TVB Entertainment News

Esther Kwan (關詠荷) attended an event at Tseung Kwan O and demostrated Tai Ji to the elderlies personally. The host, Louis Yuen (阮兆祥) then cracked many jokes and it made the whole atmosphere very lively.

Esther said during an interview: "Hopefully we can be healthy again during Rooster Year after this event. I stay at home during Lunar New Year as I hurt my waist and get a cold after nearly recovering. It turns out that the virus attack the weakest part and hurt my waist as a result."

When mentioned about she failed to inform her husband, Nick Cheung (張家輝) as he was shooting new film in overseas, Esther said: "I only know it when he returns. (Your old injury?) I was hospitalised for 3 days last year and the doctor told me to move slowly. I am impatient and must learn to do it slowly. (Your daughter resembles you?) She does it slowly but I always tell her to do it quickly. I will not rush her this time."

When mentioned about the audiences called her as "Chu So Ngo" during the event, Esther replied it depended on destiny and she wished to have a breakthrough in the script and role character: "I need to treat myself as newcomer if filming series again as it has been many years since I film it. (Do they look for you?) Nope. Anyway, I am not free for the next few months as Nick will be filming new movie and I will look after the family. (Does he mind you film series again?) We can have a discussion."

Esther Kwan (關詠荷) appeared at the airport and will be travelling to Nepal for working after the disaster. As the ambassador of the charity organisation for children. she expressed it was her first time to Nepal which was an unfamiliar place to her. The purpose of this trip is to analyse the seriousness of the situation after earthquake and explain the eye care protection to the children.

When asked if she prepared anything, Esther said: "There is insects and air pollution and I must bring the insect repellent and mask. I am also bringing cup noodles and remember not to use my left hand and touch the children's head."

Asking if she was on the verge of tears, Esther said: "Yes and I will be going to the area where earthquake happened before. I felt very sad when reading the news earlier. (Bringing your daughter along?) She is 10 years old and says she wants to come along but it depends on the time and opportunity. (Bring your family?) Nope, as the child will feel it is a vacation." She added her husband, Nick Cheung (張家輝) told her to be extra careful in unfamiliar place.

Esther Kwan (關詠荷) attended milk powder event as spokesperson and expressed her desire to become centenarian and exceed Run Run Shaw. She said her husband, Nick Cheung (張家輝) and daughter urged her as well: "Please do not die early!" Asking if Nick tried any products, Esther said: "Man does not really like milk." When asked if her daughter liked milk, Esther replied she preferred sweet beverages.

When asked about the fees, Esther responded she had forgotten but satisfied with the fees. She added she became more relaxed and begun to learn pilates and floating yoga after her daughter started school. Asking if she wanted to challenge her husband, Esther replied exercising was to keep herself happy and did not see him as the target.

Thought of returning to TVB

As there was many artistes leaving TVB, Esther said: "This is normal and we have markets. I can return despite already left. (They approach you?) Nope but I am ok if any suitable opportunities and will not affect the family."

Esther Kwan attended a charity event held at Noah's Ark. When speaking of HKTV will begin operations soon? Esther said: "That's good. I hope Ricky Wong's TV series will bring a new beginning and change the habits of watching TV. I'm quite excited." She smiled and said if there is a good script, she will consider collaborating with Ricky Wong. "Actually Mr. Wong had already approached me before, but coincidentally the schedule clashed with TVB and I happened to liked TVB's script more."

Esther expressed she had some depression before while taking care of her daughter, but now she has learned to have patience. When her daughter fusses, she would let them both calm down first. Asked if she's worried her husband Nick Cheung may get too into filming and can't get out of character? Esther laughed: "He's very smart, he won't put away his emotions, he would find his own way to resolve it. I'm not worried." When speaking of Nick covering Esther's eyes while they're watching his new movie, to prevent her from watching his intimate scenes with transsexual Poyd? Esther joked: "Perhaps he fears I might make him kneel on broken glass when we get home! If its necessary for the plot, he will weigh the factors and determine if its worth doing it or not. I believe him, but for The White Storm, he didn't tell me until after he did it."

Bobby Au Yeung and Esther Kwan are the golden and classic pairing, the two pair up again 13 years later in the current TVB series Always & Ever. The series has been quite a success since its premiere with positive feedback, applaud and the TV rating peaked at 33 points within the first two weeks. Bobby said satisfied: "You all better watch it while you can, this happens once in 10+ years. I actually really hope to collaborate with her again in a series similar to Armed Reaction...perhaps it may happen soon!" Indeed, if this golden pair collaborate again, it will be the biggest surprise.

A Classic On-Screen Pair That Never Failed

Appealing to viewers is difficult to explain, just as it is in finding a good partner. Even if two people are a great actor/actress, it does not necessarily mean they will create sparks. When Bobby and Esther are partners, people are already anticipating to see them. As one of the parties involved, Bobby also felt curious: "Each individual have a different acting style, regardless of a male or female partner, time is still required to get accustomed. Sometimes when two people are paired up, it really doesn't work, there always seems to be something missing. They (audience) may think, this person and Bobby are missing something, no matter what they don't have the sparks or chemistry. But its really strange, Esther and I as a pair, the public didn't have much to say. During Always & Ever filming, I had a few meals with her, but our chemistry doesn't need to absorb, its just there when we come together and the audience doesn't need time to get used to us. They'll definitely think we're a match right off the bat. I remember there is a scene about the 'curse', Esther knew I would end up killing her, she didn't want to leave me heartbroken, so she left me. When we were rehearsing that scene, she did embrace me, but when the cameras rolled, she totally just charged over and embraced me tightly with a 'ping' sound, it was such an upsurge feeling. We cried tremendously for that scene. If Esther isn't familiar with you or doesn't have enough trust on you, it is very difficult for her to embrace you. She also needs to know her partner will have a reaction for it to work and to be able to boost the feelings to another level. Esther has a very peaceful heart, she is very concentrated and among the whole crew, she probably knows best on acting, haha! I'm not as concentrated as her, today I haven't enough gotten off work yet or didn't even get in position for a scene yet, but I'm already thinking about where I'm going on vacation; where I'm going to go play."

Always and Ever could be considered a series that really satisfied this best on-screen pair's crave for acting. The 30 episode series tells a story of their love through a thousand years, passing through different time periods. Bobby laughed: "Rare chance for Esther to make a comeback, I did hope the series could be a little longer. Same goes for the audience, better watch it while you can. If we waited another 10 years to shoot this series, even if I wanted to, she probably wouldn't want to. It's really an one time thing. So, I had made this suggestion to Esther before, we should collaborate in another series similar to Armed Reaction. Take advantage of the opportunity that she can still be a policewoman, you know civil workers retire at age 55, so can't have someone too old to be an Ah Sir. After speaking to Esther, she agreed that its a good idea. Perhaps this might very well happen soon! The collaboration between Esther and I have never failed, if not, then Chan Siu Sang (Bobby's role in AR) survived until Armed Reaction 4 and still didn't disappear. I'm known to be the Sequel King."

A Loyal Friendship

What's special about Bobby and Esther is they don't really keep in touch in their personal lives, but on-screen they are invulnerable. "How do I invite her out in private life? I usually invite Nick Cheung out for dinner, then Esther follows along. Nick and I are good friends, luckily she married Nick and not someone else, otherwise I really won't have the opportunity to see her outside of work, but Esther is a good friend too. During Always and Ever filming, I wasn't feeling well and 'crashed' (take a day off) for two days. Then, I wasn't feeling well again and felt bad to 'crash' again, but she helped by 'crashing' for me. She's quite okay. As a result, that day we were able to get off work early and I had some time to rest. You tell me, which female artist is willing to 'crash' for you? Not even a male artist could do that. Its like, you're not feeling well, then you can 'crash' on your own, why am I accounted for it? Perhaps she knows me well, I am very honest with her and even share my physical exam with her, such as how men gets their prostate checked... (Many people are afraid of Esther, is she really that straightforward and serious?) When I first collaborated with her, I wasn't afraid of her. I personally like to play, but I know when to and when not to. After all, being sincere to others is very important. Just like while we were filming, one time Esther said she hadn't had pork braised with shrimp paste in a long time. My maid is excellent, I asked her to make the dish for Esther to try. Initially I planned to bring it over to her house, but Esther said Nick doesn't eat fatty foods, so I brought it to work with me and we ate it together in the makeup room. She licked her lip and shouted it was so good. Esther was so happy. I actually enjoy pleasing the people around me."

Bobby is absolutely right, usually he's very playful, but also knows how to keep the people around him happy, even the cleaning lady or the rumored "mean" artists. He said: "Regardless of friends, partner or the staff, regardless of the person's position, I treat them all with true sincerity. I'm serious! The cleaning lady treats me very well, she makes the areas I use for work sparkly clean everyday, so I usually ask if she had something to eat yet and just chat with her. That alone makes her happy. Just like during Happy Ever After filming, Kwong Wa and I were the male leads together, I heard of his rumors too, but I shouldn't use my ears as my eyes. I remember the first day of filming, I finished putting on my makeup, and Kwong Wa was still doing his makeup on his eyes, I went to ask if he's up for breakfast, but he said he's busy and won't be eating. I was bad, I bought Ha Gau and Siu Mai back and said to him: 'You're too busy, so I brought it back to eat together.' He stopped putting on his makeup at once and came to eat with me; he was so happy, he totally wanted to make me his 'lengmo'. That time we had a great collaboration. People relations are just like that."

On screen, Esther Kwan is a perfect candidate for roles like "Miu Chui Fa" (Lady Flower Fist), "Chu Sau Ngor" (Armed Reaction) or "Hon Seung Seung" (Always & Ever), but behind the cameras she is the model of a good wife and an attentive mother. She takes good care of her daughter, so her husband Nick Cheung can go out and work without worries. Esther did not agree with the view that there was a "woman superior, man inferior" gap between her husband's career and her career back in the day. She also felt guilty she neglected her husband while he was in depression. Such a great wife, loves family and husband, their fate as a married couple, how can it be just three lifetimes?!

Twelve years later, Esther collaborates with Bobby Au Yeung once again in TVB new series Always and Ever, making her active in the industry again. Recall Esther came back in 2007 for the sitcom Best Selling Secrets, but she suddenly withdrew because she needed more time to look after her daughter Brittney. Esther smiled: "At the time, my daughter was only 1 or 2 years old and I didn't have any time off from filming. I had to work on weekends too; I worked from morning to night; a person filming all year long, exhausted for months, anybody would dry out. The only way was to not film it." Although in a blink of an eye Esther's daughter is already 7 years old, she still willing to live a semi-retired life. "If I don't be by her side now, I will miss it! I have to be with her to cultivate the relationship, chat with her more and teach her the things at the appropriate times, that's how it will stick in her head. Whatever she does right or wrong, I have to compliment or scold her and grab her to tell her off, but I cannot do that if I am not by her side."

Willing to "Privatize" to Family

Esther puts her daughter and family in first place, her husband Nick's career has been at its peaked in the past year and Esther has reduced her appearance on-screen, but she is still a good actress after all and getting "privatize" to her family is indeed a waste. This time, she encountered a good script and partner, thus she "sneaks out" for three months to shoot Always and Ever with Bobby. Now that her daughter is older, will she be in more series? Esther said: "There was nothing written on paper, but I shouldn't be out working at the same time as Nick. Even when I accepted Always and Ever, I checked the schedules with him, but after we talked about it, it was like we never did. No matter what we planned, there will always be sudden changes. When I was shooting in Foshan, one day my daughter called me and said, 'Aiya, no dad or mom.' The next day, I had a day off and I went straight back to HK to comfort her. Although there is someone to babysit her, when she misses her mom and dad, she doesn't have any siblings, so I have to play the sister role too!" Esther expressed she doesn't have too many productions, but for future series, she will look at fate and the script before she considers whether to take it or not.

Esther had an extraordinary success in television; she had portrayed several roles on screen. Back then, Esther's career was doing better than Nick, thus the couple was seen as 'woman superior, men inferior'. Esther immediately stopped this thought: "No! That's what you (the media) think! Our relationship isn't about who is better than who. The relationship is the relationship, we don't talk about our work. In my eye, Nick is my boyfriend, my husband. Today he had made good accomplishments and success, he is definitely 'My Pride'!" She praised Nick for being hard working all along, even for comedies, he really puts in a lot of effort into doing well. It was just his hard efforts didn't encounter a good opportunity yet.

Felt Guilty for Neglecting Depressed Husband

Esther disclosed when Nick had depression, she felt guilty because she neglected him. "I really do feel a little guilty! At the time, I was taking care of our daughter, and when he came back from work in Mainland, he didn't really want to talk to me about it. While he was in Mainland, I knew he wasn't feeling well and back home, he kept throwing tantrums or does something strange. Actually he knew himself, eventually he was the one who told me he had some problems and needed to see the doctor. He knew how to face the problem himself and I didn't have to convince him to go see the doctor. I felt guilty for neglecting him. He came back and didn't want to tell me much because he didn't want me to worry. He had too much to think about. After all, the people relations in the film industry is much more complicated than in the TV industry. The most important is to let him have a good sleep, I was responsible for making this happen for him, but I never tried to encourage him."

Choose Bobby as Her Partner

Nick is Esther's current 'My Pride', but at work, is Nick also her best partner or is her old partner Bobby better? Esther laughed: "That can't be compared! They each have their strengths. At work, Bobby is a good partner. He knows how to create atmosphere. His personality can make the whole crew happy and turn stressful moments into relaxing ones. He has very good people skills. I get into arguments when working with Nick, at work we don't get along, but nothing happens with Bobby. He is all around and laid back. You can give him the lines any way you want and he will take it. He's very flexible and won't be too stubborn. I'm personally more stubborn and match perfectly with a non-stubborn partner."

Bobby suffered from acute pneumonia during filming of Always and Ever and fell into a coma. He practically came back from the dead. Esther frankly expressed she jumped in shock when she heard the news. "He almost died, he was in the ICU! But, when I visited him, he was already speaking nonsense and at that moment, I knew he came back! You know, someone lacking oxygen can really affect the brain, but I saw he was joking and speaking nonsense, I knew he was ok." Bobby's accident has influenced Esther to be more cautious about her own health. She said: "I heard he almost lost his life, and it was just food going down the wrong pipe too. I'm not young either, I should not be talking while I'm eating, don't want to be choking. He's a man and that accident hurt him that much, it will be even more damaging for us women. Can't be rescued."

Today's FaDans Are Courageous

Esther was awarded the TVB title "Best Actress in a Leading Role" in 1997. She was the first one to get that title and definitely qualifies to comment on today's FaDans. Esther laughed: "They each have their strengths. For one thing, they're all taller than me, they look hotter as pilots and fire fighters. I'm not sure why they wanted me to be a fire fighter back then, and even carry such heavy equipment around. The girls nowadays are much more courageous. In the past, we would never appear on screen with just our bras. Eliza Sam even pulled out her bra. We're very conservative."

Supports TVB Awards Game Rules

TVB choosing TV Kings/Queens, whether the rules behind the game is fair had always been questioned. Esther actually accepted this type of game. "Doesn't really matter. Artists doing well, the audience will naturally support them. Having a good relationship with TVB and contributing for TVB, then giving them the awards is no doubt. Contracted artists, of course they can get awards. Its hard to keep people now, they can't give enough money, but they can give them some fame. Also to be regarded highly by TVB, you must have some audience fate. TVB can have their own strategic planning. Allowing audience to vote, there is fairness and there is TVB's standpoint as well. I don't oppose to it."

Hong Kong actor Nick Cheung laughed off rumours of his supposed depression and apathetic attitude towards his wife, actress Esther Kwan.

As reported on Singtao, previously, tabloids claimed that the actor has been suffering from depression due to his highly stressful work in Dante Lam's "Unbeatable".

The tabloid alleged that the issue caused a lot of arguments with Esther, who wanted him to undergo treatment. It also allegedly resulted in a fall out between husband and wife to the extent that they have been sleeping in separate rooms ever since.

To this, Nick stated that he found the reports hilarious and revealed, "Aside from those times when I leave town for work or that one time where I took my daughter to Tokyo Disneyland, I never sleep without my wife."

The actor also denied rumours of depression, and exclaimed, "How can I be depressed when the advanced screenings for "Unbeatable" have already made over 1 million at the box office!"

Yesterday Bobby Au Yeung returned to work on TVB series Love Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate. The cast including Esther Kwan, Mandy Wong, Pierre Ngo and Sammy Shum gave him get well cards, fruit baskets and two boxes of chicken stock. Producer Chong Wai Kin gave Bobby a 'imperial concubine chair' to sit on, so he could get good rest at work. As Bobby's good friend and co-star, Esther gave him a 'rubber tube', which serves to remind him to watch out for his health, she said: "I'm giving you this rubber tube on behalf of your wife and fans. This is a warning to you, to never put tubes in your mouth again!" Bobby, who had tubes hooked to all parts of his body while at the hospital, was immediately frightened when he saw the gift. He joked: "Is this a urine tube? Nowadays, I get scared at the sight of tubes."

TVB is treating Bobby very well, whenever there is studio filming, there won't be outdoor filming; if there is outdoor filming, there won't be studio filming. First day back at work, Bobby was very happy: "I actually wanted to get back to work long ago. You all (reporters) photographed me going all over the place already. The producer is treating me so well, I only have to film one shift a day and can get home before 11PM every night. I feel my health is better than before. Since I've been waking up peacefully daily, I'm able to keep my belly, just my face looks a little slimmer. (Did the doctor urge you not to drink too much?) Not related, the doctor said I shouldn't eat too full. Last time, I ate too much and was way too full. Because of work I hadn't eaten for a while and once I had time to relax, I went all out." Next month when the crew goes to Foshan for outdoor filming, does Bobby have to bring a nurse along with him? He joked: "Not necessary! There are a lot of young and pretty nurses in Mainland." He added right after: "They are male nurses though! My wife will come along with us. Actually recently I've scared her too much! I have to give her more love. (How so?) I'll grab her for a hug and kiss every day. We have never been this compassionate before. (Kisses out a baby?) Wait for the next round! I want to have a Dragon baby. If not, then we'll adopt one!"

Bobby also showed off the couple's conjugal love, he expressed his wife especially prepared a compassionate breakfast for him: "It was her homemade wantons and rice crepes. Although those aren't breakfast items, the most important is still her compassion."

Esther expressed she'll be accommodating Bobby. Asked if she'll remind her husband Nick Cheung to watch out for his health too? She said: "He does well, he can control himself. Sometimes, he actually tells me not to eat such and such foods." When it was mentioned that Nick is regarded as the hot favorite for the 'Golden Horse' Film King award based on his film Night Fall, Esther said: "He feels normal, pleased to be nominated and this proves people can see his hard work." Because Esther will be shooting in Foshan, she won't be able to accompany Nick to the Golden Horse awards presentation, she laughed: "He can just bring our daughter with him, but the Best Actor award won't be announced until late, I'm afraid my daughter would have already fallen asleep."

Several days ago, Bobby Au-Yeung was sent to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because he fell unconscious. He suffered from acute pneumonia, but his condition has now stabilized and he's been transferred out of ICU. Yesterday Bobby accepted an interview with Maria Lai and recalls what happened.

Bobby expressed the doctor has checked his blood pressure and lungs, and he's doing physical therapy every day to speed up the recovery process. When asked what was the last memory he had before he went unconscious? Bobby recalled: "I just remember my group of friends were taking pictures. I really can't remember anything else. Later, my wife told me the story. At the time, I was sitting on the sofa alone and it appeared I fell asleep. Michael Tao thought I was drunk and needed a nap, so he came over to wake me up (*coughs*). What he saw was I had white eyes and muscle cramps. Luckily, I had several friends who were professionals, such as a gynecologist, police officer and one friend learned CPR before and they were all there. Benjamin Yuen was just amazing, he rushed into the restroom to wash his hands, then he gave me his finger to bite on. He told me not to bite my tongue. Perhaps because I had a little flu and drank alcohol, so once I coughed, the liquid went into my lungs and caused my unconsciousness."

Wasn't Breathing, Could Have Died

Bobby disclosed when he got to the hospital, he wasn't capable of breathing on his own and needed the paramedics to give him oxygen. Still lingering in fear, Bobby said: "It was terrible, I was really about to die. I was in the ER from 2am until the afternoon of the next day, a total of 12 hours. The doctor said I had a 'big life', luckily I was strong and was able to regain consciousness. Otherwise, I would've been in a coma and the condition could have worsen. I really picked my life back up this time, really have to thank my wife and friends for overcoming this rough period with me." Reportedly, the actual cause of Bobby's illness was because he was "violently drinking" and he's trying to conceal the truth. Bobby said: "The fact is I did drink, but I didn't drink that much. Its just because I was too tired, I have heavy screen time in Love Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate." Bobby also disclosed, there were a few times when he was filming in the studio, he had severe chest pain from smelling the strong paint thinner odor. He said: "I was even joking about it, if something happens to me, then send me to get my arteries widened (angioplasty). Esther Kwan said I'm so despicable, how can I die that easily?"

Next Time Suck on the Toes Instead of Finger

Reporters contacted Benjamin Yuen, who rescued Bobby that night and is currently working on the new series with him. Benjamin said: "I've learned CPR before. At the time he couldn't breathe, so I tried to help him find a position where he could comfortably breathe, but I didn't dare to do too much on him. It's a human life! Later, he called to thank me and joked, next time don't use my finger, let him suck on my toes instead."


Good Friends Esther Kwan and Jessica Hsuan Visits

As for Bobby's good friends Esther Kwan and Jessica Hsuan visited him at the hospital. Esther brought a Get Well card with her, signed by the entire Reverse Three Lifetimes cast. Esther stayed with Bobby for about 30 minutes before rushing back to the set for continual shooting. She congratulated Bobby for getting through the difficult times and expressed Bobby is still very well-spirited, he's still joking around with her. It's just because he's still hooked on the tubes and he feels tired. It is clear he lost some weight and a beard is growing. Jessica Hsuan made a special trip back to HK to visit Bobby, she stayed at the hospital for 3 hours. Jessica said: "He's recovering well, he can even talk back to me now. He complained I didn't bring him a souvenir or any snacks. He has a tube up his nose and has definitely lost quite a bit of weight, but he doesn't look worn out. I told him to watch what he eats and exercise more. After all, we aren't 18 or 22 years old anymore."

Bobby's wife Rosanne Fu had a smile on her face, she revealed: "Bobby ate all his food." Bobby's manager Lydia expressed he probably can discharge in 3-4 days. She said: "I prayed for Bobby, he can now go to restroom and take showers. He's not having trouble breathing anymore, just some coughs. I contacted Reverse Three Lifetimes's producer and discussed the followup filming because there are still outdoor filming in East Dragon Island and Foshan."

A few days ago, Bobby Au-Yeung fell unconscious from acute pneumonia and was rushed to the ICU for immediate treatment. He is still currently in ICU, but his condition is now stabled. The funny Bobby joked he's feeling comfortable in ICU and doesn't want to change rooms. His manager, Lydia, expressed the doctor said he can switch back to the common ward, but because there is some problem with the arrangement, it still has not happened. She said Bobby is used to the sounds in the ICU room and the nurses have been treating him well, so he's feeling very comfortable. Bobby still cannot eat anything, still on medication and an IV. Yesterday on Valentine's Day, Bobby's wife shared a sweet photo on Weibo that she took with Bobby, she said: "Today is Valentine's Day, wishing everyone forever happiness and have a sweet day! I also wish my husband a speedy recovery, come back to me soon!"

The producer of Bobby's currently filming series Love Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate had a meeting yesterday and decided to modify Bobby's 4 day large-scale nightclub scenes. He asked actor Akai Lee to substitute for Bobby, then when Bobby returns to work, they'll patch up the scenes to fit the overall plot. However, in the next several days, the series is going on hiatus for both studio and outdoor filming until Bobby's return. The Hippocratic Crush II was originally the next series to start shooting in their studio, but because the studio filming schedule had been postponed, TH2's start date has been delayed as well.

Producer Chong expressed: "Bobby has good people relations, many people wanted to be his substitute. Akai Lee collaborated with him before, so he's very familiar with his body movements and can help us out." As for the outdoor shooting in Foshan, the crew will be shooting there from March 5th to the 20th, everything has been scheduled. He has confidence Bobby will be able to resume work by then. "Bobby's manager Lydia said his condition is better than yesterday. Once he switches back to the common ward, I'll go visit him. There is still two weeks before we start the outdoor shooting, he should be recovered by then." Producer Chong joked once Bobby gets back to work, they'll have to rely on Esther Kwan to control him and restrict him from drinking.

Esther laughed, they should count on work to control Bobby, but she believes even after his discharge from the hospital, he'll still need lots of rest. She suggested that he get a body check up as well. "Postponing filming is not a problem, the most important is for him to be fine. Earlier on the set, Bobby had such a severe chest pain that he started sweating and his face turned green. We had to stop shooting for a moment."

Yesterday Bobby Au-Yeung, Esther Kwan and Christine Kuo were shooting at a park in Kowloon for TVB new series Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate. It was reported Esther was greatly displeased with Bobby often NGing and prevented her from getting off work on time, so she can get back home to take care of her daughter. Esther and Bobby were reportedly on bad terms due to this. When Bobby saw reporters, he took initiative and clarified the rumor. He said frustrated: "I know, there's rumors that I'm on bad terms with Esther! That's crazy, nonsense. The article said we had zero interaction, but that's just because that day I didn't have any lines. (You're always NGing, which prevented her from getting off work on time?) No, her daughter is a big girl and well spirited, she doesn't need anyone to look after her. Also, there is an auntie babysitting her."

Although Bobby does not have much hair, Esther reportedly scolded Bobby for taking too much time to set his hair. Regarding this, Bobby asked reporters: "What do you mean I don't have much hair? I have the ancient hair on me! That's what I mean about crazy, creating something out of nothing." It was also rumored Esther acts like a big shot, she wasn't willing to eat at the TVB cafe and had absolutely no interaction with the crew. Bobby supported his good friend: "She doesn't have to act like a big shot, she is one. These labels are just given by other people, it is not used to be bullying others with. Just trying to keep a harmonious work environment. One day when the crew took a break for lunch, Esther took everyone out to eat in Sai Kung. She spent HK$10,000 on that lunch. How is she trying to act like a big shot? (Esther only gets HK$50,000 per episode?) That little? Can't hire her with just HK$50,000, should give her HK$500,000 at least. (What's your relationship with Esther?) We have a deep friendship."

Christine supported Esther and Bobby, that they are not on bad terms, "Esther can memorize the entire script without leaving a word out, but Bobby is more free and goes by feeling. Although they have different acting styles, the outcome is still really good, very good sparks."

At the filming location, Bobby and Esther were seen chatting happily. During the breaks, Bobby grabbed Esther's hand and stuck it under his arm to help her stay warm.

Golden on-screen couple Bobby Au-Yeung and Esther Kwan have reunited for TVB new series Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate. Yesterday on Christmas Eve, the two were shooting in Yuen Long and fortunately they were able to get off work early and countdown for Christmas with their families. Bobby said although he hadn't collaborated with Esther for a long time, the sparks are still strong. He joked Esther is much more refined compared to the past. Bobby also exposed Nick Cheung ordered him to take good care of Esther, he laughed: "Mr. Cheung told me to please his wife as much as I could. When he found out we have to film overnight, he would sneak to the set and since he's been physically training, he brought some of his muscles with him too. His arms are doubled the size of mines." Esther heard Bobby's comment and laughed: "But his belly isn't as big as yours!"

Esther said she's just having dinner with her family over the Christmas holiday. She said her husband injured his arm from filming and feels heartbroken that he's always getting hurt, so she's currently looking for a doctor to treat him. However, she won't force him to reduce the amount of action scenes he does, she just hopes he takes better care of his body. Esther said: "Actually he's very careful, but sometimes its necessary for the film and accidents happen!" Its been a while since Esther's been in a series, she felt excited coming back to acting again, but for now she's only going to do one. She will have to see how the audience react before she decides whether she should continue filming series.

The Armed Reaction 'golden couple' Bobby Au-Yeung and Esther Kwan are back for TVB new series Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate. Yesterday the on-screen pair attended the blessing ceremony along the other cast including Ben Wong, Pierre Ngo, Rebecca Zhu and Christine Kuo.

TVB has been treating Esther Kwan well on her comeback series, she only has to do one scene per day. She said: "Well compared to the past, it is comfortable. I'm only shooting one scene a day, but I'm still not used to it because still have to film through the nights." The last time Esther collaborated with Bobby was 10 years ago, she teased Bobby hasn't changed much after so many years: "He's still NGing a lot. He'll just randomly add four character phrases to fill in the gaps and that'll be it." It was said if the government issues more free-to-air TV licenses, ATV might go out of business. Esther used to work for ATV, she said: "If you look at it negatively, then there is a chance, but thinking of it in a positive way, they'll be able to be more active. I hope ATV can get back on their feet."

Getting teased by Esther, Bobby said they're just shooting in the studio now and has been getting enough rest. When if he'll try to maintain adequate resting time? He said: "That's one thing, but will it work? I just hope to get 8 hours of rest per day, but actually i work a whole 16 hours."

Regarding the free-to-air TV license disputes, Bobby supports the addition of new licenses, so we could have more new faces. Also, he does not believe the new licenses could shut down ATV. He said: "If they had to go out of business, they would have done so long ago. Sometimes a business is not just about making profits, perhaps [ATV's] boss is profiting by other means and he's just running ATV as a charitable organization."

It's been over 10 years since Bobby Au-Yeung and Esther Kwan collaborated. Their last collaboration was Armed Reaction. Yesterday the two appeared at the costume fitting for TVB new series Reverse Three Lifetimes of Fate along with the other cast including Ben Wong, Mandy Wong, Christine Kuo, Pierre Ngo, Rebecca Zhu and Benjamin Yuen. The story is about time traveling through three different time periods.

Esther reveals she will have scenes where she goes into the water during the winter and does CPR. She laughed and said she'll have to get a stunts double to help her do those scenes, "I hope we'll finish filming the scenes in HK before new years because after new years we'll be heading to Foshan for more shooting. I'll have a long 10 days off during Lunar New Year." When asked if she had to get approval from her husband Nick Cheung first? She said: "He's busier than me. Our daughter is already 7 years old and our domestic worker just left, she will have to learn to be more independent. Let her survive on her own."

When speaking of ATV protesting against the government issuing more free-to-air TV licenses, Bobby said: "Are they in charge? They're holding onto a free-to-air license and then tells the government not to give the licensees to others? Then what will those who are currently shooting CTI series do? Let others have somewhere to go! People should be fair." When asked if TVB has a similar demonstration, will he support them? Bobby expressed as long as it's justice, he will support. Esther felt helpless on her 'maternal home' (ATV) behaviors.

Christine Kuo expressed she plays a barbaric princess in this series and will have many scenes opposite of Benjamin Yuen. However, when she introduced his character's name, she mistakenly said "cut banana" (jin chiu) instead of "Chin Chiu". It was a hilarious moment, Christine explained she just accidentally blurted our her lines from the series.

Esther Kwan and Bobby were trying out costumes for their new series Love Reverses Three Lifetimes of Fate. The series is about a love story through three different time periods. It has been several years since Esther filmed a TVB series, she smiled and said she's not afraid of the hard work, "I have Bobby watching over me! He can't even withstand hard work! He's in the 'Post-50s' group!" Esther also reveals her daughter was very excited to hear that her mom's working again: "She said without me around, then there won't be someone always hollering her to do homework!"

Bobby plays Justice Sung in the ancient time period, he said: "The producer said Justice Sung originally didn't have a dark face, it was actually because he was poisoned. Perhaps he ate chicken in soy sauce?!" As for many of the TVB behind-the-scenes crew are newly hired? Bobby said: "Cannot worry too much. Out in the professional world, prepared to repay debts. I owe 'drama debts', still have 50 episodes to shoot for TVB. It's best to return the favor, don't want to owe them." He expressed next year he'll be shooting Leung Choi Yuen's new series.

The big TV war is predicted to start next year, TVB does not dare to underestimate their competitors. Lately, TVB has been putting a lot more thought into their dramas. Drama production heads Tommy Leung and Catherine Tsang are racking their brains to get good castings. It was understood Tommy secretly contacted Esther Kwan to discuss her comeback. In order to increase the chances of success, Tommy tailored a script for her and she'll be carrying the series from beginning to end with old partner Bobby Au Yeung. This classic pairing is going to reunite in a 30 episode story about a curse of dying three times. Other cast members includes Ben Wong and Pierre Ngo.

Producer Chong Wai Kin admits he has already contacted Esther Kwan: "We have already discussed the story with her. It is a thousand year love story set from the Song dynasty to the 1950s-1960s era and then back to modern times. The female lead has a curse where she dies three times in her lover's arms. When we first came up with this concept, we wanted Bobby and Esther to make it happen. Firstly, it has been many years since they collaborated in a series and secondly the roles are very suitable for them. Of course I hope to collaborate with them and I'm very confident they could create sparks again, but we have to resolve the technology issues first before the series can be confirmed." Was it because there is only one Siu Sang and one FaDan in the entire series that attracted Esther to make this comeback? "They will be leading the series from beginning to end, but there still has to be other artists. The setting is also very important. To make the 1950s-1960s setting more realistic, we will be heading over to shoot in Foshan's new filming studio."

Esther accepted an interview over the phone, she expressed: "You all found out about the news so fast! TVB has indeed contacted me, but it's really preliminary. I heard the story is pretty special and I really like it myself. (They're using Bobby to make you come back?) This old partner is truly captivating. After working with him on Armed Reaction, I haven't been a pair with him in a while, even in The Legendary Four Aces, I was with Nick [Cheung] and we weren't a pair. It has already been over 10 years since we collaborated. Of course it's important to have a good co-star, after all we both know each other's styles and there is no need to spend time trying to develop chemistry. It's more comforting like this. I really hope to collaborate with him too, but it is still in the preliminary phase and nothing is confirmed yet."

As the series is dominated by 'One Siu Sang One FaDan' , Esther said: "There are other artists too, a thousand year love story is quite attractive. Actually TVB has approached me before, but because the roles didn't really match me, I didn't accept them. (You had always loved acting, does your craving ever start acting up?) I rarely watch TV series, but sometimes I do have a craving to act again. After all, in the past I could play several different roles within a year, but now I'm still just one character after so many years." Esther's daughter Brittany is already 6 years old, will Nick be looking after her while she gets back into work? "No, Nick is working too, so if I really do shoot this series, I will have to find a babysitter. She's older now, so it's not as difficult because she's more independent and not as attached. It should be ok."

Bobby Tries Convincing Too

Bobby finally has a chance to reunite with Esther and he also anticipates for this to actually happen. He reveals he personally called Nick, he joked: "I called Nick and told him to let his wife come back out and act again. Let her collaborate with me, no need to be afraid of rumors, it's better than working with Benny Chan." Then Bobby added: "Actually its rare to find a female co-star who can match me. We really haven't been in something together for many years. Earlier when she got married and had her daughter, there wasn't any other choice, but now her daughter is older, she can have some freedom. She can take some time out and satisfy her craving for acting. Esther doesn't just want to be a housewife, she wants to enjoy working too."

Husband Nick Cheung Supports

Since Esther got married and had her daughter, she focused entirely on her family. Since she came back for TVB series Seasons of Fate three years ago, she turned down several offers and hasn't been in any series recently. Regarding this, Nick laughed: "I know she talked to TVB. Whether she films it or not, she can make the decision. I won't lock her up at home, if there is a good script and co-stars, then I will definitely support her. Although the family really needs her, I'm still willing to let her get back into acting again. Also, our daughter is older now. As for myself, my schedule is pretty full."

Rumored to be pregnant with her second child, Esther Kwan appeared at a healthy product promotion and was asked about the rumor. She did a few jumps on the spot to express that she is "innocent" and said: "I did gain some weight, but I'm not pregnant! Because lately I've been not as busy and didn't intend to lose weight, but beauty is the most important, a little chubby is pretty too!" When asked if she has hope to get another baby? Esther joked her daughter will be jealous: "Before she wanted to have a little brother or sister, but now she didn't say anything. She even requested that I don'r have another baby with my husband. (Jealous?) Yes!"

Recently the TV King battle is heating up, 1997 "Best Actress" winner Esther Kwan supports Moses Chan and Raymond Lam: "But Wayne is pretty awesome too. They all have pretty good ratings. (Did you watch?) Not really, but sometimes I watched a little."

 In 2006, 46 year old Esther and Nick had their daughter Brittany. In the last year, the couple have been actively trying to get another baby, but unfortunately has not been successful. Since his wife had failed to get pregnant several times, Nick, who had always wanted to have a second child, recently changed his views and expressed to leave everything to fate.

At 4pm the day before, reporters spotted Esther Kwan in Causeway Bay, wearing a comfortable dress and flat shoes. She was in the shopping mall looking at baby clothing. It was clearly seen that her arms and legs had gotten thicker and that her abdomen is slightly elevated. She walked very slowly, appearing just like a pregnant woman.

During the time, Esther focused much of her time looking at baby girl clothing, the majority of the ones she was looking at where pink in color or had flowers on them. Then she looked at clothing for the newly born. Not long after, Esther chose a few shirts and went to the counter to pay. A female passerbyer recognized Esther and went up to greet her. The two chatted about baby caring tips. When Esther was leaving, she was asked if she's pregnant? She let out a huge smile and did not respond. Speaking of Nick crowned Film King once again, did she celebrate with him? She smiled: "I'm leaving!" Then she turned around and left.

After a few days, Esther went grocery shopping at the IFC in Central. After she purchased her items, reporters went up to her and asked again if she's pregnant? Again, Esther smiled and did not answer. Then her driver came to pick her up to go home.

Yesterday Esther Kwan attended a Quaker Oat promotion as their spokesperson. The promotion is focused on informing the public that the product can help reduce cholesterol. It turns out that Esther only started to learn cooking after she became the spokesperson. She said: "Before if I wasn't filming, then I was taking care of my daughter, I had no time. Now that my daughter is older, I can enter the kitchen with her and she can cut bananas with a plastic knife, a hands on activity for her." Esther admits that after having a daughter, she and her family are eating more healthy and following the 3 healthy eating principles. However, when her husband Nick Cheung drinks the plain tasting soups, he would complain. Esther smiled: "No choice, we have a child, as parents we have to be healthy because we still have a long road ahead of us. So I just told him to add salt himself."

Also, Esther's birthday was on the 16th, she reveals that the family of three had dinner to celebrate and that her daughter personally made her first birthday card for Esther. Esther was so happy she immediately took it and kept it safe for memories.

Yesterday Esther Kwan attended a Quaker Oats event as their spokesperson and is satisfied with the pay received. Because the product is a big well known brand, she hopes to work as a part-time spokesperson for Mainland brands. Asked if she felt endorsements are better than shooting series? She smiled: "It's good for my daughter because endorsements only take a few days to accomplish. Before I leave for work, my daughter would say that mommy will bring something good back home to eat!"

As for healthy products, Esther personally really likes them,. She also loves eating crabs, goose liver and lobsters, these high cholesterol foods, so she feels that eating more oats is a good thing: "My husband tells me to eat less high cholesterol foods, need to maintain a good health. (For another baby?) Let fate take its course. (Going to eat oatmeal for life?) OF course, before I felt that eating oatmeal was troublesome, but now it's a lot more convenient to make, I always make oatmeal now."