Since winning the 2001 Miss Hong Kong pageant, Shirley Yeung (楊思琦) has been a favorite in TVB and was heavily promoted until her public image plummeted in 2011. Shirley suddenly broke up with boyfriend of nine years, Gregory Lee (李泳豪) after becoming pregnant with diver Andy Ng‘s (吳帥) baby. Later breaking up with Andy, Shirley quietly gave birth in Los Angeles and returned to Hong Kong in 2012 to resume her acting career. TVB slowly reduced her work and cast her in primarily low-profile variety shows. With little incentive left, Shirley decided to leave TVB after 13 years. During recent contract negotiations, TVB reportedly wanted to cut back Shirley’s salary with few benefits. Shirley disclosed the reason for not renewing her management contract, “The decision to leave this time has nothing to do with salary. It’s not like what the reports have been saying. In fact, they raised my salary. However, we haven’t come to an agreement on filming so I made this decision first.” In the last two years, Shirley only appeared in variety shows or talk shows, and has disappeared from the station’s drama productions. The 35-year-old actress feels that her opportunities at TVB are limited and hopes to try new things outside of the station. Although staying with TVB may be a more comfortable and secure position for the single mother, Shirley believes in her own ability to be able to balance work and family responsibilities. Should Shirley need to travel to Mainland China or overseas for extended work assignments, she already has backup childcare plans for her daughter, Krystal. Shirley does not mind being separated from Krystal in order to earn income to support the family. She said, “My mother will take care of my daughter. With today’s technology, we can communicate with the phone and children will know what’s happening.” Leaving a familiar work environment is not an easy matter. Despite the risks and unclear road ahead of her, Shirley is determined to succeed and head towards a fresh direction. Creds: ihktv
