Once a favored up-and-coming fadan of TVB, Shirley Yeung (楊思琦) aroused intense public scrutiny when she announced her split with boyfriend of nine years, Gregory Lee (李泳豪) in 2011. Shortly after, Shirley gave birth to her daughter, Krystal Yeung (楊卓穎), who was born out of wedlock. Shirley had cut all ties with Krystal’s biological father Andy Ng (吳帥) in early 2012, opting to become a single mother. Shirley’s negative press evidently forced TVB to suspend her appearances in drama productions. Acting gigs were no longer arranged for the 34-year-old, and the former Miss Hong Kong champion was given smaller variety programs to host instead. However, Shirley’s image as a struggling single mother earned the public’s sympathy. Shirley found more jobs in mainland China, which became one of her main sources for “milk money.” Last month, Shirley was cast in the musical Landscape Encounter <山水又相逢> and the play Carmen <卡門>. She was also cast in the second series of popular TVB food program, Cook Away Lady May <May姐有請>. Endorsers are also quickly coming to Shirley’s door. In just one year, Shirley shot two ads for major commercial brands, earning $800,000 HKD in total. Including her mainland Chinese stage gigs, Hong Kong endorsement events, and other filming opportunities, Shirley managed to earn over $5.1 million HKD in the first half of 2013. As a result, drama filming offers are also returning to Shirley. She revealed that she will film TVB’s co-production with RTHK, ICAC Investigators 2014 <廉政公署 2014>, this month, and will film another 30-episode modern-day TVB drama at the end of the year. Shirley happily said, “Thank you TVB for giving me so many opportunities. It’s true that some producers are looking to cast me. I had a costume fitting last week [for ICAC Investigators 2014]. I will do my best!” Shirley Will Not Hire Domestic Helper With her work piling up, Shirley has left the care of her daughter Krystal to her mother, who also lives in with them. A source said, “Shirley is getting noticed again and her income is stable. But she still doesn’t want to hire a domestic helper. She doesn’t want to spend any unnecessary money. She would rather save up the money for her daughter’s education. She is a lot happier now!” During a recording for Super Trio Maximus <超級無敵獎門人終極篇>, Shirley said that she does not intend to hire a maid to help care for her daughter. She said, “Some of my friends do not recommend that because they did not have good experiences. I really don’t want to rely on a maid!” Creds: Sudden Weekly
