HONG KONG – Acclaimed Hong Kong actress-singer Adia Chan (Chan Chung-ling) offered a rare, candid look into her highly anticipated return to the stage and the enduring strength of her 15-year marriage, addressing persistent “urban legends” during a widely broadcast television interview on Sunday. Appearing on the sixth episode of the popular talk show Weekly Stars, Chan discussed the complex preparations for her first concert in Hong Kong in 14 years and shared the spotlight with her husband, actor Zhang Duo, whose rigorous support has been central to her comeback.
The veteran star, known affectionately as “Matsumatsu,” sat down with host Ricky Au and revealed the personal and professional hurdles involved in preparing for a major performance after a long hiatus. Her musical preparations were highlighted by the presence of Zhang Yuchen, runner-up of Midlife Singer 3, who is serving as the concert’s music director. Zhang Yuchen not only joined Chan for a duet of the classic “You Are All I Need Every Minute,” but also composed a new song specifically for her, titled “Matsumatsu,” offering listeners a taste of the show’s musical direction.
Inside the Partnership: Money, Marriage, and Misunderstandings
Beyond the musical arrangements, a central focus of the interview, facilitated by a segment called “You Ask, I Answer,” was the couple’s relationship. Chan and Zhang Duo tackled two major, long-standing public rumors with surprising openness.
The first rumor centered on finances: whether Chan had handed over all her assets to her younger husband to manage. Zhang Duo confirmed the practicality of the arrangement, noting that Chan has “almost no feeling for money,” suggesting he handles financial matters for their mutual convenience and security.
They also addressed the rumor that they have yet to formally hold a wedding ceremony. Chan, injecting humor into the discussion, joked that after so many years together, their relationship has moved past the “honeymoon phase” and entered the “demon phase”—a playful jab confirming their long-established commitment despite any formal public event.
Friends Press for Backstage Secrets
The “You Ask, I Answer” segment saw friends and industry colleagues, including Wong Cho-lam, Florence Chan, and Steven Ma, pose pointed questions to the star. Their queries revealed intimate details about Chan’s personal life and habits:
- Social Life: Steven Ma challenged Chan directly: “After the show wraps, how many bottles of champagne do you think you and I can finish together?”
- The Nickname Habit: Florence Chan disclosed that the singer has a penchant for giving nicknames to close friends, revealing she is dubbed “Stylish Glasses,” while Zhang Yuchen is “Handsome Boy.”
- The ‘Devil Coach’: Chan revealed that Zhang Duo earned the moniker “Devil Coach” due to his intense training demands, including once pushing her to complete 500 squats—a testament to her grueling comeback regimen.
On the couple’s eight-year age gap, Chan laughed, admitting that Zhang Duo’s maturity was so advanced that when they first met, she mistook him for being a decade older. She further shared a humorous early misunderstanding: Zhang Duo initially thought she was a man, confusing her with veteran actor Liu Songren due to her short hair style at the time.
Chan’s highly anticipated concerts mark a significant cultural event, allowing fans to reconnect with the star while showcasing the dedicated teamwork required to balance a demanding professional return with a thriving, deeply supportive personal life. Her willingness to dispel myths and share authentic moments provides a compelling narrative of resilience and enduring love in the entertainment spotlight.
