[Hong Kong TVB Drama 2013] Always and Ever 情逆三世緣

Details:Title: 情逆三世緣 / Qíng nì sānshì yuán
English title: Always and Ever
Producer: Chong Wai-kin
Genre: Ancient, Love, Drama
Episodes: 30
Production Company: TVB 
Broadcast period: August 12, 2013 - September 20, 2013Replacing: Karma Rider 師父‧明白了
Cast:Bobby Au YeungEsther KwanBen WongPierre NgoRam Chiang
Timothy Cheng
Christine Kuo
Benjamin Yuen
Mandy Wong
Rebecca Zhu

Synopsis:The results of a daggering oath causes CIB officer Bobby Au-Yeung to accidentally kill his girlfriend, Esther Kwan. Overcome with grief, his soul escapes and travels back in time to the Song Dynasty, where it attaches itself to the body of Justice Bao Zheng (Bobby). He is surprised to meet an ex-princess (Esther) who looks exactly like his girlfriend. Unfortunately, she gets framed by the evil minister Ben Wong and Bobby, as the famously impartial justice, is forced to execute her. Distraught, his soul leaves him again and finds its way to the 1950s. Bobby becomes a well-known detective and learns that Esther is present in this era as well. However, she does not recognize him and instead accuses him of murdering her husband. While Bobby investigates the case, he inadvertently discovers that the dancer Rebecca Zhu and her boyfriend Pierre Ngo are his parents in their youth. Bobby finds out that Esther's sister (Mandy Wong) has been behind everything. Tragedy strikes once more and Bobby kills Esther for the third time. His soul returns to the modern era. In order to protect Esther, Bobby is determined to break the curse. He searches for the person who placed the curse, but is shocked to discover that he is at the root of the tragedy...Translated by miriamfanz @ Casual TVB
Theme song:
Shirley Kwan - It's a Coincidence

class="ipsType_pagetitle" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(50, 50, 50); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Bobby Au Yeung Afraid of Muscular Nick Cheung, Dares Not to Embrace Esther KwanWednesday August 7, 2013 Hong Kong
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

 

Yesterday Bobby Au-Yeung, Esther Kwan, Pierre Ngo and Benjamin Yuen attended the promotional event for TVB new series Always and Ever held on an antique ship. The series is premiering Monday August 12th. The cast divided into teams to play love confession games. Bobby made a tasty joke, he read “implicit” (含蓄) backwards and said: “Am I suppose to read this from left to right, or right to left!” At the promotion, the Titanic theme song played, Bobby and Esther were requested to pose like the classic scene from the movie. Bobby didn’t dare to actually embrace Esther from behind, he just did it in the air. He laughed: “Her husband (Nick Cheung) is so big now, he’s a really good fighter now. Can’t do this pose.”

Esther’s comeback series is airing soon, she exposed she got a pimple and isn’t sure what it may mean. Its already been a long while since she had this happen, but she hopes the series does well. Esther expressed: “I haven’t done series in the 1950s before, my husband said I look like a ‘nai nai’, but I really like the clothing and styles from that time period. (Will your husband be watching the series?) He probably will see a little of it, but not necessarily sit down and watch. Actually I’m going to watch with my daughter, and she what she thinks. At first, when she learned her mom’s is going to die 3 times in the series, she refused to watch, but then she asked me why didn’t I kill Uncle Bobby? It’s so funny! (Will your daughter be watching Nick’s movies?) She hasn’t yet, I think his latest one Unbeatable is CAT II. Nick can bring her along to watch the movie, when there’s fighting scenes, just tell her to cover her eyes. She can watch the inspirational parts.”

Bobby ready to “pay the bill” 

During filming of this series, Bobby suffered acute pneumonia and scared everyone. Luckily he has recovered and doing fine now. Bobby expressed: “Its inevitable, nobody wanted it to happen. I hope the TV ratings will be good, must reward and support each artist for all their hard work. When I was resting, they had to be shooting with my substitute, one scene took 2 days to complete. (You have to treat everyone a meal to pay them back?) Still planning, this is a must. (Drink less alcohol?) Actually its not related. It is overdraft of my physical strength. The doctor said I shouldn’t eat too much in the evenings. It was because I had too much food in my stomach that was pressing to my lungs, that’s what caused problems.” 

class="ipsType_pagetitle" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(50, 50, 50); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Esther Kwan to Make a T-Back for Bobby AuYeung to Wear for High RatingsSunday August 11, 2013 Hong Kong
Source: Mingpao, Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

   

Yesterday Bobby Au Yeung and Esther Kwan attended TVB new series Always and Ever promotional event held at Tai Po in the bitter hot weather. The cast appeared dressed in their costumes under the blazing heat. Dressed as Justice Sung, Bobby disclosed his undergarment was already soaking.

Bobby expressed since Esther Kwan agreed to be in her ancient costume for the promotion, he also didn’t decline to either. He hopes Always and Ever’s premiere will get a TV rating of 44 points and even if there is a “20% discount”, the rating can still be 34 or 35 points. Lately the TVB ratings have been going back up, Bobby joked he hopes to “hold hands with richard simmons” and charge up with them. Hopefully Always and Ever will take some of their light and keep the audience going. Also, Esther expressed there has been a lot more paparazzi following her lately, and have seen then run the red traffic lights, such dangerous actions.

Esther expressed she initially wanted to wear her 50s costume to the event, but she gained some weight and couldn’t fit into the costume. She said she has expectations on the TV ratings, Bobby suggested to celebrate high ratings by wearing a T-back, Esther said: “And I’m responsible for making the T-back for him, I’m afraid he wouldn’t be able to buy one.” She hopes Always and Ever's ratings could be as good as TITS2 because costume dramas isn’t as fancy as TITS2. In Always and Ever, she and Bobby will have "restrained" intimate scenes, which differs from the usual intimate scenes involving body contact. Nick Cheung had physically trained to get "chocolate" muscular abs for his new film Unbeatable, Esther disclosed her husband has returned to his normal figure, he gained some weight, but there aren't any sags. She feels Nick is much more spirited now. 

class="ipsType_pagetitle" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(50, 50, 50); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Mistakes in 'Always & Ever', Bobby Defends: "No Big Deal!"Saturday August 17, 2013 Hong Kong
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

 

Yesterday Bobby Au Yeung was on a radio interview to promote for TVB new series Always and Ever. When speaking of the ratings, Bobby joked: "I heard it was 60 points, averaged 59 points and peaked at 64 points. If this rating report is true, I will go nude swimming as Justice Sung. Esther Kwan watching from the side would be sufficient!"

Bobby did not pay attention to Netizens' comments about the mistakes in the series. He did not understand why the audience watches the series and focuses on the background setting rather than the characters. He said: "We filmed the outdoor scenes at the Lai Chi Kok Park. Perhaps the post-production didn't notice the metal fence. (The metal fence is fine?) They even had the metal springs from the mattress, what is the big deal with metal railings? I hope the audience will stop complaining. After all the complaints, I'm afraid there will no longer be another place we can use for filming."

Bobby had looked at Netizens' comments on the series. This time, most people find Always and Ever a comedy, they teased Bobby is always unlucky causing the female lead in the series to die, such as Jessica Hsuan and Marianne Chan in Witness to a Prosecution and Kenix Kwok in A Pillow Case of Mystery. Netizens named Bobby "Slaughtering Pig Man". Bobby said: "The characters are either alive or dead. The female artists whom had worked with me before, they are doing great! Look at Ada Choi, Esther Kwan, Kenix Kwok, they are all married with children, so happy!"

It was rumored Nick Cheung is in depression and had to sleep in a separate room away from his wife Esther. Bobby joked: "Did Nick do something wrong? He and Esther had always had a good relationship. Perhaps the husband (Nick) has a movie playing now and the wife (Esther) has a series airing, that's how the rumors came about. Treat it as promotions!" 

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DramasTriumph in the Skies II - 衝上雲霄II (EPS 21-25) - 31 PTS (Peaking at 32 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世緣 (EPS 01-05) - 28 PTS (Peaking at 31 PTS)
Complaints- Always and Ever, 6 complaints: illogical plot, boring, inconsistent with history and plagiarism. 

TVB Rating Reports (08/19/2013 - 08/25/2013)Source: HKChannelTranslated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net
TVB Rating Reports (08/19/2013 - 08/25/2013)
DramaTriumph in the Skies II - 衝上雲霄II (EPS 26-30) - 30 PTS (Peaking at 31 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世緣 (EPS 06-10) - 26 PTS (Peaking at 29 PTS)
Come Home Love - 爱·回家 (EPS 326-330) - 23 PTS 
Variety ShowsSuper Trio Maximus - 超級無敵獎門人 終極篇 (EP 19) - 24 PTS2013 Miss Hong Kong Pageant Semi-Finals - 2013香港小姐競選準決賽 - 24 PTS 

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Source: On.cc
Tranlated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

  

Yesterday Bobby Au-Yeung, Esther Kwan, Pierre Ngo, Rebecca Zhu, Derek Kwok and Mandy Wong appeared riding on a double decker bus in Tsim Sha Tsui and stopped at a bus stop for TVB series Always and Ever's promotional event. Regarding the hot weather, Bobby was soaked in sweat. He expressed he hoped the next promotion is at a beach: "We can be in swimwear then, and can get into the water when its too hot. (Who do you want to see in a swimsuit?) Everyone!" Bobby recalled 20 some years ago when he was shooting Files of Justice, he had a CPR scene on the beach with Joyce Koi and bought an one-piece swimsuit just for that scene.

Esther joked she'll wear a T-shirt underneath her swimsuit. She disclosed her daughter turned into a "questioning girl" after watching Always and Ever and praised her Uncle Bobby being so cute. 

Source: On.cc, KuangaiTVB
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net
TVB Rating Report (08/26/2013 - 09/01/2013)
DramasTriumph In the Skies II - 衝上雲霄II (EPS 31-35) - 31 PTS (Peaking at 33 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世緣 (EPS 11-15) - 28 PTS (Peaking at 31 PTS)
Come Home Love - 愛.回家 (EPS 331 - 335) - 24 PTS 
SpecialMiss Hong Kong Pageant 2013 - 2013香港小姐競選決賽 - 29 PTS (Peaking at 33 PTS)
Variety ShowsSuper Trio Maximus - 超級無敵獎門人終極篇 (EP 20)- 26 PTSPilgrimage of Wealth 2 - 走過浮華大地 亞洲篇 (WEEKLY) - 24 PTS (Peaking at 27 PTS)
(Nielsen TAM: 1 point represents 64,200 viewers)
Complaints- TITS2, 6 complaints: Criticisms on Fala Chen's acting (2) and the 'heavy flavor' plot (4).- Miss HK, 2 complaints: The MC mentioned which contestant they were rooting for on the show, which affected the audience's vote. _________________________ class="ipsType_pagetitle" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(50, 50, 50); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Bobby Au Yeung Tries to Convince Esther Kwan for "Armed Reaction 5"Monday September 2, 2013 Hong KongSource: Mingpao Weekly, HKChannelTranslated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net
 

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 & Everfilming, 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." 

class="ipsType_pagetitle" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(50, 50, 50); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Esther Kwan Had 2 Miscarriages; Having Second Child, Leave It to FateTuesday September 3, 2013 Hong Kong
Source: Mingpao, Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

    

Yesterday Bobby Au Yeung, Esther Kwan, Mandy Wong, Rebecca Zhu, Pierre Ngo and the rest of the cast attended TVB series Always and Ever promotional event. The cast turned into Dance King and Queens at the promotion; Mandy came disguised as Marilyn Monroe, with a low cut outfit showing off her career line; Rebecca was dressed like Cleopatra. Mandy and Rebecca danced around Bobby to entice him, but their dance couldn't beat Bobby and Esther's old-styled dancing.

It was reported because Esther and Nick Cheung had problems with their marriage due to Esther’s two miscarriages? Esther said: "That happened before my daughter was born. I’ve already been through those unhappy moments. (Did Nick know about the miscarriages?) He knew, we have to face these things together. (Won't try anymore?) We aren't deliberately thinking about it anymore, before we really, really, wanted a baby, but now its much more relaxed and we will be just as happy as a family of three or four. (Doesn't your daughter want a sibling, playmate?) A few years ago she did rush me and that we should adopt a child. I said to her, we're not adopting a pet, he/she is a member of the family. She then stopped thinking about it. We got her a pet dog now and she's already saying she's the elder sister."

It was said Rebecca Zhu got plastic surgery done to disguise herself like Fala Chen. Rebecca denied, its just I've been learning Kung Fu and losing weight. Rebecca expressed she doesn’t oppose to plastic surgery. Asked where she wanted to do it on? She said: “I’m not sure yet, when I get older I’ll know. (Do you mind being said to look like Fala?) Actually I have spoken to Fala about this, she and I have one thing in common, that is we don’t look alike at all!” 

TVB Rating Report (09/02/2013 - 09/08/2013)Source: Mingpao, WacowTranslated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net
DramasTriumph in the Skies II Finale - 衝上雲霄Ⅱ大結局 (EPS 42-43) (SUNDAY) - 38 PTS (Peaking at 41 PTS)
Triumph in the Skies II Finale Week - 衝上雲霄Ⅱ结局篇 (EPS 36 - 41) - 31 PTS (Peaking at 33 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世缘 (EPS 16-19) - 29 PTS (Peaking at 31 PTS)
Come Home Love - 爱·回家 (EPS 336-340) - 24 PTS 
Variety ShowsTriumph in the Skies II Special - 衝上雲霄II 華麗著陸 (SUNDAY) - 32 PTSCook Away Lady - May姐有请 - 26 PTSPilgrimage of Wealth II - 走過浮華大地亞洲篇 (WEEKDAYS) - 24 PTS
(Nielsen TAM: 1 point represents 64,200 viewers)
TITS2 Notes- TVB received 7 calls/emails, all were compliments that TITS2's "ending was really a good watch!"- The Broadcasting Authority received 4 complaints -- the male/female lead do not match as a couple.- The average rating started off at 34 points, then quickly shot up to 38 points.- The peak rating of 41 points was during the life-threatening scene when smoke started on Fala, Chilam and Francis aircraft.- TITS2 is now the highest rated TVB series of 2013, the entire series averaged at 31 points. 

TVB Rating Reports (09/09/2013 - 09/15/2013)Source KuangaiTVBTranslated by : aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net
DramasSniper Standoff - 神槍狙擊 (01-05) - 25 PTS (Peaking at 27 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世缘 (EPS 16-19) - 24 PTS (Peaking at. 27 PTS)
Come Home Love - 爱·回家 (EPS 336-340) - 22 PTS
Variety ShowsSuper Trio Maximus - 超級無敵獎門人終極篇 - 26 PTSThe Voice of the Stars - 星夢傳奇 - 20 PTS) 
(Nielsen TAM: 1 point represents 64,200 viewers) ____________________________ class="ipsType_pagetitle" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(50, 50, 50); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"Bobby Au Yeung Swears to Nick Cheung Won't Kiss Esther KwanSaturday September 14, 2013 Hong Kong
Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net

    

When you type "Au Yeung Jan Wah" (Bobby Au Yeung) into the Google search field, you get "Kwan Wing Ho" (Esther Kwan) attached to it. Clearly, Bobby and Esther are the best partners in the audience' heart. The audience waited 12 years before they were able to see this pair star in TVB series Always and Ever. The audience enjoy watching, laughing in front of the TV every night. Bobby frankly expressed he had to do the go-between in order to convince Esther to make this comeback. He had to first ask her husband Nick Cheung and swear to him that there won't be any kiss scenes.


Close Collaborations, No Fear of Rumors 
Esther: 12 years later, I collaborate with you again in Always and Ever. It feels no different from before, we get through the series filming with much laughter.

Bobby: Not many people can do it. Some people rather go dating than film a series or others would go dating and not shoot a movie. It is very rare that we can still be best partners after so many years and even won awards.

Esther: We got the "Best Comedic Bickering Pair" award back in Taming of the Princess! But after that award, we didn't get another one.

Bobby: That time when I collaborated with you in our first series Taming of the Princess, we weren't as close as we are now, but it was still easy to communicate. We got an award on our first series.

Esther: There wasn't that many pairings that time. Well its comfortable shooting series with Bobby, there is no need to avoid or worry about rumors.

Bobby: I already swore to Nick Cheung there wouldn't be kiss scenes! Hahaha.

Esther: We as a couple don't need kiss scenes, it was like that all along.

Bobby: Leave that for the youngsters. We didn't have it in ancient dramas or in Armed Reaction. There was just one in A Recipe from the Heart, but it was a funny one. We were kissing while speaking our lines.

Esther: That scene was so exaggerated, very funny. Comedy came first in the supposed kiss scene.


Both Married, Avoid Intimate Scenes 
Bobby: Actually I really oppose to kiss scenes because there are some angles I don't look good in. Nick looks good in kiss scenes! His nose is high and his face is thinner. My nose is flat and my face is round. It looks like you're kissing a fried dough cake ('ham jin beng'). Haha.

Esther: Don't need to use these things to attract the audience.

Bobby: After all, we're both married. The audience might find it strange to see us kiss and they know we're so close, we rather use expressions and actions to convey [the feelings]. Don't necessarily need kisses to convey the feeling. The housewives say: "You're married! Still doing those scenes!" Actually kiss scenes are difficult to shoot! Just like in Armed Reaction 3, the script said Ada Choi and I have a passionate kiss, I said why don't we just change it to a kiss on the forehead or the cheek. Ada said that was fine too. It doesn't necessarily have to be a kiss, see what the impression audience have on you.

Esther: Then who have you kissed in TVB?

Bobby: Eileen Yeow, did CPR on Joyce Koi and the one with Yoyo Mung was most intense! That scene was filmed at night near a bar, many people were watching. I was so nervous. I'm really afraid of shooting these scenes, kept on drinking water and chewing gum. That time Yoyo wasn't in a relationship yet, she asked me: "Are you really nervous? Keep drinking water and chewing gum." I said there are so many people watching, how can I kiss you! She asked me to give it a try first and when the cameras actually start rolling, I'll be calmer. I said good idea, then we gave it a try. That scene was very intense, we went up against the wall and rolled around. After trying, I really wasn't as afraid! Well, the scenes with you aren't as open, very implicit.

One Active, The Other Quiet 

Bobby: This time you made a comeback in Always and Ever, I was just there to add the momentum and you can satisfy your craving for acting.

Esther: Well you were an important factor too.

Bobby: I really do respect Nick, I asked him first before I asked you.

Esther: Well, a partner you don't really have to communicate with, there isn't much to worry about. Basically its no problem at all, but then still got to see the script too.

Bobby: Shooting one series after such a long period, of course there has to be the right timing, arrangements and enjoyment! So, she sits there quietly everyday at work, Ram Chiang asked me, why am I able to withstand Esther?

Esther: What! That day when I gave Ram Chiang a ride, he asked me why am I able to withstand Bobby?

Bobby: What? Am I that difficult to deal with? Ram said only I could make you laugh.

Esther: I just don't talk much.

Bobby: Even if you do, its very short! Yes, Oh, Mm. Hahaha.

Esther: Only you can just keep on talking and talking. You make jokes, you gossip, you can just talk about anything. Sometimes you even bash people, some times you're very funny and other times you can get inciting.

Bobby: Friends should talk more.

Esther: I'm just a person you can trust, I don't go around telling others what you told me. Actually I kinda do miss the life of filming series. The whole crew is filled with laughter, but then can get serious when its actually time to start filming. Acting is so much fun, but having to wait in between filming is no fun. This time, I try to enjoy myself during the wait times, perhaps there's not many chances to wait anymore.

Bobby: It was just waiting on me for 10+ days. (referring to Bobby's ICU incident)

Esther: There wasn't many lead actors that had something like that happened to them like you did, haha! At the time I was very worried. When I got to the hospital and saw you trying to sneak to eat the Hainanese chicken rice, and kept telling jokes, I knew you were fine. Then later back at work, you were much more cautious. Once you started working again, you were back to how you were before.

Bobby: Yup, constantly NGing! The camera man said I maintained my standard, haha.
Esther: You were already NG constantly back during Taming of the Princess.

Bobby: NGs are normal, people aren't photocopiers.

Esther: You just want to add to the dialogue.

Bobby: Didn't you said after I discharged from the hospital, my mouth is worse than before?

Esther: That proves you are fine. Its better than you being foolish, that would be even scarier!

Joking Around and Bickering Doesn't Hurt Their Relationship 

Esther: Actually this time in Always and Ever, it was quite difficult portraying three different characters. Had to concentrate life's highest peak all in some 10 episodes. Life and death going up and down is quite tiring!

Bobby: I told friends you had beautiful crying scenes, never seen a crying actress with so much in their eyes and on their face.

Esther: When we got to the last few episodes, practically every scene had crying in it!

Bobby: Watching that scene again where you grabbed my hand and tried to wake me up, I actually did fall asleep. Hahah!

Esther: It doesn't matter if you were asleep, but you were snoring and basically disturbed me while I was saying my lines.

Bobby: Do you want to film another series? You could do a light police themed series. I don't have to be in it, you still have a lot of choices.

Esther: Have to see the script. Well partnering with you, I will definitely get thinner.

Bobby: My duty is to make you cheerful and carefree at work. Haha.

TV Queen Turned to "Serving" 

Esther is a quiet person who doesn't talk much, but Bobby ultimately has a way to make her laugh. Such as, when taking pictures Bobby saw a silver horse statue at the restaurant and immediately brought it to Esther: "Nick got the Golden Horse Award, take this Silver Horse back with you too!" This made Esther laugh out loud.

When speaking of this year's TVB TV Queen award, Esther was infected by the humorous Bobby. She joked: "I'm already a 'TV Queen' (si hau), at home I have to 'si hau' (serve) my daughter and 'si hau' (serve) my husband." Esther's comment made everyone laugh nonstop. Good friends complement the longs and shorts, together they are the best partners. 

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Source: Apple Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net


TVB series Always and Ever's finale is airing this weekend. In the series, Mandy Wong and Rebecca Zhu appear during the 1950s lifetime where they got the opportunity to compete on beauty, sexiness and dancing skills. After they finished filming this series, they didn't have a chance to meet again until their interview with [Apple Daily]. Rebecca pointed at Mandy and scolded: "Your role (Tin Chau An) is so bad! So despicable! You fight over everything, you set houses on fire, you steal boyfriends, steal money and treat your sister terribly! Watching the series again, I saw you have an evil look on your face in every scene. You were so into character and brought me into character as well."

Must Have a Dark Side

Mandy Wong has accumulated 6 years of acting experience, her analysis on each role is very three dimensional. She said: "This is a tragic role, many Netizens have left messages telling me they're watching and scolded me badly! I actually think my role is very miserable, her life is just filled with revenge and resentment. Even if she's married and has a son, she's still filled with resentment when she dies. She takes on so much pressure in her life!" Mandy spent a lot of time trying to handle this role and shared her experiences with her junior Rebecca. "When reading the script, I have to constantly convince myself on how I'm going to do this. I must look negative and have a dark side. I've done several semi-evil roles before, many people have asked me why I'm always so evil. First, artists are very passive and perhaps many in the audience will be yelling at you, but that means people are watching and they're really into the series."

Breakthrough Manipulation

Mandy learned good and evil from her tragic role Tin Chau An, but how can people separate black and white. As a newcomer, Rebecca sighed: "The Rebecca Zhu in real life isn't like her role (Lam Yim Fong). She will only work hard on dancing more and earning more money. She won't take advantage of everything she can!" Conversely years after baptism, Mandy has a different view on life. "Sometimes the roles isn't about good or bad, people are very three dimensional. A person will never be too good, there will always be a dark side. People should be like that. People change, so my role should change too. I don't believe you never thought of bad things before!"

Mandy suddenly went back to the topic of acting, she said: "Sometimes there are a lot of restrain, but will that damage my image? I learned to let go after the role Kwan Yee So!" Rebecca, who was listening to Mandy attentive, quickly asked: "Then how did you overcome this issue?" Mandy: "Since my first series, it was after I participated in Miss HK, I treated myself like a blank white piece of paper. I let others manipulate me, portraying 'Am Chun Mui' (Suspects in Love), 'Lai Shui Mui' (Divas In Distress) and 'Kwan Yee So' (L'Escargot), I had to be very open and cannot think whether I look pretty or not. Well of course, some angles still must look good! Be free and flexible, I'm still learning too!"

Different Views on Love

Nobody can say "Three Lifetimes of Fate", Mandy and Rebecca didn't dare to say much about this lifetime. Stuck at the TVB City and working mostly in the studios, how can a lover pass through the walls and meet them? Rebecca was starting to worry: "We're too passive, why would others take initative to pursue us? What to do? So many girls take initiatives, should I be doing the same or should I be myself? I'm still thinking!" Many expressed she will remain committed to her own views: "I believe in fate. When fate comes, you cannot stop it even if you tried, so I won't deliberately go pursue anything." 

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Hong Kong actor Bobby Au-yeung recently expressed dissatisfaction that "Always And Ever", in which he stars with Esther Kwan, was not as successful as he thought it would be.

According to HK Channel website, the time-travelling romance drama has only managed to accumulate an average of 28 points since its premiere in mid-August, despite garnering excellent reviews.

Bobby admitted that he had high expectations for the series' performance on television, "Esther's comeback appearance should bring about at least 25 points in ratings. But the ratings have been averaged at 28 to 29 points. Does that mean I only have the power of having 4 to 5 points?"

He continued, "Though I don't know much about how the ratings are counted, I know for sure that "Always And Ever" has been receiving good word-of-mouth since its premiere. People always came to me and told me that they're watching the series and even talked to me about the plot, but somehow it's not reflected in the ratings."

In other developments, the 53-year-old actor will soon begin filming a new TVB drama in November, temporarily titled "Ox Head Loves Horse Mouth". 

TVB Rating Reports (09/16/2013 - 09/22/2013)Source: Sharp Daily, KuangaiTVBTranslated by : aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net
DramasAlways and Ever Finale - 情逆三世缘大結局 (EP 31 END) (SUNDAY) - 36 PTS (Peaking at 37 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世缘 (EPS 25-29, MON-FRI) - 24 PTS (Peaking at 27 PTS)
Always and Ever - 情逆三世缘 (EP 30, SATURDAY) - 24 PTS (Peaking at 26 PTS)
Sniper Standoff - 神槍狙擊 (EPS 06-10) - 24 PTS (Peaking at 26 PTS)
Come Home Love - 爱·回家 (EPS 341-345) - 22 PTS 
Variety ShowsSuper Trio Maximus - 超級無敵獎門人終極篇 (SUNDAY) - 36 PTSCook Away Lady - May姐有請 (SUNDAY) - 32 PTSThe Voice of the Stars - 星夢傳奇 (SUNDAY)- 23 PTS
(Nielsen TAM: 1 point represents 64,200 viewers)** Note: Sunday's ratings are higher than normal due to Typhoon Usagi, many stayed home.