TVB Pushing Aside Linda Chung to Promote Kate Tsui?
Kate Tsui (徐子珊) may be on her way to be TVB’s next big sister. Sources say that the 35-year-old’s TVB contract will be ending this May, but the actress is currently negotiating a renewal with the station. With top stars leaving one by one, TVB is willing to step up the game to prevent another mass talent drain.
Kate is reportedly in talks to renew her TVB contract for $1.2 million HKD, a 15 percent increase over her current contract. To lure Kate to stay, TVB promised Kate that they will tailor-make a role for her, and will also cast her in an Anniversary drama production. If Kate does say yes to the renewal, TVB will immediately start working on her new drama, which will be centered on women, and hopefully have it completed by the end of the year for the Christmas timeslot.
An insider said that while Kate is very interested in tackling the television industry outside of Hong Kong, she is not confident of her star power in the Mainland Chinese market. The likelihood of Kate renewing her TVB contract is high. The currently-airing Smooth Talker <以和為貴> is Kate’s only drama of 2015, but if she renews her contract, more work will be coming her way.
With these new developments, it is expected of TVB will groom Kate to become Hong Kong’s next TV Queen. Kate was close in winning Best Actress in 2012’s Highs and Lows <雷霆掃毒>, but ultimately lost the award to Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles <名媛望族> star Tavia Yeung (楊怡). However, Kate did manage to win the highly coveted My Favorite Female Character.
Linda Chung Demoted?
While prospects are looking good for Kate, TVB’s other top star, Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣), is reaching a decline in status. Not only does Linda have to deal with her breakup rumors with Philip Ng (伍允龍), TVB is allegedly pushing Linda aside in order to promote Kate. Linda will only guest star in Brother’s Keeper 2 <巨輪 II>, which is set to begin production at the end of the year. Grace Chan (陳凱琳) will instead star in a prominent role in the series.
Although the competition between Kate and Linda remains fierce for 2015. Linda may find a new breakthrough in the upcoming Limelight Years <華麗轉身>, premiering in late April. She will also be leading in a new drama with Bosco Wong (黃宗澤), which will begin filming in June.
Source: ihktv.com
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
I really like Kate’s acting. I hope TVB is keeping Kate because they are noticing her acting, and not for her looks or name. She deserves better. I don’t know if it’s good or bad for TVB to treat her like this cause they’re just going to wear her out. Also, I think Kate wants to venture out into the movie industry or different areas of acting. If she does decide to stay, hope she doesn’t work so much that she is too tired to actually act well.
Kate missed her chance with Highs and Lows and now her acting is getting worse. I can hardly stand to watch her in Smooth Talker and her face is like O.O As for Linda, she also hasn’t had a good performance in the last few series. Hopefully Limelight Years will be better.
Kate looks pretty in that photo (:
I hope she stays bc i like her!! & i personally do find her hot!
I think Kate’s acting is only one-note.
Kate has nowhere to go I wouldn’t be surprise she renewing, she also mention once she didn’t like working in mainland.
@vodka I strongly disagree that Kate has nowhere to go. In fact she rarely filmed anything for TVB for a year and on the other hand, appearing in movies. Dont forget that she has that movie award for newbie. Moreover, she can develop in movie side. Mainland is never the only way.
On the other hand, the one who is going to China now is Linda with her debut Chinese series filming next.
In my opinion, TVB will lose both.
I would rather Kate than Linda! Linda has been very weak lately, especially in tiger cubs 2! I couldn’t stand her!! In smooth talker, Kate is actually fine. She may be overacting sometimes but at least she seems natural. By the way! I just started a blog on Asian entertainment, please check it out. https://ceejays-entertainment.blogspot.com