"Detective Columbo" Starring Wayne Lai and Natalie Tong; Lee Tim Shings Last Drama Project!

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After the announcement for TVB drama Detective Columbo <神探高倫布>at the TVB sales presentation last December, the drama was eagerly anticipated. Detective Columbo was reported to be producer Lee Tim Shing’s (李添勝) last project before retiring. Wayne Lai (黎耀祥), worked with Tim Gor in Rosy Business <巾幗梟雄>, and was dedicated in filming Detective Columbo months prior. Although Tavia Yeung (楊怡) was featured in the first sales presentation clip, the actress have been busy with other filming obligations and was not able to take place in the drama. With TVB’s present talent depletion, Tim Gor reported that he did not have a female lead for his new drama, until Natalie Tong (唐詩詠) stepped in.

In the past few months, many TVB veterans and leading artists left the organization to chase after greater prospects in mainland China and at competitor television station, City Telecom (CTI). TVB was left with a small number of casting choices, compelling them to search beyond its current staff lineup. Half in jest and half in solemn, Wayne Lai even proposed that Chrissie Chau (周秀娜) be casted in Detective Columbo, attracting new sparks!

As it turns out Chrissie Chau has already been negotiating with TVB concerning possible future partnerships. However, Tim Gor never did invite her to film Detective Columbo. The model turned actress didn't have enough time in her schedule either. Wayne mentioned his disappointment in being unable to act with Chrissie, but looked forward to work together with her a different time.

At the costume fitting for Detective Columbo, Wayne disclosed that he'll be portraying a ruthless character in the drama. Wayne stated, “The character is a simple-minded man brought up in a tiny village. After getting accidentally shot at in the head, his temperament went through an intense change. His tactics became progressively ruthless. However, his conscience makes it possible for him to redeem himself before it was too late.”

For the past two years, 63-year-old Lee Tim Shing promised that he will retire from TVB, stating his regressing health problem. Working hard at TVB for 43 years and producing numerous blockbuster hits, including last year’s Bottled Passion <我的如意狼君>, Tim Gor still had the “golden producer touch.” He had a superb eye for details and focused mainly on period dramas. Tim Gor’s beginnings with TVB run very deep and the company did not choose for him to quit, particularly as the struggle with rival stations such as CTI intensifies in the forthcoming months.

Wayne also tried to persuade Tim Gor to continue his work if his overall health allows it. Wayne explained, “Tim Gor doesn't wish to carry the big title on himself. Actually, producing one drama each year is plenty. If he isn't psychologically tired, then he could continue his work. I am hoping he will be able to film Rosy Business 3 <巾幗梟雄3>!”

Natalie Tong did not mind that she ended up being the “second choice” in Tim Gor’s casting selection for Detective Columbo. This is the second time that Natalie appeared as the female lead in Tim Gor’s dramas, upon her appearance in 2010's A Fistful of Stances <鐵馬尋橋>.

Sire Ma (馬賽) will portray a police officer in Detective Columbo. To ready herself for her physical scenes, Sire has actually been training and mastering her fencing skills. She denied latest romantic rumors with Adrian Chau (周志文), who presumably already has a girlfriend.

Detective Columbo also stars Edwin Siu (蕭正楠), Pierre Ngo (敖嘉年), Joe Junior, and Lau Dan (布偉傑).



Creds: IHKTV