Unexpectedly, top executives at TVB found out about the impending collaboration and in efforts not to let “fertile waters flow to others’ fields”, a TVB exec personally called up Elaine to talk to her about collaborating with them instead. At first, Elaine did not agree to the collaboration, however the TVB exec told her that if she collaborates with i-Cable, then they [TVB] will never invite her for any opportunities again. That left Elaine with no choice but to discuss with her god-brother Samuel Tsang at i-Cable to see if something could be worked out.
According to sources, Mr. Tsang was not happy with TVB trying to ‘cut in line’ and felt that they ‘lacked manners’ proceeding this way, however because he did not want to negatively impact his god-sister [Elaine]’s future, he agreed to withdraw his invitation to collaborate.
Yesterday, our reporter called i-Cable’s spokesperson to verify the report. The spokesperson admitted that Mr. Tsang had already started discussing the collaboration with Elaine as early as 6 months ago and most of the details had already been worked out, including who her hosting partner would be as well as the format of the show, etc. – the only thing pending was for Elaine to physically return to HK to start the job. However, as of right now, all plans are off. With regard to TVB’s actions of ‘intercepting’ the deal, the spokesperson stated that she did not want to comment on how other stations operate.
When asked about their ‘interference’ in the collaboration, TVB’s Director of Foreign Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming confirmed that Elaine would indeed be collaborating with them on a show made especially for her, however he denied that the station ‘cut in line’: “With this matter, can’t really say that we are ‘intercepting’. My recollection is that Elaine Ng still has a contract with TVB. A TVB-contracted artist or any artist who will soon be contracted with TVB should already clearly know whether it is appropriate for them to appear on other TV stations.”
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