Veteran Hong Kong actor Li Ka Ding, universally known as Ding Ye, will return to television alongside his son, actor Li Wing Ho, in a new culinary variety program. The show, which also brings together singer Maria Cordero (Fat Mama) and host Ricky Luk, marks Ding Ye’s first hosting collaboration with his son. The announcement came with an on-set birthday surprise for the 80-year-old entertainment icon.
A New Chapter for the Younger Li
Li Wing Ho, whose recent credits include a role on the long-running TVB sitcom Come Home Love: Loafei Toi, has been busy since the series wrapped. Alongside building his personal online channel, he has continued securing acting assignments. He took to social media to share news of the latest project, describing the opportunity as an honor.
“It is a great honor to be hosting with my father, Fat Mama, and Ricky,” Li Wing Ho wrote. “This is my first time hosting a variety show, and a father-son hosting gig is completely new for me. There is a lot I need to learn.”
A Visible Return to Health
The social media post featured a group photo taken after the opening day of filming. In the image, Ding Ye wore a cowboy hat and suede vest, smiling broadly with noticeably fuller cheeks—a visible improvement from his appearance during a difficult family period several years ago.
His daughter-in-law, Agnes Lim, playfully cupped his face from behind as the rest of the cast made lively expressions, creating a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. The production team had arranged an early 80th birthday celebration with a cake after the first shoot wrapped successfully.
Li Wing Ho expressed particular gratitude for his father’s well-being. “Seeing him so healthy, speaking with such a strong, resonant voice, it fills me with gratitude,” he shared, reflecting on the actor’s recovery in recent years.
From Tough Guy Roles to Cooking Mentor
For decades, Ding Ye has been a household name for both his stern on-screen characters and his mastery of Cantonese cooking, making him a natural fit for this hybrid format. The show promises to blend culinary technique with unscripted family interaction.
For Li Wing Ho, stepping into this role represents a major career milestone, placing him alongside three of the industry’s most beloved figures. While a premiere date has not yet been officially announced, the project signals a happy new chapter for the veteran actor and a promising step forward for his son.
