a real haircut. She is currently wearing a wig, "They suggested I get my hair cut short, but due to my advertising contract, I can't get the haircut."

Samantha said her role in the series develops true love with college professor, played by Wu Fung. They met because she was doing a memoir for him, and appreciated his accomplishments in literature. When asked if she accepts this type of cross-age love in real life? She said: "I personally like older men and can accept up to a 10 year age gap, but I haven't experienced it before. (Have you been pursued by older men?) Yes, he was over 40 years old. At the time, I was 19 participating in a modeling competition. He was one of the clients, and invited me to dinner. I didn't care about him and it ended there."

Last night, TVB held the Long Service Employees Honor and Awards Presentation, where Wayne Lai, Lau Kong, Nancy Wu, Chris Lai and Vin Choi were in attendance. At the ceremony, TVB presented the "30 Years of Service" award to veteran actor Lau Kong and surprisingly even Stephen Chow still has a TVB artist contract. His 1.5 tael (~57 grams) gold metal was especially delivered to him.

Wayne and Nancy were both presented with the "10 Years of Service" gold metals (weighs 3 maces or ~11 grams). Since Wayne had once left TVB, so his time with the company just adds up to 10 years. Wayne smiled and said time flew by and he should say, "How many 10 years are in life?" He also admitted he had a very prosperous 10 years and hopes he'll become the TV King for the third time. Nancy was pretty shocked when she learned she got the "10 years" award with Wayne, "When I found out, I was so shocked [because] I've been watching him act since childhood." She hopes this year she'll get the 'Best Supporting Actress' as her reward and for memories. Earlier it was rumored Nancy and Kenneth Ma 'sparked love' again while shooting in Europe for TITS2? Nancy already has a new boyfriend, she expressed her romance with Kenneth had already died. Her current boyfriend did not get jealous. This year, Lau Kong got a pay raise and just renewed his contract with TVB, he said: "People say TVB is no good, but the company treats me pretty good. I didn't consider the money issue when I renewed my contract. After all, I'm fine with a pay raise." TVB General Manager (Lee Bo On) denied the "pay freezes" and stressed next year, TVB employees will definitely get a pay raise and bonuses.

Wayne Lai, Michelle Yim, Raymond Cho, Power Chan, Nancy Wu, Aimee Chan, Raymond Wong, Edwin Siu and the rest of the cast of TVB anniversary series The Confidant attended the premiere held outside of a movie theater. This time, TVB really values this series, the premiere was treated like a grand occasion. The theater was reserved entirely for Fans to enjoy the premiere episode of The Confidant with the cast. The cast were glamorously and walked down the red carpet in pairs. Selena Li and Nancy Wu were dressed the sexiest. Although Aimee Chan was in an elegant dress, she was more conservative.

It was said Wayne Lai may become the TV King based on this series, and at the event the audience cheered loudly together showing their support for Wayne. Michelle said: "Our series is very prosperous, we just had a baby girl born! (Referring to Power Chan's daughter)." Then Wayne modestly said: "It's only people supporting! If I get an award, then it will be more perfect than perfect. I don't have any pressure, what I want to see most is The Confidant winning the Best Series award." When speaking of the growing momentum even before the series broadcasts, asked if he hopes for a film version? He expressed that is not his decision. Also, many artists are pulling in more votes for themselves, but Wayne asked the media to help him out.

At the premiere, whenever each of the idols appeared, Fans would scream loudly to support them. The first episode was mainly focused on the story of the eunuchs. The scenes were about the evil eunuch Power Chan, putting pressure on the other eunuchs. Raymond Wong's character wanted to leave the palace to visit his mother, who was critically ill, but Power deliberately made it difficult for him. Raymond tried to escape, but he was discovered and Power ordered someone to beat him. Also, Wayne sang Beijing opera for Selena's character, who played the concubine. The audience applauded loudly for his performance.

Wayne Lai accepted an interview on Timothy Cheng's RTHK radio program. He expressed he has confidence on his upcoming new series The Confidant and reveals TVB is making it a grand occasion. On October 31st, The Confidant premiere will be held at Elements HK Shopping Mall, where the first episode will be shown in advance. Recently Damian Lau has been very well-received by the audience for his performance in Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles, Wayne said: "Yes! I have also noticed that glamorous dancing scene of his." Wayne thinks it is a good thing that both anniversary series get good feedback. If he could defeat a strong opponent, then he'll be even happier.

Silver Spoon is doing well in the TV ratings, but Wayne believed The Confidant will also match the ratings. A magazine reported, in this series he's going to be a 'dog' again? Wayne clarified: "I'm not a dog. In the series, I start off as an eunuch and climb up from there. When I first entered the palace, I was bullied, which is similar to Chai Gau (Rosy Business) because he starts from the bottom and then works his way up to success." He joked and said The Confidant certainly doesn't have a "strong aftertaste" as Silver Spoon because there won't be any glamorous dancing scenes, but he does have a bed scene with Nancy Wu.

Would he want a sequel if there are high ratings? Wayne said: "Yes, because we didn't touch on Lee Lin Ying's later years in the series. If we have support from the audience, I hope to shoot a sequel and tell a story about Lee Lin Ying's later years where there is some violation between him and Empress Dowager, there will be great changes then." Reporter suggested he could depend on this sequel to fight for the TV King title next year? Wayne laughed: "Again? That's enough! It's hard to survive in TVB if get the award too many times, I will get kicked out the door!"

Currently, Wayne Lai has been accepting one series after another at TVB. This year, The Confidant is also a TVB anniversary series, giving him another opportunity to take the TV King title for the third time. As Wayne's series had been popular hits in Malaysia, recently a local filmmaker has considered to cast him in the film Beggars' Hero. It was understood, Wayne is paid a high salary of 7 figures. Wayne will be heading over to Malaysia to discuss with the director on the details and hold a press conference. The film is estimate to begin shooting late October.

Reporters contacted Wayne to confirm. When asked if its true he's offered 7 figures for this film? He laughed: "That is a business secret. After all, I'm very satisfied with the pay." He reveals the reason he accepted this film was not only because of the good pay, but mainly because the Malaysian filmmaker had sincerity, "Actually I was still considering before because I'm going to be very busy after the anniversary. I have to take part in several TVB anniversary activities, work on the sales presentation and promote for The Confidant. However, they were really good about it. They said it's not a problem, whenever I need to go back and work in HK, they will accommodate my schedule. They have so much sincerity, how can I turn them down?"

Wayne frankly expressed he has never participated in a Malaysian film before, but hopes he can create sparks with the local artists there. He said: "Actually HK films are a little saturated, not many new shocks. The films with big cast is not for us to be hoping for, so that's why when offers came in before, I didn't have much interest." It was understood, Wayne will portray the modern version of 'Beggars' Sect Chief'. When asked if he's afraid shooting this film may get difficult? He said: "Nope, it is stated clearly that we will be shooting at most 12 hours. To us, who are used to shooting TV series, it is not considered too difficult."

TVB TV Kings and Queens including Myolie Wu, Kevin Cheng, Wayne Lai and Moses Chan team up to shoot the TVB 2013 Calendar for the month of November, the month of TVB's Anniversary. To keep the costumes and the theme secret from the public, they didn't have their complete outfits on. Myolie was asked if her costume is really sexy? Myolie said: "Not really, it's more elegant. This time, it's one Queen and three Kings. I'm afraid I won't be able to support the three TV Kings because I'm just a new TV Queen." She expressed she never thought of becoming TV Queen again, but supports Michelle Yim from The Confidant, Tavia Yeung from The Hippocratic Crush an Liza Wang.

Kevin had a very red right eye, but he couldn't remember how he injured it. When reporters mentioned rumored girlfriend Charmaine Sheh is in the studio next door? Kevin laughed: "Someone told me already. I don't mind going over to greet her."

This is Wayne's first time being part of the TVB calendar, he said: "Actually it's not necessary just the TVB 'biological sons' that can be on the calendar, there are some that came from other places too. It depends on the promotions and momentum of that year."

Moses praised its a good thing that TVB is making a calendar again. "If your participating in the photo shoot, then it represents you are valued by the company. I am more than willing to be on the calendar for life." When asked if he wants to be on the same month as girlfriend Aimee Chan? He said: "I don't care what kind of arrangement there is, doesn't matter!"

Two time TV King Wayne Lai and Film King Kent Cheng star in TVB series King Maker. In the series, the two go on a serious battle of wits, not only are they satisfying their acting craving, but audience are also watching excitedly. In King Maker, the two are enormously different and are always scheming, which differs from their previous collaboration in The Greatness of a Hero, where one was good, and the other was evil. Wayne describes this series as: "This time time, my role as Yu Jing differs from the Rosy Business series, Chau Gau and Lau Sing. He is not any hero, not that smart or not some brilliant character. Yu Jing is actually more of a foolish and easily influenced tragic character. The deaths of people around him are either directly or indirectly related to him. However, to me, this is a new challenge. As for if the audience likes it or not, it depends on how you see it."

King Maker didn't start out with very high ratings, but approaching to the finale, the ratings should gradually get better. "Perhaps the audience thought Ken Gor and I would have a lot of opposition scenes, but the producer didn't want it to be 'good vs bad' all the way until the end. Adding more turning points will make the series even richer."

TVB is the Real King Maker

In the series, Wayne assists Pierre Ngo's character to take the throne, but in reality, TVB is the true King Maker as they have pushed out many TV Kings/Queens, Pop Kings/Queens and Film Kings/Queens over the years. Wayne said: "Definitely similar. Artists are very passive and only perform in the front, but that does not mean they also know how to do promotions and attend to schedules. Artists are the ones being 'made'. TVB packages all the promotions and broadcast periods, they do everything and have been doing very well."

Recently, TVB has been actively looking for rescuers to help them boost their ratings. So far, they have invited Wong Jing, Deanie Ip and Andy Lau back to counter Ricky Wong's new TV station, CTI. Wayne said: "It is too exaggerated to say rescue. Each year, TVB has both grand productions as well as smaller productions. We all understand that a business isn't really about constantly throwing out the money and spend money on everything. TVB has to have balance. 'Rescue' is just a topic for the media, I have never put it to heart. Whether or not if there will be other free-to-air TV stations, TVB still does everything the same way."

Won't Be Reluctant to Give Up 'Rosy Business' Series

The third installment of Rosy Business is going to start next year. Wayne frankly expressed it is highly inevitable because each year, the attention is focused on whether if there will be sequels, such as Triumph in the Skies II. Wayne said: "To me, it doesn't matter. I have never been reluctant to part from the past and I won't have the attitude of 'I can't lose'. I often say, acting is a process. Constantly repeating is meaningless. Rosy Business is a drama species, each installment is a different story. It is not about the same characters' legends or their after life. I have no pressure when doing this, I don't mind if we have the third installment or not."

Yesterday Wayne Lai was recording for TVB game show All Star World Exam. Even with makeup, Wayne still couldn't hide the huge bags under his eyes. He smiled and said he's currently re-watching Rosy Business and thinks he was younger back then. The last two years felt like its been 10 years for him. He joked: "Success comes with a consequence. Someone told me to cut the bags under my eyes, but shots are really painful. I think if I sleep earlier and eat less salty foods, it will get better. I also have a skincare sponsor." Asked if he'll get botox? He said: "I definitely won't. My face is going to get all stiff after the shots! Its really fake, I can't accept it!"

Also, it was said TVB plans to let the audience vote for TV King and Queen this year? Wayne said that's an interesting idea, "Miss HK was used as an experiment, but I think should have two. One should be based on the judges and the other from voting. (If its all based on voting, Raymond Lam's going to win it all!) Not surprising! He has so many fans."

Wayne Lai, Natalie Tong and Sire Ma attended the end-of-filming dinner of TVB new series Detective Columbo. Initially the cast was going to each pitch in to pay for the meal, but Wayne took initiative and just treated everyone himself to reward the crew for all their hard work. He spent approximately 5 figures. Wayne said shooting the series for three months was truly difficult and now that they finally finished, it's time to celebrate. In the series, he had 5-6 different costumes, which has been the most among all the series he has done in his career. Wayne reveals this is a heavy and serious series, but it has always been his desire to shoot a light-hearted romantic comedy and it would be best for his female co-star to be a young actress, such as Samantha Ko or this year Miss HK winner.

Yesterday TVB's TV King Wayne Lai and Natalie Tong attended the blessing ceremony of their new series Detective Columbo. In the series, Wayne and Natalie are a pair of childhood lovers. Does Wayne feel his female co-stars are getting younger and younger? He joked: "I kept it well, but they (the actresses) are deteriorating fast! There aren't many people in TVB, got to give any kind of pairing a try. Tim Gor (Producer Lee Tim Shing) won't just force us together, at first she had to put on makeup to make her look older in order to accommodate me."

Natalie plays both the mother and daughter in the series, which is a great challenge for her. Also, the role suffers from a mental disorder, and she gets beat by several people. Wayne also admits Natalie got a difficult role: "The character goes through extreme changes, in hope to give audience a different feeling when the seriesl airs."

Yesterday producer Lee Tim Shing's new series Detective Columbo held its costume fitting. The cast including Wayne Lai, Natalie Tong, Sire Ma and Edwin Siu all attended. It was rumored this series is Tim Gor's final production before his retirement. Wayne expressed: "I still want him to shoot Rosy Business 3 too and I have already tried my best to convince him on behalf of TVB." Tim Gor said he's 64 years old this year and it's about time he retires. After his contract ends, he will have to see how his health is doing and the conditions before he decides to stay or not.

Earlier Wayne suggested Chrissie Chow should be the lead actress in this series, but in the end Natalie Tong picked up the 'second-hand role' and takes on the leading female role. In the series, she will be playing both the mother and daughter, two characters. Today it is also her birthday and she has received many blessings on Weibo.

In regards to rumored boyfriend Adrian Chau's girlfriend (Coco) said she doesn't know Sire Ma at all, Sire joked and said people are 'biting her and not letting her go', which shows she is valuable.

Kent Cheng, Wayne Lai, Claire Yiu, Raymond Cho and the rest of the cast to TVB series The Greatness of a Hero attended the promotional event. Kent and Wayne appeared for the first time after their bad terms rumor, the two took pictures together happily. On stage during the games, the ill Lee Heung Kam, teased the two saying they are enemies and Kent should slap Wayne. Kent stressed again that he's good friends with Wayne off-cameras. Over 10 years ago, Kent already invited Wayne to work with him.

The Greatness of a Hero peaked at 34 points, Wayne is pleased to see audience is accepting his villain role. He expressed there definitely is a refreshing feeling. He believes that if he gets yelled at in real life, he can't strike back, so he's able to balance out his mental feelings through the villain role. He expressed he just came back from Hengdian after completing The Confidant and has heard about the new popular reality show Bride Wannabe. Regarding the show suspected to be a match-making show? He expressed he's unsure, but believes that won't happen and the show's already successful with all the positive response.

Suggests Chrissie Chau to be in a series

The other night, Wayne attended the 45th Yan Chai Hospital Board of Directors Inauguration banquet. When speaking of the rumors that CTI chairman Ricky Wong offered HK$15,000 per episode to entice Sheren Tang to shoot a CTI series? Wayne heard this and exaggerated: "Wah, HK$15,000 per episode is too convenient, Sheren is worth far more than that? It was also rumored Kevin Cheng earned HK$30 million in the first half year, if Sheren got HK$15,000/episode that would be too uncommon."

Wayne revealed he did the costume fitting for his new series Detective Colombo and admitted that he suggested Chrissie Chow to take a role in the series. "Because there is a headstrong female role in the series, I believe Chrisse's image is suitable for the role. Also, there aren't many actresses in TVB who are like Chrissie's age to choose from (Chrissie was born in 1985, age 27). That's why I suggested to give her a try, not sure of the final decision though. I support TVB to seek external help because nowadays we don't categorize artists if they debuted from movies or television."

Claire Yiu's daughter helps choose a name for little brother

Claire is now 6 months pregnant. Yesterday afternoon, she appeared at the promotion with her bulging stomach. She reveals she gained over 10 pounds, and her stomach is growing fast. Claire said she's carrying a Dragon boy, and because her daughter is calling her unborn child Baby, she already wants to name her little brother 'Baby Baby'. "My daughter prohibits me from naming her brother any other name. Angelababy is so popular, Baby isn't a bad name. However, Baby isn't a really good name for a boy, I'll figure it out later!" She also reveals her husband Thomas Lam will be back to Hong Kong next week to celebrate their daugther's 3rd birthday. They will be celebrating at Hong Kong Disney Land.

Yesterday Wayne Lai was on Eileen Cha's radio interview and denied he and Kent Cheng are on bad terms after shooting The King Makers. He said: "I don't know why there are such rumors. Our personalities won't be on bad terms and also we are about 100 years old when added up together. Why fight for screen time, make it so difficult?!" When speaking of The Greatness of a Hero airing several years after its production, Wayne expressed he does not believe its because the cast includes Bernice Liu and Sonija Kwok that it was purposely delayed. He also said no one asked him to switch to another station and admitted TVB already renewed the contract with him: "I got a small raise, and the percentage of the raise is double digits!" Wayne said if there is an opportunity, he wants to go for a daughter, but leave it all to fate.

Last month on the 19th, Wayne Lai went up to Hengdian to shoot TVB new series The Confidant with the rest of the cast including Michelle Yim, Maggie Siu and Aimee Chan. The cast are shooting day and night until around April 12th, in which they will be returning to HK. It's been half a month since the cast left HK, and they have been enjoying their time in Hengdian, entertaining themselves as they work. They often take photos in between filming to keep for memories.

The Confidant is one of TVB's grand productions this year, and therefore heavy investment was made to shoot in Hengdian for 3 weeks. Shooting day and night, the cast had a serious attitude towards filming and also displayed their team spirit at the same time, by helping the staff carry the equipment required for filming. Maggie and a group of male staff collectively lifted a giant crane. Aimee helped hold up the reflection pad while Raymond Wong was shooting his scenes.


Whenever they have free time, the cast would take photos to keep for memories. In one photo, Wayne stood in the middle and had 'eunuch' Edwin Siu and Lo Chun Shun along with 'palace maid' Nancy Wu and several others by his side jumping with their arms out, pretending to be Chinese zombies. When Wayne and Michelle took pictures, Wayne made funny faces. Many fans visited them on the set. Some fans made special yellow The Confidant T-shirts to meet with their idol. Wayne happily took pictures with them.

TV King Wayne Lai senses that TVB is lacking FaDans, so he exposed that he asked golden producer Lee Tim Shing to invite sexy goddess Chrissie Chow to take part as the lead actress in new pre-modern series Detective Columbo. He praised that she's smart and gives off a fresh feeling.

The night before, Chrissie, who is currently in Shanghai, accepted an interview over the phone. When speaking of her winning favored from TV King Wayne, Chrissie expressed she is willing to work for free if she gets to collaborate with the TV King. She said: "Thanks a lot TV King for the appreciation. Wayne Lai is a senior I respect. Even if I'm not paid, I will do it. Actually I have always wanted to shoot a TV series, hope to learn more, but it would be best for Wayne to treat a few meals while we film!" She expressed her manager makes all arrangements for her, but up until today, she still has not received any notice.

TVB new series The Confidant (AKA: The Great Eunuch) heads up to Hengdian for outdoor shooting. The cast including Wayne Lai, Michelle Yim, Aimee Chan, Nancy Wu, along with the other staff, making up a group of over 10 appeared at the airport last night for departure. Wayne and his wife are traveling together. As there are always artist scandals breaking out in Hengdian, the paparazzi follows behind them to report any news. Wayne laughed and said he and his wife will be working as guardians. He will be responsible for the actors' activities, while his wife will help look after the actresses. It was said since TVB got a new boss, Chan Kwok Cheung, greater investments have been made into series productions. Many series are shooting up in Mainland now. Wayne frankly said the last time he left HK to shoot a TVB series was several years ago. It's a good thing that TVB is having more resources into their productions.

This is Aimee's first time shooting in Mainland, and her boyfriend Moses Chan has been urging her repeatedly to stay warm. She said she's not worried that someone might get drunk and get out of hand, she smiled and said she'll be following Wayne and his wife. She doesn't usually go for a stroll on the streets, but if she does she will try to disguise herself.

New Hong Kong television station, City Telecom (CTI) will be breaking ground on the construction of its production facilities today. Former TVB artist, Felix Wong, even appeared in a lion dance with Ricky Wong to commemorate the groundbreaking event! Facing a mass exodus of production staff and artists to CTI, TVB management have been separately talking to artists, even using the “friendship card” to persuade them to renew their contracts early! It was known that Wayne Lai, Ben Wong, and Angela Tong have demonstrated their loyalty by signing renewal contracts with TVB for several years!
Wayne Lai Satisfied With His Salary
In a telephone interview, Wayne Lai admitted that he had just renewed his contract with TVB under the guidance of Catherine Tsang, who had always favored Wayne. Wayne revealed, “We discussed wages and the length of the contract. I am very satisfied with the salary.” (The terms offered by outside companies did not tempt you?) “My upcoming work is scheduled until August of this year. Afterward, the work arrangements are not finalized yet. I cannot commit to others’ offers. Moreover, I will not give up the Hong Kong market. While filming in mainland China in the past, I would be facing the wall [in the hotel] after getting off from work. I have a family and such working arrangements are not very suitable for me!”
Ben Wong and Angela Tong Renew Contracts
Receiving the 2011 TVB Best Supporting Actor Award, Ben Wong signed a management contract with TVB. Indicating that Catherine Tsang and Virginia Lok met with him separately, Ben received a significant salary increase. Ben said, “I have collaborated with TVB for many years. TVB expressed their sincerity. Since the offered conditions were quite good, I would like to continue to work together.” Ben also revealed that his screen time in Fight Crime <雷霆掃毒> has been increased, offering him further performance opportunities.
With her first job at TVB, Angela Tong admitted that she had renewed a management contract. “I am unwilling to leave. I know everyone here and have a sense of belonging!” (Are you waiting to get married?) “Renewing my contract, of course I will work hard instead!”
In addition,TVB Deputy Director of External Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming, indicated that the company will continue with its usual activities, without a need to counter Ricky Wong’s groundbreaking ceremony.