Executive Producer Praises Stellar Professionalism After Drama’s Public Feud
On July 26, 2018, a whirlwind of drama unfolded on the set of Channel 8’s hit drama Reach for the Skies (《不平凡的平凡》). Despite a public spat that erupted on Sunday, July 22, the show’s executive producer, Leong Lye Lin, applauded veteran actresses Hong Huifang and Pan Ling Ling for keeping their craft in check and delivering a flawless performance.
WhatsApp Storm & The Rumodial Rift
It all began when Hong’s WhatsApp message – insinuating that Pan “bullied” her and her family – slipped into the media spotlight via Lianhe Wanbao. The message was a cauldron of accusations:
- Harsh remarks toward Hong’s daughter, Tay Ying, about her love life.
- Rumors of a romance between Pan’s son, Calvert Tay, and actress Julie Tan.
- Suggestive push for Calvert to get STD vaccinations – a little “gotcha” forget‑to‑lock‑door joke on the set.
Feeling cornered, Pan promptly offered an apology to Julie Tan and her family after Julie’s mother, Doris Khaw, threatened legal action over the claims.
On‑Set Drama: 45 Minutes of Pure Professionalism
Leong revealed that the only scene involving both actresses was a compact, 45‑minute exchange. The script had Hong’s character unpacking a tragic past in order to earn Pan’s sympathy, while quietly hoping for a ‘good word’ about her impending illness to be relayed to her on‑screen daughter, played by Kym Ng. They also aimed to mend fences with Pan’s boyfriend (Bryan Wong) and his father (Chen Shucheng).
Even though the script’s schedule stayed intact, and no script tweaks were demanded, the power duo conducted their roles without flinching:
- They set aside personal grievances.
- Production stayed uninterrupted.
- The crew experienced zero conflict.
“After the director called ‘cut’, they didn’t chat much again, but there were no flares of animosity,” Leong observed. The only thing that might sting is a rumor that Hong’s character will descend from cancer in future episodes—yet she’s slated to have limited appearances, focusing mainly on her interactions with Kym and Chen.
Actors Reflect on the Scene
Pan, handling the situation with aplomb, said, “Queasing our personal matters is our job. We dive into our roles, delivering authentic portrayals.”
Meanwhile, Brandon Wong, who plays Pan’s suitor, confessed ignorance of the drama’s minutiae:
- He never saw Hong’s WhatsApp message.
- He suspects only the two actresses are privy to the backstory.
- He was “cool” working with Pan in the last Tuesday shoot; nothing out of the ordinary.
In short, the volatile storyline outside the script did not bleed into the production. The two seasoned actresses, Mercy and Sheikh, returned to upright professionalism, gracefully stewarding the show’s pace and keeping the drama entrepreneurial.
Final Takeaway
When asked whether the feud necessitated script changes, Leong denied it: “There was no need. They can effectively separate job from jam.” The producers’ takeaways underscore the industry’s resilience and drama’s underlying paradox: while the plot may twist around break‑ups, on‑set harmony stays firm.
