The thought had probably crossed their minds, but the only
artiste not afraid to say it out loud, on national TV, was Sharon
Au.
"My ex-colleagues are coming back next year, so I'm afraid I won't
have a chance to get a trophy. Let me have it please," she said, to
laughter from the audience, at Sunday night's Star Awards when
asked why she yearned to get the Best Variety Show Host
award.
But the title went to Mark Lee, for his witty show in Be My
Guest.
Sharon did, however, secure a spot in the Top 10 Most Popular
Female Artistes category.
Backstage, Mark's handphone rang incessantly as he fielded
questions from reporters.
On the line were his wife and other well-wishers.
"Im thrilled to win the award, of course. I've waited so many
years," he said.
And his win couldn't have come at a better time; "There will be
more people fighting for the same pie next year."
Indeed, with the expected return of 20 or so SPH MediaWorks
artistes invited back into the fold after the media merger, things
are about to change on Caldecott Hill.
The returnees include Sharon's former City Beat co-hosts, the
immensely popular Kym Ng and Bryan Wong.
There's also the suave and steady Guo Liang, whom Mark is already
placing his bets on to win next years Best Variety Show Host
title.
"He's proven to be a credible, live show host with his wit and
formidable command of Mandarin," said Mark, who also won a Top 10
Most Popular Male Artiste award.
Meanwhile, seated in the MediaCorp bigwigs' row, next to MediaCorp
TV CEO Chua Foo Yong, was MediaWorks COO Man Shu Sum, who will be
returning to Caldecott Hill as an executive adviser next
month.
At one point, Caldecott princess Fann Wong went over to Mr Man, and
the two hugged each other warmly.
What did they talk about?
Fann would only tell TODAY that she was delighted to see Mr Man in
the audience after a four-year absence.
"Im glad to have him back," she said. "I know I can count on him
for advice in the future."
Sharon also acknowledged Mr Man when she accepted her Top 10 Most
Popular Female Artiste award.
"Im so happy to see you here, Mr Man," she said.
"Ten years ago when you signed me up, I was just a girl. Mr Man,
don't you think Ive grown up now?"
An exuberant Chew Chor Meng, who was honoured with an All Time
Favourite Award, along with Zoe Tay and Li Nanxing, quipped that
he's looking forward to a reunion with his two screen wives from
the sitcom Don't Worry Be Happy.
Actress Lynn Poh, who took over from Quan Yifeng as his other half,
later crossed over to SPH MediaWorks as well. - TODAY
