Is it the end for Vanness Wu and Arissa Cheo?

Taiwanese actor-singer Vanness Wu’s heiress-wife Arissa Cheo posted a quote on Instagram on Wednesday which goes, “True love & loyal friends are two of the hardest things to find,” sparking speculations that this could mark the end of their rocky marriage.

Arissa and Vanness have given fans many reasons to suspect an impending divorce. Earlier this month, Arissa posted a long rant on Instagram about how she has “sucked it up and kept silent, been there done that” and endured a lot of name calling as well as “emotional abuse”.

The 33-year-old also shared that she went to KTV to sing a solo of ‘Who Will Love Me?’, causing people to think that she is ready to end her relationship with Vanness.

Additionally, Arissa has been posting photos on Instagram with her friends, brother and dog – basically anyone but Vanness – and even began promoting her own official website and online store.

Vanness, 36, was also absent in photos at Arissa’s birthday celebration yesterday and concerned netizens left questions for Arissa in the comments such as: “No Vanness?” and “What happened between you two?” One netizen even said, “For some, even if they do find true love, they still choose to break up.”

Neither Vanness nor Arissa have commented on their state of marriage and earlier this month, the couple unfollowed each other on Instagram, causing the public to speculate that they were hinting the end of their relationship.

Myolie Wu debunks rumours about year-end wedding

Responding to rumours about an end-of-year marriage in England, Hong Kong actress-singer Myolie Wu clarified the matter and denied the rumours at the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets’ first birthday party in Guangzhou, China on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old said: “All of these (rumours) are completely fabricated by the media. If it’s not straight from my mouth, please don’t believe it.”

When probed about whether her boyfriend Philip Lee has popped the question, she explained, “I think that this is a personal matter and I’d like to keep it to myself.”

Addressing the rumour about her paying HK$2 million (S$354,400) for her supposed year-end wedding, Myolie said, “Whoever proposes to me should be the one paying. I feel that this is sincerity!” and explained that she is “not expecting a fairy tale wedding”.

Although Myolie admitted that she admires TVB actress Rosina Lin’s private wedding to her CEO boyfriend last weekend, the actress does not intend to wed in secret. “Because I would want to share my good news with everyone so that everyone can rest assured,” she quipped.

In response to further questions about the topic, she bluntly replied, “I will definitely announce my marriage when the time comes.”

Friends creator slams cast's pay

The creator of 'Friends' has blasted the cast's $1 million-an-episode contracts as "ridiculous".

The six stars of the popular sitcom - Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer - famously negotiated the huge pay deal for the later series of the show, but Marta Kauffman thinks the figure is "unrealistic".

Marta - who is now working with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin on 'Grace and Frankie' - said on a panel at the TCA Summer Press Tour: "A million dollars an episode is kinda ridiculous. Let's be honest, that's a lot of money.

"There's something unrealistic about it. Not everybody is going to get a million dollars an episode. So I think actually what we're all doing [now] is actually more reasonable and makes more sense."

Marta believes the current climate is very different, so salaries aren't as high.

She said: "It's such a different situation, because ratings are connected to advertisers. That was a case where the cast knew how valuable the show was to the network in terms of the advertisers. There are no advertisers on Netflix...

"When an actor is doing 13 episodes, they have many weeks left that they can pursue movies and theatre and other stuff. So I think that really helps people not feel like they have to get a car every time they do an episode."

Matt recently insisted it didn't matter whether or not he and his co-stars were "worth" the staggering sum, but they would have been "stupid" not to negotiate the terms of their contracts.

He said: "Were we worth $1 million? To me, that's such a strange question. It's like, well, that's irrelevant. Are you worth it? How do you put a price on how funny something is? We were in a position to get it.

"If you're in a position in any job, no matter what the job is--if you're driving a milk truck or installing TVs or an upholsterer for a couch -- if you're in a position to get a raise and you don't get it, you're stupid. You know what I mean?

"We were in a position and we were able to pull it off. 'Worth it' has nothing to do with it."

Joo Won Says He Fell for Kim Tae Hee′s Looks and Personality

Joo Won shared his thoughts on working with Kim Tae Hee.

A production presentation for SBS drama Yong Pal-ie was held at the SBS Hall in Mokdong on July 30, where Joo Won said, "When I heard Tae Hee nuna was my partner, I was more excited than anyone."

Joo Won added, "It′s the same with my role, but all of the roles are subject to the candidates. Among them, I pushed for Tae Hee nuna, saying she′d be good. If you′re a man, wouldn′t you obviously think working with Tae Hee nuna would be great?"

He continued, "I think I fell for nuna more at the first script reading. I thought, ′How could someone with her looks also have a good personality?′ I thought, ′There′s beauty in personality as well.′ The more I see her, I think she′s pretty, and I think I′ll have fun working."Yong Pal-ie is a melodrama about a doctor who will see any patient who is willing to pay and meets a ′sleeping beauty,′ who is also a chaebol heiress, at the hospital.

Jang Hyuk Rin, who wrote Reset and Oh Jin Seok, who directed Lovers in Paris, Lovers in Prague, Goddess of Marriage and Modern Farmer will team up with the cast, which includes Kim Tae Hee, Joo Won, Jo Hyun Jae, Chae Jung An, Jung Woong In, Song Kyung Chul, Stephanie Lee and more. The first episode will air on August 5 at 10 p.m. KST.

Dad-to-be Qi Yuwu bonds with ‘1965’ daughter through Q&As

With actress Joanne Peh due anytime now (or early August, to be exact), Qi Yuwu turned up at yesterday morning’s 1965 media session sans his wife, who - according to Yuwu - was at home resting because they are due at the gala premiere in the evening and it’s now “harder for her to get sufficient rest at night”.

Yuwu shared in an interview with Toggle that they are more or less prepared for the arrival of ‘baby Qi’ and no specific date has been set as they would be opting for a natural birth.

Like most parents these days, they also intend to film the entire delivery process as a form of keepsake with the help of a female cameraman.

“I won’t be filming it as I think she needs me by her side,” he added, “I don’t know if we’d want to share it [with the public] but for now, we’d just keep it as a form of memento.”

Currently based in Singapore to film Channel 8’s The Dream Makers 2, the actor also let on that he feels “lucky” to be able to spend the last trimester of Joanne’s pregnancy by her side in Singapore as he was able to witness the changes and share in her experiences.

Apart from the physical changes, Yuwu shared that Joanne is more sensitive and emotional these days and added that she is also more attuned to the needs and feelings of friends, colleagues or even the things happening around her.

“When I was in Beijing, she told me that she had written a letter to our child (…) For someone who had difficulty expressing herself adequately in the past, she is now able to write a letter to her child, so that’s a big change. I don’t think a lot of people would write letters these days and I was quite touched by that act.”

The father-to-be also shared that he enjoys communicating with kids, especially his young 6-year-old co-star, Sun Yi En (she is the young girl who plays Viveka in 118), who plays his onscreen daughter in the movie, and sees it as an opportunity to learn how to be a better parent.

Despite having filmed together for only two days, the onscreen father and daughter appeared chummy during the media session and even bantered a little for our cameras during the interview. And their mode of communication is through asking each other questions, said Yuwu.

“Some kids just can’t sit still or communicate with you, but she is receptive and would give you concrete answers and even think about your questions (…) A lot of kids aren’t able to express themselves these days and I’m a little worried about that,” he admitted.

When asked if this experience will influence his parenting style, Yuwu replied: “I haven’t thought about how I’d want to educate or raise my child because I’m still learning. I’m learning through communicating with kids.”

Mike Kasem grows a beard and smokes again for 1965

With 1965 being his maiden film project, Gold 90.5 DJ Mike Kasem had to grow a beard and pick up smoking again for his role as a Pakistani reporter called Raj.

Clarifying that it took him a grand total of six weeks instead of the specified two months to grow out a bushy beard for the role, Mike added that he, like filmmakers Randy Ang and Daniel Yun, wanted a full departure from his on-air and TV persona – including the accent which he based on Riz Ahmed in The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

While it was “hot and sweaty” having to live with a beard, it was the annoying remarks and comments made by people around him on a daily basis that ticked him off the most during the duration of filming. “Constantly every single day, I have people saying: ‘Wah look so bad ah, why so bad ah’ (…) I only had a couple of girls go: ‘I like beards, looks good on you’ but for the most part people ask me why and say it doesn’t look good,” he chuckled.

Hairy issues aside, Mike also revealed that he had to pick up smoking again for his chain-smoking character in the movie – something he was entirely open to doing when filmmakers came knocking on his door.

Calling himself “a very under-controlled social smoker” who hasn’t touched a cigarette in two years – up until filming began, Mike shared that he had to puff Kretek cigarettes in the movie and on average went through “almost a pack” of 25 sticks for a single scene.

“It’s very difficult to film the chain-smoking… you smoke, cut, take again, smoke, cut, take again… so there was one scene I was in the bedroom looking at all the pictures on the wall and I was so, so high from all the cigarettes,” he quipped.

“I’ve cut back [on smoking] but I’m definitely battling it now.”

1965 opens in local cinemas on July 30.

Jay Chou takes a break from daddy duties

Taiwanese artiste Jay Chou spent the past few weeks accompanying his wife Hannah Quinlivan who just gave birth to their child on July 10.

However, he was spotted taking a break from daddy duties for the first time when he competed in a basketball competition (the 3-on-3 Basketball League at the Ximending Backstreet Festival) with his good friend singer-composer Will Liu on Tuesday.

His wife and daughter were nowhere in sight and netizens assumed that they are still resting at the post-partum centre.

Photos of the game were uploaded onto Weibo by fans and in the pictures, Jay was wearing an all-black outfit including a beanie, t-shirt and baggy shorts. It also looked like he nearly fell when he wanted to grab the ball from another player, causing netizens to resound in worried comments.

One netizen commented, “Please go easy on him, after all, he just became a father,” and a more observant netizen noticed the plaster around his right pinky finger and said, “(Jay’s) finger injury hasn’t healed yet?”

Bobbi Kristina Brown's funeral plans 'changing'

Bobbi Kristina Brown's funeral plans are "constantly changing".

A source has claimed that the service for the late daughter of Whitney Houston, who tragically passed away on Sunday (26.07.15) at the age of just 22, has been thrown into chaos by the feuding families.

They said: "Both sides [of the family] are still not happy and on the same page. There is a lot going on behind the scenes. There is a lot to do in a very short time."

Whilst another insider added to PEOPLE magazine: "Things are constantly changing."

It has also been revealed that the aspiring actress - who will be buried next to her late mother - will be laid to rest on Saturday (01.08.15) in order for family members to be able to attend.

Meanwhile, Bobbi Kristina's father Bobby Brown is said to be "taking comfort" in knowing his daughter is now "at peace".

A family member said: "He is holding it together more than you'd expect. He knew it was coming. Of course he's very emotional, but at the same time, he knows that Krissy is in a better place now.

"He is taking comfort in the fact that she's with her mother, and that there will be no more sadness or pain. She is at peace. He knows that, and is taking comfort in that."

Super Junior′s Choi Siwon to Enlist in Army After Drama Wraps

Super Junior′s Choi Siwon′s enlistment is imminent.

Super Junior′s agency, SM Entertainment, stated to a reporter on July 30, "[Choi Siwon] will enlist after he finishes MBC′s She Was Pretty. He will enlist as an active duty soldier."Choi Siwon has been confirmed for MBC drama She Was Pretty, which is set to air in September. It is a 16-episode miniseries that will conclude sometime in November.

The rep said, "An exact date hasn′t been decided. However, he′s planning to enlist after filming wraps. We will update when the date is decided."

Choi Siwon will be the seventh Super Junior member to enlist. Kangin, Yesung, Kim Heechul and Leeteuk have completed their service, while Shindong and Sungmin are currently serving in the army.

Is Rainie Yang engaged to Li Ronghao?

When Taiwanese actress-singer Rainie Yang posted a selfie on Monday showing a thick black ring around her fourth finger, netizens immediately speculated that it was given to her by rumoured boyfriend Li Ronghao.

Although her caption (“My biggest wish is for others to appreciate the simple things in life…”) had nothing to do with engagement news, Rainie’s good friend and fellow actress-singer Fish Leong fanned the flame by forwarding her post and asking “Is that an engagement ring?”

Then, Rainie replied with “It’s not! You’ve got it wrong, I was just ranting,” and immediately after that, Fish apologised, “Sorry sorry, [I agree], the simple things in life are the most important.”

Rainie and Ronghao were suspected to be an item after the latter posted a selfie of the two leaning in closely to each other and looking very happy together.

Although they have not admitted to being in a relationship yet, Rainie has been spotted attending Ronghao’s concert and was witnessed spending hours at his house.

Ian Fang admires Christopher Lee’s fatherhood

While speaking about his one-episode cameo appearance in the upcoming Channel 8 drama Life’s Blessings, young local actor Ian Fang said that it’s not a pity at all: “Even if I only appear on camera for one second, I will gladly accept the role.”

Reprising his role as the aspiring chef Bai Zhixiang in 2012’s Don’t Stop Believin’ isn’t difficult for Ian as he said excitedly, “That year, this role helped me to win Best Newcomer at the Star Awards. It has left a deep impression on me and I’m very happy to get the chance to play this character again.”

The 26-year-old’s parents divorced when he was a child and grew up without a complete family. He made a firm stand and said that he will not let his child experience such unhappiness the same way he did. However, he emphasised that his parents’ unsuccessful marriage has not affected his concept of love.

“My mother is more open-minded and happier than me. She told me that even if I don’t get married or have children, she wouldn’t mind. But I’m a more traditional kind of guy, so I definitely want kids.”

Ian, who is currently living the single life, insisted that he wants to get married between the age of 33 and 34.

“I see my friends around me in relationships and some of them are even married with children… I need someone that loves me too … I would like to dote on a girl as well,” he lamented.

The actor continued to say that he thinks “Ah Ge” Christopher Lee has become happier and more cheerful since the birth of baby Zed.

“I really admire him (Christopher). Every time I bump into him, he would happily start telling me about his son and how his son is.”

Ian has been in and out of three relationships and the most unforgettable one was his May-December romance with an older girl.

He said with a sigh, “At that time, I was still a student and I didn’t have the capacity to take care of her financially. Even though she had reached the age for getting married, we both felt that there was no possibility that we could continue what we had.”

The girl’s father even told him, “You’re just a student with no financial stability.”

However, this relationship helped Ian mature and grow. He explained, “Experiencing that setback just spurred me on and made me want to work harder to earn more money. With that economic security, I will be able to take care of my mother as well as my other half.”

Although he is intent on getting married, his current priority is his career. Being in the industry for four years, many veterans have told him to keep trying to expand his career overseas.

However, he denied that it would be any time soon: “I think I have to be a bit more practical for now. I think I’m still in the process of learning, and even if I want to go overseas, I want to wait until I’ve improved my skills before I can be brave enough to try.”

Life’s Blessings premieres October 19, every Monday to Friday at 7.30 pm on Channel 8.

Angelina Jolie's son to take over charity

Angelina Jolie wants her eldest son to run the charity she named after him.

The Oscar-winning actress, who adopted Maddox, 13, from an orphanage in western Cambodia in 2002, says he will take over the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which she set up there 12 years ago "to help local families overcome problems associated with poverty in the region and to help preserve the remarkable habitat and wildlife for future generations,'' in the future.

Asked if he would be involved in her upcoming Netflix film, 'First they Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers,' about the country's Khmer Rouge communist regime, during which 1.7 million civilians died in the 1970s, the director said: "Maddox will be on set every day after school and involved behind the scenes. And yes, Maddox is already involved in the Foundation and will take over my role when he is older.

"As Maddox and I prepare the film we will be side by side learning about his country. He is turning 14 next week and this is a very important time for him to understand who he is. He is my son but he is also a son of Cambodia. This is the time for our family to understand all that that means to him and to us. My desire to tell this story in the most truthful and accurate way possible will be my tribute to the strength and dignity of all Cambodian people."

The 40-year-old star, who has five other children with husband Brad Pitt, still feels a "deep connection" to Cambodia.

She added: "I want to respect its history and bring a film to the world that will not only show the hardships of war but the dignity and resilience of a people I deeply respect."

BEG′s Miryo Releases Racy New Teaser

Brown Eyed Girls′ Miryo has released a racy new image teaser just days ahead of her solo comeback.

Nega Network has been steadily releasing teasers in anticipation of Miryo′s comeback this week, and they′re getting sexier by the day.Miryo will perform new single Queen for the first time live on Afreeca TV on July 29 at 11 p.m. KST before the song is released online on July 30.

Amber Kuo: It would be hard to be friends again

Taiwanese Mandopop actress-singer Amber Kuo spoke up about being lost in love at the press conference for her new movie Paris Holiday.

When asked about how she deals with a breakup, the 29-year-old said, “First, I will let out my tears and then I will binge eat, drink and go for some retail therapy.”

She also shared that "it would be hard to be friends again" after a split. 

In Paris Holiday, Amber plays a woman who is dumped by her fiancé and gradually falls in love with Hong Kong film actor Louis Koo’s kind and caring character as the two gallivant through the romantic city of Paris.

News of her split from Taiwanese film actor Tony Yang broke in March and Louis was speculated to be the rebound, although Amber denied that rumour at the event.

Mark Chao is back to business in Canada

Taiwanese actor-singer Mark Chao spoke about his on-set accident when he attended an endorsement event yesterday.

Mark, who plays a warrior in the film, fell and landed on his sword on set in Xiangshan, China. He was immediately sent to the hospital’s A&E centre and has since recovered well, despite suffering abdominal pain and a fracture in his left rib. 

The actor explained, “My injury is nothing serious, although I still can feel the impact in my heart and will be unable to do intensive or strenuous activities for now.”

The 30-year-old is currently in Canada shooting more scenes for the project and his Chinese actress wife, Gao Yuanyuan, visits him on set when she isn’t busy with her work.

He also praised his “virtuous wife” at the event for “handling every family matter, big or small”.

When asked about whether or not he would be becoming a father soon like his good friend Lu Xiaofeng, who announced the happy news just a few days ago, Mark replied, “It’s a little bit unfair… How do I beat that? What do you want me to do? I think I could only be faster than him if I adopt a baby now!”

Mark continued to explain that they have been planning to have a baby, but would like to “go with the flow”. He added that has no preference for a boy or girl, stating that he “hopes to have both” and laughed when he revealed that he wouldn’t mind having twins either.

Britain's Prince George thinks he's three not two

Britain's Prince George thinks he is three-years-old.

The two-year-old son of Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the later cancelled American Cup World Series with his parents on Sunday (26.07.15) in Portsmouth, England, where he told the son of Head Coach, Rob Wilson, Freddie Wilson that he was a year older than he actually is.

According to US Weekly magazine, Freddie's mother, Wendy Maxwell asked the Duchess how old George is and he said: "I'm 3."

To which Catherine added: "George says that. He thinks that he's older."

Meanwhile, Prince George and his sister, Princess Charlotte were given wooden replicas of two of the Navy's latest aircraft carriers, which are named after Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales.

The toys were given to, George and his two-month-old sister, Charlotte by Royal Marines officer Colonel Mike Tanner, who is the deputy commander of Portsmouth Naval Base, while on their trip to the dockyard.

The special gifts were created by BAE Systems engineers, who commented on the process of producing them.

They said: "They've both been tested in the water. They are coated in a child-proof varnish."

Bae Yong Joon marries Park Soo Jin

South Korean actor-businessman of Winter Sonata fame Bae Yong Joon and singer-turned-actress Park Soo Jin officiated their marriage at a top-secret wedding ceremony at 6 pm yesterday.

The grand occasion was celebrated at the Aston House at Sherton Grande Walkerhill Hotel with 150 of the couple’s relatives and friends and the high-security wedding left no room for interviews. Even celebrities like actors Kim Soo Hyun and Song Seung Heon had to verify their vehicle license plate numbers before being allowed onto the scene.

Actresses Kim Sung Eun, Wang Ji Hye and Lee Yeon Doo were 29-year-old Soo Jin’s bridesmaids and there was a strong line-up of performers that night, including JPY Entertainment’s CEO Park Jin Young, 4men’s Shin Yong Jae and singer-songwriter The One.

Before the wedding, 42-year-old Yong Joon posted on Instagram: “I feel nervous and my heart is fluttering… I’m sorry that I cannot share this joyous moment with all of you, but I promise to be an excellent head of the household.”

However, photos of the pair during the exchanging of vows were still leaked online by reporters showing off Yong Joon’s new haircut and Soo Jin’s conservative white wedding gown.

The couple met when Soo Jin signed on to Key East Entertainment, a management agency founded by Yong Joon, last year. After dating for three months, they announced their engagement in May and shocked many when they brought forward their wedding. However, the couple has denied that it was a shotgun wedding.

Aya Liu denies bad blood between the “sisters”

Rumours claiming that Taiwanese model-actress Pace Wu is still keeping a distance from actresses Dee Hsu and Makiyo resurfaced when singer Christine Fan appeared on talk show Here Comes Kangxi with husband Blackie Chen last week.

The couple were originally on the show to talk about parenting, but the topic of their sisterhood (Pace, Christine, Aya Liu, Barbie and Dee Hsu, Makiyo and Jia Yong Jie) came up and host Dee brought up the fact that Pace accompanied Christine throughout her pregnancy journey and “[Pace] is just trying to show off”, causing netizens to conclude that Pace is a “scheming” fair-weather friend to her “sisters”.

Christine posted a group shot of the sisterhood on Weibo last Thursday and the post was speculated to be an attempt to prove that the group’s relationship has remained unchanged.

Additionally, Aya stood up for Pace on Saturday with an encouraging Weibo post: “What was said on the show is not true. Do you know how long we’ve known each other? How could we have a fall out over such a small matter? We’ve always supported and cared for each other.”

A few netizens still felt that Aya was just covering up the truth, and some even asked her on Weibo, “Are you accusing Dee Hsu?” and “Why did you wait until so many months later to clarify this?”

Many are still continuing to debate over the controversy online about who the “fake friends” are in this story.

SNSD to Wrap ′Party′ Promotions This Week

Girls′ Generation (SNSD) will be wrapping up promotions for Party this week.

SNSD will be concluding promotions for Party, the track released on July 7 that marked the group′s comeback in a year and half. The group will focus on preparations for its full-length album set to be released in August. According to a rep on July 27, SNSD will be participating in the MBC Music Core recording on July 27 in Ulsan. This will mark the conclusion of SNSD′s music program promotions for Party.

SNSD plans to pour its efforts into preparations for its full-length album set to be released in August. The group previously announced it will be promoting double title songs Lion Heart and You Think from its upcoming full-lenth album, following the single Party.

An exact release date for the album has not been set, however, the rep stated, "It will be released in August for sure. Please look forward to the new songs in the new album."

Keith Richards starts days with 'early morning joint'

Keith Richards starts his day with "an early morning joint".

The Rolling Stones rocker has confessed he still regularly smokes cannabis and is pleased more US states are legalising the drug, even though he is unconvinced of its benefits.

He revealed: "I smoke regularly, an early morning joint. Strictly Californian.

"One of the most pleasant things to watch is a map of America [showing States where cannabis is legal ], where it goes, green ... green ... green.

"Whether it's a good thing in the long run, I don't know."

The 71-year-old guitarist gave up heroin in 1978, cocaine in 2006 and eventually claimed he had "given up everything" in 2010, with his most recent comments suggesting he has since been lured back to smoking cannabis.

However, the musician - who is married to model and actress Patti Hansen, 59 - doesn't dabble in any stronger substances.

Asked if he still drinks alcohol, he told MOJO magazine, "I like to keep my hand in," but insisted, "Other than that, I'm pretty straight."

Writing in his 2010 autobiography 'Life', Keith said he believes the secret to his good health is that he was careful not to overdo things when it came to his drug taking.

He wrote: "I'd never put more in to get a little higher. That's where most f**k up.

"It's the greed involved that never really affected me. People think once they've got this high, if they take some more they're going to get a little higher.

"There's no such thing. Especially with cocaine. Maybe that's a measure of control and I'm rare in that respect."

Coming Soon: Rui En’s debut dance performance in a drama

It wasn’t long ago that Rui En’s The Journey: Our Homeland co-star Shaun Chen dished on the actress’ hidden boogie skills – she broke into an À Go-go dance on set and even made him groove along. And in The Dream Makers 2, Rui En will give her first onscreen dance performance.

In the midst of filming this week, Rui En attended a one-hour “shadow dance” training session at Danz People studio. It was her second lesson and also her last, as she would go right into action on Jul 31. “I will be filming this scene in front of many people. I’m pretty nervous,” she confessed.

While speaking to Toggle, Rui En let on that in this scene, Zhao Fei’er (played by Jeanette Aw), who is a guest judge at a reality talent contest that is similar to America’s Got Talent, was supposed to perform the dance. However, Fei’er failed to make it to the show in time and Fang Tong Lin (Rui En) unwittingly became a last-minute replacement for the segment.

Known for having high expectations of herself, Rui En repeatedly sought the instructor’s advice and practised the steps over and over again during the dance class. By the end of the session, her cheeks were flushed red from the vigorous and rapid movements.

“Though the dance is only 30-seconds long, the moves are very fast and exhausting. I had difficulty catching my breath. I’m quite stressed, but I’m looking forward to shooting this,” the actress added.

Despite the lack of practice, the 34-year-old is confident of pulling off a credible performance, as long as she is given time to rehearse for a few times before the actual shoot. It certainly helps that Rui En came from a dance background – she took up ballet as a co-curricular activity at Singapore Chinese Girls' School when she was in Primary 5 and continued the classes until she switched to rhythmic gymnastics in Secondary 3.

Getting back into the rhythm after years, the acclaimed actress was fondly reminded of her dancing days. Although her passion for the art has reignited as a result, she sees it more as a form of exercise now. 

Rui En suffers “internal injury” from acting alongside Dennis Chew

A month since filming for The Dream Makers 2 commenced, Rui En has had a pleasant working experience so far, apart from the “internal injury” that she suffers from acting opposite her onscreen brother Dennis Chew. 

“I have to hold my laughter so much it hurts! But it also makes me very happy. There were times when the entire crew burst into laughter [because of him],” she chortled. “He often injects unrehearsed stuff during filming. That’s good as it trains my reaction speed.”

As the cast is huge this time around, Rui En will be working with other actors besides her main counterparts Dennis, Qi Yuwu and Jeanette, something she is thankful about. “I don’t have to hold my laughter every day. It is extremely tiring to do that and it’s bad for health!” the actress said with a grin.

In addition, Rui En, Jeanette, Yuwu, Zoe Tay, Romeo Tan and Li Nanxing will be heading to Melbourne for 10 days of filming in early September. This marks Rui En’s second overseas filming trip to Australia with Romeo, after their last collaboration on Sudden in 2013.

“We went to Tasmania previously. In this drama, Romeo’s (Zhong Yi Ming’s) love line is with Zhao Fei’er, so we don’t have many scenes together,” she explained.

According to Rui En, Fang Tong Lin and Jason Lam (Yuwu) will be doing a wedding photoshoot in Melbourne whereas Zhong Yi Ming and Zhao Fei’er will join the couple as best man and bridesmaid.

When asked on her travel necessities, Rui En revealed that she would pack all her medicine, both western and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), because “it is not funny to fall sick overseas”. To look her best on screen, the popular thespian would also bring along moisturising beauty products as her skin is prone to dehydration in foreign countries.

The Dream Makers 2 debuts December 3, Channel 8 at 9pm.

Alyssa Chia worries about being “overweight”

Taiwanese actress-host Alyssa Chia, who is expecting her second child in September, is constantly being pampered by her soon-to-be husband Xiu Jie Kai. The couple are being adorable on Weibo as usual, as Jie Kai posted a photo of Alyssa enjoying a large breakfast spread including jam and bread, ham sandwiches, assorted fruits and a smoothie.

The 32-year-old repeated three times in his caption: “Breakfast is very important!” and joked that his cooking skills are “irreplaceable”.

Shortly after, Alyssa forwarded his post with the caption, “If you keep feeding us every day, I’m going to be overweight!”

Netizens began to leave comments such as “You’re not fat at all! You’re so lucky” and complimented the “enticing breakfast” Jie Kai prepared.

Jie Kai also shared that he is willing to go into the hospital room to be by Alyssa’s side when she is giving birth to their newest addition to the family whom they’ve nicknamed “Bu Bu”.

Michael Learns to Rock have run out of love songs

Scandinavian pop band Michael Learns to Rock (MLTR) are officially back in Singapore to perform their 25 Live concert later today, and as one of the longest-running bands in the world – a whopping 27 years and still going strong – they admitted that their main songwriter Jascha Richter has run out of love songs to write.

As MLTR could be out of inspiration soon, they shared in their interview with Toggle that they hope the music maestro Ed Sheeran could help them with his “mad” songwriting skills, and would love to collaborate with the “international star”.

“He’s not an entertainer, he just plays his music and composes that are very easy to sing along with just like us… He’s got a lot of talent and I’m sure he’ll be able to stick around for 25 more years (laughs)” added guitarist Mikkel Lentz.

Jascha shared, “We’ve used the topics ‘I love you’… ‘You love me’… ‘You don’t love me’ and ‘I don’t love you’... We can’t write any more love songs, so we have to try to write about something else.”

Mikkel jumped into to say that he’s “inspired by the new photos of Pluto” and dropped two potential song titles ‘I Love Pluto’ and ‘Love To Pluto’.

Jascha even joked that his next topic would be “the traffic in Singapore” and he’d write about “nice cars” and “too much sound (sic)”.

His band mate Mikkel even joked that he should “get a new wife” so that he could have fresh inspiration to write new love songs. “New wife, new songs!” exclaimed the guitarist.

Speaking about the second generation of MLTR (they have 11 children in total), drummer Kåre Wanscher said, “Most of them play music actually… a few of mine play and love to sing and dance. I know that Jascha’s big daughters also play and Mikkel’s sons [too], so there’s a lot of music [talent] in those kids…. We’re still waiting for them to form a band.”

Jascha also shared about how much the audience loved it when they brought their children on stage at the end of their concert in Indonesia last December and said, “We’d love to bring them here next time.”

Being friends for over 27 years, we’re sure the band members must have bickered over something before. Well, Mikkel and Kåre shared about a time when they got into a physical fight with each other back when the band just began. “He was kicking my bike (…) And he was destroying my Prince album, so I got pissed.”

The men of MLTR continued to show their close relationship as they joked with each other constantly throughout the interview.

When asked about who has the biggest heart, Mikkel said to Kåre (it was his turn to answer) bluntly, “Thank you… Thanks...” but Kåre continued to explain, “I’m sorry Mikkel, there’s only one guy in this band who’s written all of these beautiful love songs… It must be Jascha who has the biggest heart.”

Jascha denied the compliment, saying that Mikkel is the one with the biggest heart instead and Mikkel joked, “I paid him ten dollars to say that. (laughs)”

The bantering continued and Mikkel voted Jascha as the best dad of the group, giving the reason that he wrote a song ‘Sleeping Child’ for his girl. “And I can’t say I did that… but I think I love my children as much as he does and the same goes for Kåre,” he added.

After “Michael Learns to Rock” (as they’re so-called despite having no member with the name ‘Michael’), the bandmates also plan to learn extreme sports and a new instrument.

Kåre began, “We still gotta learn to rock, but personally, I just picked up kite surfing… and I really wanna learn to be really good at that. That’s my number one priority at the moment (laughs)”

Jascha said the same about wave surfing with the family and Mikkel on the other hand got a little stuck on picking up the cello two years ago, as he felt that he’s not been up to par so far. “It’s so difficult… I’ve given up… I really have a lot of respect for classical musicians.”

So what’s next for MLTR? The band revealed that they are definitely continuing to write and make more music, adding that “[the fans] don’t have to wait years” for the next record which they are still in the process of developing.

Michael Learns to Rock will be performing their multi-platinum hits at 8pm tonight during their sold-out 25 Live concert at The Star Performing Arts Centre, brought to you by Warner Music Singapore, Channel 5, Class 95FM, GOLD 90.5FM and 8 DAYS.

Kourtney Kardashian meets with Scott Disick

Kourtney Kardashian met with Scott Disick on Thursday (23.07.15).

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star came face-to-face with her former boyfriend for the first time since they ended their nine-year relationship earlier this month at the Beverly Hill Hotel in Beverly Hills, where they discussed arrangements for their children, five-year-old Mason, Penelope, three, and seven-month-old Reign.

A source said: "Kourtney met up with Scott to discuss the custody situation.

"She wanted him to know that she was going to go after full custody of their children and that she would allow him visitation rights as long as he is sober during the entire time he spends with the kids.

"For the time being, he is also required to be accompanied by a third party."

The atmosphere between the pair was said to have been "very, very serious" as they held their public meeting.

Another source told RadarOnline.com: "Kourtney and Scott sat outside on the patio of the Polo Lounge.

"She had the cobb salad and Scott didn't eat anything at all. They looked to be deep in conversation and very, very serious."

It was recently claimed Kourtney is seeking advice from lawyer Laura Wasser, who previously worked with her sisters Kim and Khloe on their respective divorces from Kris Humphries and Lamar Odom.

A source told Us Weekly magazine: "[She] is going to seek sole custody of the kids. There's no turning back now, and she is going full steam ahead with figuring out an agreement."

EXID′s Hani Impresses with 5-Minute Shopping Skills

EXID′s Hani has garnered the nickname ′So Cool Hani′ for getting all of her shopping done in five minutes.

On the July 23 broadcast of MBC Every1′s EXID′s Showtime, the members were given a mission to put together a complete vacation look. The EXID members received money to go shopping. Unlike the other members who were carefully shopping, after a quick scan of the store, Hani said, "I picked everything."

When it came time to show off their looks, Hani appeared in a refreshing sleeveless dress and hat.

Hani said, "It took me five minutes to shop. I saw girls wearing something like this in photos. I realized the hat had polka dots after I bought it," causing the other members to laugh.

Sunny Wang considers a December wedding in Australia

Taiwanese actor-model Sunny Wang and his singer fiancé Dominique Tsai’s relationship has progressed at a rapid pace since they got back together in December last year.

The 32-year-old’s proposal in April was a success and the pair are now rumoured to be having their wedding at Dominique’s hometown in Australia at the end of December. Sources claimed that they will only be inviting a few family and friends for a small wedding.

Sunny clarified the rumours to the media, “We’ve discussed about having it in Australia, but we haven’t gone so far as to print invitations or confirm with the relatives yet. I will let you all know again when the details are finalised.”

Additionally, his representative said that the wedding should be held at the end of the year and if it were to be delayed, it would not be any later than February next year. He continued to say that Australia is “one of their choices” and revealed that they are also considering having it in Taiwan because of his grandparents’ old age.

Sunny and Dominique first met a decade ago and had a complicated relationship when they first became an item in 2007. They called it quits when Dominique left Taiwan to live overseas. They then reconciled last year after Sunny broke up with Chinese actress Zhang Li.

Is Elroy Cheo and Elva Hsiao’s relationship on the rocks?

Taiwanese Mandopop singer Elva Hsiao and Vanness Wu’s brother-in-law Elroy Cheo have always given off positive and lovey-dovey vibes in their relationship, up until the Singaporean businessman unfollowed her on Instagram a few days ago. Naturally, netizens began to speculate that this was an indication of a breakup.

On Elva’s side of things, she is still following her boyfriend on social media, but she has told her close friends that she would be cancelling her plans to organise a celebration for Elroy’s birthday next week.

Fortunately, her close friends revealed to reporters that the couple are not breaking up and that the two held a temporary grudge against each other over a small matter that had to do with their mutual friend.

Since the couple started dating last year, Elroy has always been a very supportive boyfriend and even watched her judge on the variety programme Road to Star, from where he was seated amongst the live audience during the recording of the show in China. Elva, on the other hand, always said that “work is [her] top priority”.

Kanye West wants to feature in Architectural Digest

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West want to be featured in Architectural Digest.

The couple, who are expecting their second child in December, are reportedly desperate to show off their lavish $20 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California in the prestigious interior design magazine after recently revamping it.

A source close to the duo said: "Kanye wants to show off the Hidden Hills mansion now that they've finished renovations. Kanye considers himself to have an eye for interior design and fashion, and wants to show off what he considers some of his greatest work, the mansion. Kanye thinks the house will influence a generation of how young, hip, urban couples with families will want to decorate their residences."

Kim also "wants to show off her over-the-top closet, and garage with their luxury cars."

The pair achieved their dream of appearing on the cover of Vogue in April 2014 shortly before they tied the knot in Florence, Italy and have now set their sights on its sister magazine, which is also published by Conde Nast.

The insider told gossip website RadarOnline.com: "Of course, Kanye wants it to be featured in Architectural Digest, which is the equivalent to Vogue in terms of prestige.

"Don't be surprised if Kanye asks Anna Wintour, to make it happen! She's Artistic Director of Conde Nast in addition to Editor In Chief of Vogue."

The duo purchased the house, which features two swimming pools, a vineyard, eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, last August after getting tired of waiting for the extensive renovations on their Bel Air home to be completed.

Earlier this year, they also bought a $2.925 million house next door to the property in case they want to expand their home further in the future.

Jun Ji Hyun is 10 weeks pregnant

South Korean actress Jun Ji Hyun of My Sassy Girl fame, 33, announced the good news today and revealed that she is currently 10 weeks into her pregnancy. With the baby due to arrive next year, she also expressed that she is “very happy to become a mother soon”.

At the press event for her new action film Assassination today, Ji Hyun donned a loose-fitting baby blue outfit and still looked slim with no baby bump in sight.

After she finishes her promotional activities for the movie, she said that she will then be “ready to settle down and focus on taking care of her first child”.

Ji Hyun married her banker beau Choi Jun Hyuk in Seoul three years ago on April 13, 2012 and last starred in the drama series My Love from the Star in 2013.

Elvin Ng finally gets to play a bad boy in new drama

Remember Elvin Ng’s role as high school counsellor Wu Yanbin (Mr Goh) from 2012 hit drama Don’t Stop Believin’? Well, the actor will be reprising his role and the character will making a special appearance in eight episodes of Channel 8’s new long-form series, Life’s Blessings, which co-stars Felicia Chin as the doppelgänger of Du Siman (Felicia’s character in Don’t Stop Believin’).

Calling it a breeze for him to step into the shoes of Mr Goh again, Elvin said, “I enjoy playing my character, which comes in handy when I’m filming my scenes for the show. Even now, people still call me ‘Mr. Goh, Mr. Goh’ when I walk down the streets.”

“I think I resemble my character in real life. We’re both kind-hearted and the type of guy you won’t have a problem taking home to meet the parents… I’m just kidding, how can anyone boast about themselves like that, right?” Elvin said with a laugh.

It also helps that both Elvin and Felicia are friends who continued to keep in touch after the drama ended. The pair would go on shopping trips together and even share secrets with each other. Don’t be mistaken however, added Elvin, “It isn’t just the two of us, though.”

Always the “good guy” and never the “baddie”, apart from his role as a gangster who was just released from prison in drama series I’m in Charge, the 34-year-old shared that he’d be acting as a villain who is willing to do anything for fame and fortune in a new drama series, after Life Blessings wraps for him in August.

Although he is unable to reveal more details about the show yet, he mentioned that he plans to tour Australia for a while before shooting the new show.

Elvin explained, “I don’t mind playing the villain, though I am definitely more concerned about my fans’ reactions. I hope they don’t dislike me too much. I hope that my ‘Mr. Goh’ character will leave the audience with a good impression, win some points and then [when I play the villain character, I can afford to] lose some points.”

When asked if he plans to launch a second book, following his first book, Our Epic Little Lives – An Amusement Park, A Horse’s Eye & Little Orange Suns, he revealed that being an author is a thing of the past: “I’m out of inspiration and there’s nothing much I want to write about. I will only begin writing again when I have inspiration and the mood to write.”

He also expressed that never was a business-minded type of man, unlike fellow celebrities who are also entrepreneurs, and explained that he plans to spend at least the next five years focusing whole heartedly on his acting.

Catch Elvin in Life’s Blessings, which premieres on October 19, every Monday to Friday at 7.30 pm on Channel 8.

Will Myolie Wu be renewing her TVB contract?

Over the past few days, many rumours circulated about how Hong Kong actress-singer Myolie Wu won’t be renewing her expiring TVB contract, after 16 years of being with the company, because of wedding plans with her entrepreneur boyfriend Phil Lee and other plans to become the owner of a wedding boutique.

The rumours claimed that she will be starting her bridal shop in August to get a taste of what it’s like to be a lady boss and simultaneously prepare for her own wedding that is supposedly happening at the end of the year.

All this began when Myolie revealed in an interview that she has reached the age where she would like to venture into something new and slow things down a little, which was speculated to be implying that she does not wish to renew her contract any longer.

However, Myolie denied the rumours to a reporter via WhatsApp yesterday: “I’m sorry, I don’t have any plans at the moment… Although my contract is expiring, I can’t bear to let it end. At the moment, I have no new plans to announce because I’m still busy with my acting career... Thank you for your concern.”

Virginia Lok, TVB’s production resources executive and Myolie’s manager said, “I’ve worked with Myolie for so many years and I’m concerned about the next stage of her life. Female artistes should get married too, no matter what.”

When asked about whether or not Myolie will be renewing her contract, Virginia bluntly replied, “Please give her (Myolie) some space to gather her thoughts on this. I’ve already arranged a meeting with her to discuss, so don’t worry.”

Kim Soo Hyun′s Younger Sister Makes Debut Through ′High Society′ OST

Kim Soo Hyun′s younger sister has made her debut as a singer through the High Society OST.

A rep from SBS drama High Society stated to Newsen on July 22, "Kim Joo Na, who sang on the High Society OST, is Kim Soo Hyun′s younger sister. It′s difficult to address in detail [regarding the family relationship]." Kim Joo Na stated via SNS on July 21, "The song I sang for the High Society OST is finally out. I ask for your interest and love. I will work hard from now on. Thank you."

High Society is about a chaebol daughter, Jang Yoon Ha, played by Uee, and Choi Jun Ki, a man trying to climb the social ladder, played by Sung Jun, as they discover the true meaning of love despite their class differences. It′s a mystery melodrama that relays a message of hope for today′s youth.

Blake Shelton is focusing on 'The Voice' USA

Blake Shelton is focusing on his work following his split from Miranda Lambert.

The 39-year-old country singer, who finalised his divorce from the blonde beauty this week just hours after confirming he quietly filed court documents seeking to dissolve their four-year marriage in Oklahoma two weeks ago, is reportedly attempting to keep busy on the set of 'The Voice' USA before the filming wraps up later this week.

A source close to the 'Sangria' hitmaker told PEOPLE.com: "He's devastated, but he's been really private about it. He's focused on the job and has been as engaged and friendly as he has always been."

Miranda, 31, is also trying to focus on her career and is preparing to perform in Nashville next week.

The former couple have been plagued by allegations of cheating, but it was also recently claimed they decided to suddenly separate because she wasn't ready to have children.

A source previously said: "He is eager to have children, but she really enjoys not being tied down. I think they both were off on what the time frame would be.

"They are never together, and he was wanting them to move close to being together. She really loves her career and touring. She has the ability to go and record albums when she wants and to tour."

Show Luo’s rumoured girlfriend fishes for compliments

Taiwanese actor-singer Show Luo’s rumoured girlfriend, Chinese blogger Grace Chow, posted on Weibo on Sunday: “If there ever comes a day when I’m feeling down, please leave me a message saying: ‘You are so cool, what are you afraid of?’ because it’s by far the most comforting thing anyone could ever say to me (laughs)”

In the photo she posted, she is seen taking a photo of herself standing in front of a mirror, wearing an all-black outfit with a black hat and a tight-fitting black coat.

Netizens suspected that she was trying to be flirty with Show in her post and left hurtful comments such as: “You’re so ugly, what are you afraid of?”, “You have a boyfriend, what are you afraid of?” and “You have Show Luo, what are you afraid of?”

However, Grace’s fans defended her by commenting, “You are so cute, what are you afraid of?” and encouraged her to ignore the negative comments.

Show and Grace were last rumoured to have slept at the same hotel room because of the pictures that they both posted online on the same day, showing them in the same pose in bed.

YES 933 DJ Lin Pei Fen welcomes SG50 baby

After announcing news of her pregnancy in February this year, YES 933 DJ Lin Pei Fen gave birth to her son via C-section yesterday (July 17). The new mum shared a photo of her baby boy on social media and captioned: "How wonderful life is, now you're in the world.”

The boy, named Luke, weighs 3.5kg and was reportedly delivered via caesarean due to his size.

“I was awake during the operation because I was under regional anaesthesia. Although I could not see the baby when the doctor carried him, but I started to cry when I heard the baby crying too. I have finally heard my baby’s voice,” recalled Pei Fen, during a phone interview with Toggle this morning.

“I was sobbing so badly,” she laughed, “I didn’t see if my husband was touched to tears [by my sudden breakdown] but he was by my side throughout the entire operation and gave me a lot of encouragement. My husband also personally cut the umbilical cord [at the birth of our baby].”

According to Pei Fen, her son’s name ‘Luke’ represents ‘light’ in Latin and added that the baby boy’s nickname is “Banana”.

“I have a nickname called ‘nana’, so if he’s the baby of nana, that makes him a ‘banana’,” she laughed.

The bubbly DJ shared that she has gained 20 kg during her pregnancy and hopes to lose the baby weight within the next six to nine months. “I will attempt to lose the extra kilos by controlling my food intake, going for massages and exercising,” she said.

Due to pregnancy taboos, Pei Fen shared that they have yet to renovate the baby’s nursery and intend to do it during her confinement period, when she is at her mother’s place.

Peifen will be back on air in October after her maternity leave ends.

The story is updated on July 18, 11am.

Miley Cyrus to host MTV VMAs

Miley Cyrus will host the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.

To announce the news, the 22-year-old singer dressed up as an alien wearing a sign which read: "MTV won't let me perform so I'm hosting this year's VMAs."

Miley's sign was a nod to her 2013 performance alongside Robin Thicke which was slammed as too racy.

She captioned the picture: "F**k yeah VMAs!!!!! #VMAs on @MTV Aug 30 at 9pm."

Miley's performance at the VMAs in 2013 caused controversy due to the suggestive performance she put on while wearing a teddy bear leotard and Miley has admitted in the past that she set out to shock people.

She said: "I know what I'm doing. I know I'm shocking you. When I'm dressed in that teddy bear thing, I think that's funny. I was saying yesterday, I had this obsession about this character that's like an adult baby. Like if you see a baby do something like that it's so warped and weird, but there's something creepily hot about it.

"So when I'm in that teddy bear suit, I'm like a creepy, sexy baby. But I forget that it's, like, people in Kansas watching the show. That people sit their kid in front of the TV and are like, "Oh, an awards show! Let's watch.'"

SNSD′s New Reality Show ′Channel SNSD′ to Premiere Today

Girls′ Generation (SNSD)′s highly-anticipated reality show is set to premiere today, and the girls already have us pumped.

The members will take off for a workshop on the premiere episode of Channel Girl′s Generation (SNSD) set to air on On Style on July 21.

From driving themselves to the workshop location to shopping for groceries and playing games, viewers will be able to see a new side to the SNSD members.

Tiffany stated, "It has been a really long time since all of the members did a program together in 2011. We plan on having a lot of fun shooting."

Sooyoung said, "It′s really fun when the eight of us are together, and the atmosphere is so much better."

Channel SNSD is the first reality show starring all eight members. Each member will plan and produce digital content in the area she′s interested in herself.

Jolin Tsai’s rare show of affection for Vivian Dawson

A rare show of affection from the usually coy Jolin Tsai towards her boyfriend Vivian Dawson sent fans into a tizzy last weekend.

When Vivian turned 31 on Saturday, he wrote on Weibo: “Today is my birthday and I found the 5 star dragon ball (sic). 6 more to go, then I can make my wish,”

Four hours later, Jolin, who is currently busy with her latest concert tour Play, shared his post on her account and publicly wished him “happy birthday” on social media.

Fans were taken aback by her brazen and public show of affection and urged the couple, who have been seeing each other since 2009, to tie the knot soon.

Despite numerous sightings of them going on dates and reports on their May-December romance, Jolin and Vivian are known for keeping their relationship under wraps from the public eye and away from social media.

Cheryl praises Simon Cowell's 'strength' after mother's death

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has praised Simon Cowell's strength following his beloved mother's death.

The 55-year-old music mogul lost his mother Julie two weeks ago following a lengthy illness and fellow 'X Factor' judge Cheryl is impressed with how well he is coping.

She told the Sunday People newspaper: "I don't know how he is coping. I've always admired his strength and tenacity but now I have a whole new level of respect for him. He has that British stiff upper lip."

Cheryl - who is married to French businessman Jean Bernard Fernandez-Versini - recently revealed she is grieving the death of her own father-in-law.

Meanwhile Simon admitted that he had been preparing himself for the worst for a while but was determined not to "burden" anyone else with his problem.

He told the Sun on Sunday: "She'd been ill for a very long time. It really happened last year and it was a tough, tough period.

"But I didn't want to burden anyone else with my problem. That's why I never talked about it.

"In a way, that was the hardest part because it was always on your mind. But look, I experienced it with my dad and the only thing I can say is that I have incredible memories."

EXO′s Su Ho, Baek Hyun and Chen Talk About the Future of EXO

EXO′s Su Ho, Baek Hyun and Chen have graced the pages of @star1.

The boys are seen posing comfortably in natural environments like the living room and making adorable facial expressions that are sure to make the fans swoon in the spread which is featured in the August issue.The EXO members also sat down for an interview with the magazine, where they talked about everything from the future of EXO to acting.

When asked if there′s an EXO they dream of for the future, Baek Hyun said, "I want us to flourish for a really, really long time like friends, like family. Later, when we′re older, I want us all to live in the same neighborhood and get together periodically to eat and have parties."

When asked about any tips as the leader on how to unite a team, Su Ho said, "I try to have a lot of conversations. From the smallest things, I talk to the members a lot comfortably."

On the topic of acting, Chen said, "Of course I want to act. If they let me, I will do my best."

The full interview and spread can be found in the August issue.

Rosalyn Lee digs into dark past for maiden acting gig

Popular radio DJ-host Rosalyn Lee (Rozz) recently made her acting debut in new Channel 5 series Premonition that is slated for broadcast next April.

Toggle caught up with Rozz on the set of the drama at Old Beach Road Police Station, where the 36-year-old and her co-stars, including Taiwanese actor Johnny Lu, local artistes Ezann Lee and Timothy Nga, were scheduled to shoot several action-packed scenes that day.

Scoring a female lead role for her maiden acting gig, Rozz admitted that she was “still trying to come to terms with it”. In fact, she had gone for the audition just because director Gavin Lim (Fighting Spiders) is a friend of hers and they had previously worked together on a variety show.

“I didn’t go to the audition thinking that I was going to get the job. I had to do an interrogation scene and I think I aced that,” the DJ-turned-actress said.

In Premonition, Rozz plays Belinda Tan, a police officer who is hungry to prove her worth by going after big cases to be promoted. “Belinda is ballsy and loud, but she also has a tender side as well as a very sad past. I am a lot like her in this aspect,” she let on.

Determined not to be the weakest link among her cast members, Rozz was driven to “tap somewhere deep inside and find a connection” – the similarity between Belinda and herself lies in the loss of their fathers.

Rozz’s dad left the family when she was 11 and has not re-entered their lives since.

“I thrive on roles which are a bit dark because that is something I can relate to. I don’t think I am skilled as an actor, so I don’t know how to apply techniques or whatever. The only place I can go to is my past, draw from there and apply to the art. I guess it’s like a therapy; it is cathartic in a sense,” the actress candidly added.

It certainly helped that Rozz’s counterpart Johnny, who previously participated in Ch5’s Sayang Sayang (2008) and ChU’s The Will (2009), was able to “give her what she needed” to get into character effortlessly.

“Johnny is a darn good co-actor because he is so experienced. Without his acting, I wouldn’t be able to deliver on my end, especially those emotionally heavy scenes. And we have a lot of those. His presence helps me emote as well,” she explained. “Sometimes tears just flow even before the camera went on. He helps me stay as Belinda, so that’s good. He didn’t judge me even after he found out that I have never acted before. He’s very helpful. I love him.”

Toggle: Tell us more about your debut acting experience.  

Rozz: We are filming the entire series in a month and that’s quite a feat. Some days, it hits 18 working hours per day. I had this mindset that acting is fake and that it is telling a lie. I had to get around that mentally. When I finally did, I found myself believing that I am Belinda. That’s quite a slippery slope. At some point, I really did emote. I felt very emotional (choked back her tears). I just think being emotionally vulnerable is second nature to me now. This experience has opened that door for me.

How would you compare between being a DJ and an actress? 

Radio will always been my first love. I’ve been doing it for a decade and it’s my favourite part of the day. [As for] acting, I surprised myself with this gig. And I was lucky that my first production is with a director who creates and thinks – someone who is kind and patient – and inspiring co-stars. This sets the bar really high.

Would you take up another acting job?

You know what. Channel 8 actually called me up. It’s very weird. I told them: “Why not you watch my Ch5 one first when it comes out?”

I recently appeared on ChU’s programme Mars vs Venus and I got the call even before the show was aired. (Apparently, many people were impressed by your Mandarin.) I’m Chinese, of course I speak Chinese. I don’t know why they were so impressed. Plus I was speaking English 80% of the time!

Johnny’s character in the drama, Jonah Lee, has a special power of foreseeing fatal accidents which could alter destinies. What would you do with such a supernatural ability? 

It’s a curse. I don’t think I will do anything with it. As a person, I hate knowing the future. I think I will just live with that curse and let people go about with spotless minds.

Speaking of premonitions, have you ever had a gut feeling about something and it came true?

Always. Usually about people. Like I have a gut feeling about whether a person is nice or not, and I’m usually never wrong. Bad feeling about an event? I usually have it but I will ignore it.

So, you don’t talk about the future with your boyfriend (Justin Vanderstraaten)?

It applies to everything in my life. I don’t like to limit myself that way. Even with work, when people ask what my five-year plans are, the only thing I know for sure is I want to be happy, I craft my life around that. Whatever happens along the way just happens. He does [talk about the future], but I’ll be like: “Hey, things can change. Let’s focus on the now.”

How has your May-December romance been like? 

It’s been good, very fun. He keeps me young and relevant. It’s like a normal relationship. Nothing’s different from it, you know, except that our age gap is 12 years. I gotta say though, we quarrel very well. There are no explosive arguments; we sort everything out within a few days. He’s not like a regular 23-year-old, so it helps a lot. I don’t go for younger guys for the sake of it.

Toggle: It’s been six years since you last worked with MediaCorp. What made you take up Premonition? 

Johnny: Singapore is very good to me. Every time I come, it has been very pleasant. I love the sun, food and energy, so much so that I once said I want to move here in future. I got a call [about the project] and Gavin went to Taiwan to meet me. I saw the script, one that I have never come across before. It has suspense, sci-fi, romance, action and drama – all the elements in one script. That is very rare. Every performance that I have in Singapore are very close to the real me. I am most comfortable in [speaking] English, so I get to inject a lot of myself into the role.

How has working with your co-stars been?

I told the director that I’m surrounded by three beautiful ladies: Rosalyn Lee, Narelle Kheng and Ezann Lee. I had so much fun working with Rozz. She has very good instincts as an actress. She surprised me on several occasions, to the point where I was shocked [by her performance]. She brings it, definitely.

I used to breakdance and Narelle knows how to dance, so we have good rhythm. During fight scenes, [our moves] are in sync.

What would you do if you possess the special power that Jonah has?

I don’t want it. It’s a curse, trust me.

Have you ever had a gut feeling about something and it came true?

Let’s put it this way. Every production that I have been on, including this one, I would have these random scenes that I experience déjà vu, like “I’ve done this before” or “I’ve been here at this spot”. I was doing a driving scene [for Premonition]. I saw a row of HDB flats, but that was something which I’ve seen before I came to Singapore, in my dream or whatever you call it.

Are you the type to plan for the future?

I used to, when I was younger but not anymore. (Why not?) Because there’s no point. There are a lot of things that are out of your control. You just do what you gotta do and the rest will take care of themselves.

According to Taiwanese reports, you’ve been together with your girlfriend for 23 years. How do you maintain such a long-running relationship?

We are both very career-focused. She’s doing her thing and I’m doing my thing. We respect each other’s space and what we want individually, and that’s what makes it work. It’s not easy but it works. Every couple has a secret on how to make things work. At the end of the day, it’s love. If you love a person, you will find a way. (Do you have plans to settle down?) Yes, of course. Everybody does. It’s a normal path of life.

Catch Premonition when it premieres in April 2016 on Ch5.