TVB Entertainment News

Kenneth Ma has no problem playing supporting roles despite having 13 years of experience in acting, reported HK Channel website.

The actor, who was cast in a supporting role as Captain Samuel Tong's brother, Roy Tong, in "Triumph In The Skies" 10 years ago, has no qualms about reprising the role in the sequel even though he was one of the original stars, and let Julian Cheung's new character take the second lead role instead.

Despite fans' protests, the 39-year-old actor stated that he does not mind, "I am one of the luckier few. My journey was not that difficult. Meanwhile, there are a lot of senior actors still waiting for the opportunity to shine."

Kenneth defended the cast and crew of whom he worked with and stated that the "Triumph in the Skies" series is very important to him as the series gave him his first consistent character.

"I don't care if I am the lead star or not. What's important is that the character is fun to watch. For example, I only appeared in four episodes of "The Other Truth" but I loved it. As long as it is accepted by the public, I am happy."

When asked if he minded getting nominated for the Best Supporting Role category at the TVB Anniversary Awards while his colleagues get the bigger awards nominations, Kenneth simply said, "I don't mind. Any kind of award would help me earn more money!"

Nancy Wu recently dismissed another rumour of her supposed wedding plan with her non-celebrity boyfriend, Patt Shum.

According to Sina website, it was reported that the couple went on a vacation to Koh Samui in Thailand, triggering rumours that he proposed to her at the location and intends to marry as soon as possible.

A source claimed that Nancy had already told her good friends about her wedding plans and even asked Myolie Wu to become her maid of honour.

However, the actress, who was in Sai Kung to film "Tiger Cubs 2", laughed off the wedding rumours and said, "Whenever I have a new series, there would be wedding rumours. I still have another three to four series after this, so I guess the rumours will not stop now."

When asked if she is indeed planning to get married, Nancy joked that she wanted to have children first.

"People kept rushing me to get married, but I am actually afraid of getting too old to have children!" she quipped.

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."

Raymond Lam and Michelle Ye collaborate once again after ten years in the new Mainland drama The Purple Hairpin. Yesterday Raymond and Michelle appeared at the TVB promotional event for the drama, which is scheduled to air on TVB Jade HD soon. On stage, it was seen Raymond and Michelle were still good buddies and chatted nonstop. Michelle expressed she personally made the call to Raymond inviting him to participate in this drama. She said: "Collaborating with him again is one of my hidden wishes for many years. We are partners with chemistry. (Friendship price?) Yes, our friendship is very valuable. We're good friends, but he was still very expensive."

Raymond now has a girlfriend Karena BB, asked about Michelle's love life? She said: "My BB? I'm not as lucky as him. (Current status?) He's so busy, but still has some time for dating. My status is that I am even busier, I don't even have that little time for dating. Nobody will like such a busy person like me. (No rush?) No rush. I'm happy to see Raymond doing so well. We grew up together. He had a smooth development over the years, he's personal and love life are very good, I feel peace and happiness for him. He invited me to watch his concert before, the dream he had 10 years ago finally came true. I'm happy for him." When speaking of their past rumors, Michelle said in a serious tone: "We did have a rumor, and still kept in touch while there were rumors, but we haven't seen each other in 10 years. We're still good partners with chemistry."

Raymond directly expressed he had not been in touch with Michelle for over 10 years since she left TVB, but greatly praised that she's a very successful business owner now. Raymond expressed he had already completed three dramas in Mainland and feels "relieved" coming back to HK. Asked if he's going to go on vacation with Karena BB? He said: "Normal lifestyle. (Any plans?) No, finish up the work I have now." Asked if he's bringing his girlfriend home on Mid-Autumn Festival? He said: "Its personal."

A reader disclosed to the media, that Raymond was spotted with a ring on his finger at the Miss Hong Kong 2013 final last night, it was said he's already married. Also, Raymond was a judge at the Miss HK final, some questioned on whether he was biased towards Miss HK winner Grace Chan and Second runner-up Sisley Choi because they physically resembled Karena BB. Raymond said: "The ring was sponsored by the company endorse for. It is just a normal accessory. Thank you all for the concern."

Steven Ma had been shooting outdoor scenes for TVB new series Property Protector in Yingde, Guangzhou and Xiqiao. During that period, TVB made arrangements for him to attend a TVB press conference held in Beijing, but before departure, he felt unwell in the heart due to overwork and the intense heat. He was immediately sent to the hospital and didn't make it to the event. Steven took a day off and went back to filming. He said: "I wasn't the only one sick, Ching Ho Wai had bacterial tracheitis and had to hang on 3 bags of saline." During this trip, the crew was filming a war scene near a dam, but due to the hurricane, the dam flooded and had to drain the flooded dam. The crew ordered everyone to evacuate within 5 minutes. When Steven mentioned this, he fearfully expressed: "Luckily we already finished shooting the scene before the draining. Producer Leung Choi Yuen shouted we were lucky." Tavia Yeung also celebrated her birthday with the crew, as her good friend, Steven gave her a lucky red envelope as a birthday gift.

Yesterday Bosco Wong and Niki Chow did an interview with Singapore's xinmsn and to promote their TVB series A Change of Heart, which is set to air in Singapore soon. In the series, Bosco and Niki have a complicated relationship, and in real life the public is just as curious and concerned about Bosco's relationship with ex-girlfriend Myolie Wu.

In regards to the rumor that the two may reconcile, Bosco expressed it happened a long while ago, there is no reason to mention it again. "If I encounter her, we can still talk, we are friends... other things I don't think it is necessary to put too much thought into it."

Bosco said the media reports are all fake, so when he sees them he doesn't really have a reaction. He disclosed his mother has not rushed him to find a new girlfriend and that she has the same attitude as him: leave it to fate.

The xinmsn reporter asked Bosco the question in a different perspective. What does does he think his strength is as a boyfriend? Bosco laughed: "Actually, I think I have more weaknesses then strengths. I don't know how to please my girlfriend, I spend more time at work then with my girlfriend. (Your ex said that before?) I feel this way. (How will you change?) Haven't thought about it."

Usually Bosco likes to cook, does his future girlfriend have to have cooking skills as well? Bosco said his future girlfriend does not necessarily have to cook because he will cook for his girlfriend. He also publicly spoke about his critera for a future girlfriend. "All along, I like women that are smart and independent."

Second Career: A Successful Businessman

A year ago, Bosco opened a restaurant in Malaysia and profited a lot. He plans to continue the success by opening an upscale oyster bar in Hong Kong's Central. Bosco frankly expressed opening a restaurant is a childhood dream of his. He hopes to share the delicious cusinue he had tried before with everyone else. He disclosed aside from oysters, his restaurant will savor some of the normally perceived bad-tasting seafood. One of the menu items is a dish he designed himself. It was understood, Bosco invested about 600,000 SGD (~US$470,000) and the restaurant can accommodate 30+ guests.

Bosco: "I opened a restaurant to gain an experience, after all I am getting older and must have planning. Perhaps one day when I get tired of filming or the audience get tired of watching me, I have second career and its another dream of mines."

The Hong Kong media said Bosco is an investor, he admitted without concealing that aside from restaurants, he has other investments. His financal broker teased he's very busy, "even Miss Lok (Virgina Lok) teases that I'm a big busy man when she sees me. I have too many matters to handle, each day once I get off the airplane, my phone and SMS just keeps ringing."

Niki Loses 4kg (~9lbs) in Hengdian

Niki just got back from Hengdian from shooting The Virtuous Queen of Han. A few days ago, she celebrated her 34th birthday and happily shared the pictures from her birthday party on Weibo. Niki expressed her birthday wish is extremely simple, she just hopes for a smooth career and good health.

How did Niki reward herself on her birthday? She said: "Because I was filming in Hengdian for 3 months, I didn't have time to stroll the streets. I didn't even have time to get a haircut . Once I got back to HK, I came over to Singapore the next day. I still have a lot of tidying up and unpacking to do at home. Its so messy."

Niki expressed her first time going to China to shoot a drama was an memorable experience. "The average temperature in Hengdian is 50+ degrees C, so my assistant makes me a lot of dessert soups each day because my ancient costume is extremely heavy and the clothing are thick, sometimes its not convenient for me to eat. I lost about 4kg (~9lbs)." Because of the hot weather, she was sweating frequently and suffered a heatstroke twice. In one crying scene, she was crying and sweating at the same time. In the wide shot, she looked like a "water person", very ugly and the only thing that could be done was to redo the scene.

In April, Niki signed into Richie Ren (Jen)'s artist management company ("Tai Ngok") and will be developing more in the Mainland market. She disclosed aside from shooting TV dramas in China, she will also be participating in films and is currently preparing for her Mandarin album.

Yesterday a reader named Kary disclosed to [Oriental Daily] that a Netizen coincidentally encountered Raymond Lam in Hengdian shooting for the first 3D martial arts TV series Detective and Doctors (aka Luk Siu Fung) back in May of this year. The Netizen said at the time when Raymond discovered fans were taking pictures of him, he had an unfriendly expression. That Netizen also uploaded 3 photos as proof and said Karena BB was also at the scene!

In the photos that the Netizen uploaded, there was a man dressed in an ancient costume like Raymond; In another photo, there was someone blocking fans from taking pictures with their hand; That Netizen also exposed while taking pictures, Raymond unexpectedly snatched the phone from a fan and told the staff to check the pictures on the phone. Then it was discovered Karena Ng was at the scene as well. Raymond probably feared the exposure of his girlfriend visiting him on the set, thus he behaved in that way. Although Netizens shouted they felt disappointed in their idol, but there were also 'Fung Mai' (Raymond hardcore fans) defending him on Weibo -- Raymond wanted to prevent reporters from taking photos in secret, so he snatched the phone away, that is certainly indisputable. 'Fung Mai' showed understanding that one should not take photos in secret and violate their idol's privacy. Reporters tried to contact Raymond and Karena to comment, but unfortunately they did not respond.

Also, a few days ago Raymond was spotted "body guarding" his girlfriend on the streets. Last night, he appeared at a various artist concert in Guangzhou an in less than 24 hours, he rushed back to Hong Kong to see his girlfriend. Raymond takes advantage of every second to see BB, won't even let one moment go!