With more artists filming in mainland China, TVB is eager to find suitable stars to lead its series. TVB has turned to headhunting from other television studios as well as getting its former artists to return. TVB’s latest target is Raymond Lam’s (林峯) ex-girlfriend, Rain Li (李彩華). Former TVB artists, Kathy Chow (周海媚), Esther Kwan (關詠荷) and Lawrence Ng (吳啟華) returned to star in recent series. Currently, Dayo Wong (黄子華) is filming My Prime Lady <My盛 Lady> with Kate Tsui (徐子珊). Preparations are also underway for 30-episode Aerobics Girls which will star Tony Leung Ka Fai (梁家輝) and Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼); filming is scheduled to begin next January. Rain Li’s Return It has been reported TVB invited 29-year-old Rain Li to return. Though Rain was not extremely popular in TVB, her collaboration with Raymond and Michelle Ye (葉璇) in Lofty Waters Verdant Bow <雲海玉弓緣> in 2002 was unforgettable. The onscreen love triangle soon became fodder for the media, romantically linking Raymond to both Rain and Michelle. Recently in an interview, Rain admitted that while filming Love Exchange <別戀> in 2002, she and Raymond had dated for a while. The couple split up amicably after they could not find time for each other. In 2006, Rain Li turned her career focus to mainland China. Five years later, Rain made a name for herself in the Chinese drama, Temptation to Go Home <回家的誘惑> playing a sexy seductress. Since then, roles never stopped streaming in. Last year alone, she was cast in six television dramas. Despite a shaky start, Rain is definitely has a market in mainland China. Rain-Raymond-Michelle Love Triangle? Whether it is their onscreen chemistry or their off-screen romance, TVB hopes to use the winning formula to create another period drama, starring Raymond, Rain and Michelle again. An insider revealed, “TVB noticed Rain’s popularity in China. Taking the opportunity when Rain was back in Hong Kong recently, they contacted her to discuss about filming a period drama with the same team as Lofty Waters Verdant Bow. TVB was also generous to offer her $40,000 HKD for each episode, above the amounts they offered Raymond and Michelle. Of course, Rain said yes!” Rain’s Response When Rain was asked to comment on her TVB return, she laughed, “I have not received any notice. Usually it’s my mom [who acts as her manager] that accepts jobs for me. Maybe my mother has accepted the job but has yet to tell me. I don’t mind working with Raymond as lovers again. But I can only start work after August.” Creds: Face Magazine
