Filming here was a luxury

Filming here was a luxury

TVB actress Selena Li, a former Miss Hong Kong 2003 finalist, is set to be the latest small-screen star to tickle our funny bones.

The slender 32-year-old is part of the ensemble cast for Channel 5's new sitcom Spouse For House, whipping up laughs with reel-life husband Alaric Tay as they play a newly-wed couple grappling with intrusive family members and friends.

FRESH BLOOD

While in town to film the show last month, Li told The New Paper that having a foreign face like hers in a home-grown production can only be refreshing for audiences.

"Nowadays, Singapore viewers don't just watch one type of drama or comedy. Of course they watch MediaCorp productions, but many are also familiar with Hong Kong, Taiwanese or Korean TV," said Li, who grew up in Toronto and speaks fluent English.

"So those who know my work in TVB will be pleased to see me acting alongside local celebrities. It's like having all the different stuff you like in the same project. I think it'll be a nice blend."

Spouse For House, which also stars Desmond Tan and Irene Ang, premieres on Feb 11 and airs every Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 5. With a laugh, Li, who is best known for her roles in hard-hitting TVB period dramas Beyond The Realm of Conscience (2009) and The Life And Times Of A Sentinel (2011), described the mood on the set of Spouse For House as perpetually upbeat and lively.

"Somehow, at TVB, I get cast a lot in roles that require me to cry," she mused. "It can get tiring. In contrast, while doing Spouse For House, everyone was happy and we were always breaking out in laughter."

She likened her almost two-month stint in Singapore to a "holiday". Filming was a luxury compared to the "hectic schedules" TVB stars have to deal with on a regular basis.

"With TVB, it's normal to shoot 16 to 18 hours per day, while over here, the maximum we do is 12 to 13 hours. Very often, I can still meet my Singapore friends for dinner," she said.

"Back home, it's just work, go home, work."

BOYFRIEND TO BUDDY

Li didn't have a chance to catch any of her Hong Kong predecessors' sitcom work, but she understands that fellow Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan, who starred in two seasons of Channel 5's Parental Guidance, was fond of acting in Singapore too.

"Jessica and I used to share the same TVB supervisor, so sometimes we'd chat. I know she enjoyed her time here."

Hsuan left TVB in 2006 to pursue more acting opportunities in mainland China.

Last May, Li, a bachelorette, raised eyebrows when she reunited onscreen with former boyfriend, TVB actor-singer Patrick Tang, in romantic drama Slow Boat Home.

The pair, who dated for five years before breaking up in 2010, shared an intimate scene, one that featured Li seducing Tang's wealthy rich businessman character.

Li said Tang, 39, was a last-minute replacement for actor Matthew Ko, who had to back out after breaking his leg.

"I was so touched when the producers called me personally to ask if I was okay acting with Patrick," she recalled.

"It wasn't a problem at all. In fact, I felt our chemistry might be even better because I know Patrick so well. And it's not like we hate each other!

"We're still friends."


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