TVB Celebrity News

Following 'First Sister' Charmaine Sheh ending her 'biological daughter' relationship with TVB, the company has been actively trying to keep their front line artists. TVB FaDan Fala Chen is rumored to be the next artist leaving. Fala's contract is expiring next month, but because Fala is not participating in any series for the rest of the year, it was rumored she is not planning to renew her contract. It was understood, TVB offered her 8 figures to stay, but Fala still hasn't made her decision yet.

According to a person working in TVB, Fala has successfully gained recognition and has very good 'audience fate'. In the past years, she's been given many other jobs such as commercials and shows, and earned a lot of money for her company. Also, she's a rare actress with fluent Mandarin, Cantonese and English, so many production companies in Mainland are interested in her. In the last three years, Fala has been accepting series after series, but we really haven't seen her working in Mainland like the other FaDans like Kate Tsui, Myolie Wu and Tavia Yeung. Actually, her opportunities went to waste time after time. Aside from the Mainland market, it turns out Hollywood film 007 secretly came to HK for auditions before, and Fala was the only TVB FaDan invited to participate in the auditions. At that time, several other western films had interest in Fala as well.

Taking Acting Lessons in New York

Fala had always been very conservative and she still has a month left before her TVB contract expires, but she still has not made a move. Reporters contacted Fala to confirm, she did not respond directly: "During this time, I have to talk to TVB about the contract. At this point, nothing is confirmed. I've been with TVB for 8 years, and really hope to maintain our good relationship. There is nothing unhappy that happened, it is just that I've been filming series for so many years, I just want some time off. (Why did you decide to go back and study?) I'm going to the U.S for continual studies. I've already registered for an acting class in New York and really want to expand my knowledge base. After all, since I graduated from university, my first job was at TVB. Since I entered the industry, I've only been filming TVB series and because TVB's series have their own style and beat, I started off with no knowledge, then TVB gave me a lot more opportunities and allowed me to understand what acting was all about. Now that I've been acting for a period of time, I believe there is a different way to act out each and every scene; sometimes I'm able to grasp it and other times I'm unable to. When I get off work and go home, I would regret not using a certain method to do the scene, then I start thinking that I'm lacking something inside. Especially in the last two years where I worked with many seniors and good partners. We go into detailed discussions on acting and I've read a lot of books on acting. However, books are always going to different from actual practice, so I've always wanted to leave the recording studio and go to different stages to perform to increase my self-value. I've been preparing for several years and mentioned this to TVB, so I'm taking this opportunity to go refresh myself a little."

It was rumored TVB offered her 8 figures to stay, does Fala feel the salary is the most important factor? She said: "I cannot comment too much on the salary, but I personally believe the most important is the opportunity for a good performance. To me, it is more important to have a new challenging role. (Is it because you'll be a wealthy wife?) Not related at all. I have high expectations on my work, I really want to have more good productions for everyone to see." Is Fala considering to go out and work elsewhere? Fala paused for a moment: "I've been working continuously in the past several years, every day was a sufficient day. I haven't really thought about this question, this is a very good time for me to think clearly about my direction and path to follow."

TVB artist Sammy Sum revealed outstanding talent in last year's film Young and Dangerous: Reloaded, where he portrayed the big villain. This year, his role in the film Lan Kwai Fong 2 has brought him a "Best New Performer" nomination at the 32nd HK Film Awards. It is still unknown whether Sammy can actually get this award, but what we can be certain is, his hard efforts is much appreciated. According to sources, Sammy has recently joined Paco Wong's Sun Entertainment Culture and is now a colleague of Fiona Sit and Hanjin Tan.

Paco Wong had produced many popular singers over the years, including Miriam Yeung and Leo Ku, but rarely showed any interest for television actors. This time, he plans to heavily promote Sammy after watching his guitar playing and singing performance on the Children's Day show Youth Nation. Paco said: "I noticed he has pretty good looks, so I checked up on him and it turns out he's a TVB actor. So then I went to TVB and talked to them about letting him join my company. I signed a 3 film contract with Sammy and I'm planning to let him sing the theme songs, but as for a music album, that will depend on the circumstances. He is definitely an actor worth promoting."

The 29 year old actor immigrated to Canada with his family when he was in middle school. He came back to HK in 2005 and participated in the EEG New Talent Singing Contest. He was one of the top five finalists. That same year, he participated in TVB's Tvbeople new talent casting system and signed a two year artist contract. Since then, he had participated in many TVB series and entered the TVB Artistes Training Class in 2009. He also hosted the show Living Up and participated in series such as Off Pedder and Lives of Omission. Sammy was first known as JJ Jia's boyfriend, and gained popularity after portraying a villain in the films last year.

After signing a contract with Paco, next month (May) Sammy will be participating in Patrick Kong's romantic film as the lead actor. This is his first leading role in his acting career. Sammy said excitedly: "I love watching TV and movies. As a newcomer, I'm pleased to have the opportunity to participate in films this early. I've only been in the industry for 5 years and having this achievement, I feel very lucky. Perhaps I came out of the Artistes Training class, I started off with roles like corpses and soldiers, so I really cherish every opportunity. I don't like to do a 100%, I like to do 120%. My first task is to really prepare myself for the next opportunity. It's just like the children's show I did this time, I couldn't believe a golden manager (Paco) would have interest in me." Sammy expressed he will not stress over the 'Best New Performer' award, he said: "It is like I already won the award just by having the nomination. I don't have much fate with awards, so let nature take its course."

'House Guy Goddess' Eliza Sam attended the 'SINOMAX Pillow Fight 2013' event wearing hot pants. Her two rumoured boyfriends, Penny Chan and Alan Wan, were also guests at the same event. The three also did not avoid arousing suspicion, graciously taking a picture together. Eliza frankly said that she did not feel awkward: "We are all friends. Also nothing really going on. Why would it be awkward?" Penny laughingly said feeling happy to be able to be Eliza's first rumoured boyfriend, but humbly said that he is little...does not dare to pull himself up to a goddess.

Priscilla Wong became a 'goddess' after appearing in TVB series Reality Check. She is currently one of the heavily promoted artists, accepting series after series. Earlier she was shooting a rain scene for new costume series The Tongue Sword Courtroom with Grace Wong and Cheung Wing Hong in Yuen Long. The scene was about Priscilla sitting in the rain bidding farewell to her first love, Cheung Wing Hong. Although the crew went prepared with a truck to create the rain effect, a real rain storm started pouring during the actual filming, which left Priscilla completely soaked.

Then Priscilla had to do a scene where she carelessly trips on the mud, but she didn't think twice before body slamming herself on the mud puddle. She was covered in mud and looked very filthy. The muddy liquid also got on her face and eyes. When this scene airs, her male fans would definitely feel pity for their 'goddess'. Priscilla was later asked whether she felt this scene was difficult and is she worried she may catch a cold from the rain? She said: "No fear, I can endure through a lot!" She frankly expressed she's used to traveling around many countries, so she can really endure through difficult times. That day during filming, she did not prepare an extra underwear to change, so she hoped she could complete the scene in one take because she wouldn't have another costume to change into.

After joining TVB, she's been highly regarded? Priscilla said: "There is nothing about heavy promotion or not, just merely the opportunity to continue to be an actress. (Pressure?) Honestly, no. I am not a person who thinks about tomorrow, I just want to get through today first. When I complete this series, I don't even know if I'll have the chance to participate in the next one. If not, then I'll just pack my bags and go on vacation. I'm very optimistic."

As a 'senior' to Priscilla, Grace Wong praised her acting is natural. "We are having a pleasant collaboration; we provide mutual support." When asked whether she feels threatened because Priscilla is getting heavier promotion? Grace said: "How so? Each actress has their own distinct aspect, every producer has a different impression on artists. This time, I'm portraying a cute and pitiful character."

In the past year, Charmaine Sheh had been focused on filming series in Mainland, yesterday she took some time off to shoot a commercial for the Green Council to help promote the positive message of saving the earth as the 'environmental protection ambassador'.

Regarding the recent spread of H7N9 bird flu in China, Charmaine responded calmly: "After the experience from the SARS epidemic 10 years ago, we all have a much higher awareness on protection. I eat less meat now and pay attention to good health." Apparently China's approach in countering a breakout is rather sloppy? "I don't think so. Hong Kong has already sent out specialists to China to research the current situation, treatment methods and is very concern of the issue. When I'm out at work, I don't put on a mouth mask, but I do carry around disinfectant products with me and will pay close attention to food sanitation." Charmaine is more worried about her younger brother, who currently runs a food business in Shanghai. She has told him to watch out for his health.

Earlier it was rumored former TVB producer Miu Siu Ching is interested in collaborating with Charmaine on a new TV series at her new company, nowTV. Charmaine admitted they have indeed approached her for a prelimilary discussion, but TVB will be her first choice because she still has a contract with them. She said: "I'm currently in the process of script selection. I want to pick a good one to participate in. I probably won't have time on my schedule until the end of the year." Eric Tsang, reportedly, wanted to ask Charmaine to help him out on his produced series Aerobic Girls? "We did chat before, but the role is either too young or too mature. Haven't decided on the direction yet, so we will have to discuss some more."

Also, it was rumored Joel Chan and Florinda Ho broke up? Charmaine said: "Is that really true? I don't know about others, wait until I ask him. (Joel lost everything? [4 losses - money, career, image, love]) Is he that miserable? Perhaps they're still very sweet." When speaking of her own love life, she said: "Still waiting, of course I do have pursuers, but I'm not telling you! (Wealthy guys?) Not right for me, too young."

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.

Last year, Myolie Wu announced her break up with Bosco Wong and ended their 8 year relationship. Earlier the TV Queen disclosed she had many pursuers and is waiting to encounter the person she's fated with. In reality, Myolie is hurt from falling out of love and isn't getting near men at all. She feels men are just not reliable, and so she changes her 'sexual' orientation. Last night, Myolie was spotted with a short-haired girl chatting intimately at a bar. At first Myolie was crying and the female companion tried to comfort her. Eventually Myoile's smile was seen again. When the girls were chatting, the short-hair girl suddenly opened up her top to show Myolie and while Myolie was looking down at her own chest, the short-hair girl reached over to poke them. After spending time at the bar, Myolie and the female companion roamed the streets holding hands, laughing and suddenly started kissing in public.

Alex Fong has no plans for more children after the birth his daughter Fu Ka Ching in 2008. But rumour has it that wife; Hoyan Mak is planning for second pregnancy.

As reported on Popular Asians, on 16 March, while Alex was at Stefan Wong's wedding, a tabloid reporter overheard Hoyan's conversation with other parents at Ka Ching's school, saying, "I really do want to go for a son. In fact, I wouldn't mind having two more, but I don't know if that will happen."

It was rumoured that Hoyan has been feeling insecure after a recent tabloid report regarding Alex and mainland actress Kong Wei's relationship. Furthermore with the actor deciding to stay in mainland China for the next six months to film two dramas back-to-back, it was alleged that Hoyan is thinking about having another baby to tie him back to Hong Kong.

A source close to the pair disclosed, "Alex earns a lot more in the mainland, but Hoyan rather that Alex stays with TVB. She doesn't mind the lower pay. She'll just be thriftier on their spending."

Meanwhile, on an interview that was held on 20 March, Alex revealed his stance on the baby plan, saying, "I don't have the qualifications to shoot for another [baby]. One is already enough. Definitely do not want another. It will be too much to handle."

The actor also confirmed that he will be spending the next six months in mainland China to shoot two Chinese dramas, and is not planning to renew his TVB contract, exclaiming, "I want more freedom!"

Felix Wong was on the iCable talk show Star Chatroom for an interview. Felix expressed he endured through continuous filming and eventually suffered from hepatitis. When it was time for a contract renewal, TVB was only willing to give him a HK$500 raise.

Felix claimed, his record back then was 7 days, 7 nights of no sleep. After enduring through 3 years, he eventually suffered from hepatitis and it was only that time he had the opportunity to get a longer break -- 18 days. Felix sighed, back then he endured through so much, he was basically hallow and was half asleep, half awake when speaking his lines. How can an actor perform well in this kind of condition?

The "Five Tigers" back then were Felix, Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Michael Miu and Kent Tong. They all left to work elsewhere, except for Felix, who stayed with TVB and continued to shoot series. He expressed, during that time he still had to pay for his house and car, so he only stayed because of the job security.

Unfortunately when he tried to get a raise during his discussion with TVB on the contract renewal, they could not come to an agreement. Feeling disheartened, he decided to leave. Felix's unforgettable moment was the cold comment TVB made to him: "You didn't really have good performances in the past few years, you don't deserve to get that much of a raise." Felix expressed although there wasn't many achievements, still his hard efforts should count. He put his life into acting and the ratings for his series did pretty well too. When TVB finally said they'll give him a HK$500 raise, but he has to renew his contract for another 5 years, Felix's first reaction was: "My hand slammed on the table, I said forget it, don't give the raise, I don't even want a penny. Three years later when my contract ends, I'm leaving." Felix disclosed when he left TVB in the 90s, his monthly salary was around HK$10,000. He later signed a 'per series' contract with ATV and they paid well. When TVB wanted to bring Felix back, he already had a contract with ATV and eventually the many year business relationship came to an end.

After Kathy Chow finished shooting TVB new series Sniper Standoff, she immediately took time off to watch Michelle Yim and Louisa So's musical I Have a Date with Spring (我和春天有個約會) with veteran film actress Ivy Ling and her husband Kam Hon. They praised the Sunbeam Theatre is a really good stage for performances because performers can have close interactions with the audience. It's very interactive experience.

Kathy has never participated in a stage play before because she never had the time on her schedule to make it happen. She really enjoyed the play last night and felt its a huge challenge for artists to communicate with the audience at such a close distance. "Although we get paid more from filming TV series, stage plays can bring our acting up to higher level. If I encounter a good crew, I am willing to accept this challenge."