HONG KONG - Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai has revealed why he is finally marrying his girlfriend Carina Lau, saying they made the decision because of her father's death.

Hong Kong's most closely watched showbiz couple have been together for 19 years before he surprised everyone in February by saying that they would marry this year.

WAKE-UP CALL: On-off lovers Tony Leung and Carina Lau will finally get married this year after the death of Lau's father last year prompted the couple to want to speed things up.

He finally said why in a recent TV interview in Shanghai, in which he also gave a rare peek at his relationship with Lau.

'Why are we getting married this year? Possibly it's because Carina's father died last year,' Apple Daily quoted him as telling Chinese TV host Cao Kefan. 'She felt that while our families are around, we should let them witness what they ought to witness.'

Leung also revealed what made them tick as a couple. 'I'm more of a loner and quieter, with few friends.

'We're well-balanced as she's cheerful and has many friends. If you're alone for too long, you'd hope for some excitement but not too much.

'But after a while, when there's a meeting with many friends, I will feel happy. And it's fun.'

Asked if Lau regards him as her source of strength, he said: 'She looks strong but is inwardly weak.

'I am both strong outside and inside. We match. So when she feels confused about things and is perplexed, I will tell her not to worry.'

Asked how they sort out any squabbles, he revealed what may be the secret to their long-lasting relationship.

'I will avoid confrontation... calm down a bit and view the issue objectively. Life's too short to fret over things.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on July 10, 2008.