Hong Kong actress Hera Chan, the 2018 Miss Hong Kong winner, is currently at the centre of intense media speculation regarding her personal life after recent reports suggested turbulence in her relationship with actor Brian Chu, alongside rumours of an unusual closeness with veteran star Roger Kwok. The narrative surrounding Chan, often dubbed a “heartthrob collector” by local media, gained new traction following revelations of her alleged cohabitation with Chu in Sai Wan Ho last August. However, recent coverage by East Week magazine hinted at complications in the relationship, coinciding with an evolving professional dynamic with the recently departed TV King, Kwok. These latest developments underscore Chan’s consistent presence in gossip columns, tracing a years-long string of reported romances involving high-profile, attractive male celebrities.
The “Heartthrob Collector”: Chan’s Notable Connections
Since rising to fame, Chan has faced persistent scrutiny over her dating life, accumulating a list of speculated partners that reads like a who’s who of Hong Kong entertainment. The reported connections span several years and genres, from fellow actors to pop idols, often ignited by on-set collaborations or public sightings.
One of the earliest high-profile rumours involved singer and dancer Zino Tai, shortly before Chan competed for the Miss Hong Kong title in 2018. They were reportedly seen dining together in Ngau Tau Kok, leading to reports that were confirmed by Chan, who stated the relationship ended in April of that year as she opted to prioritise her nascent career.
The speculation continued in the professional sphere:
- Matthew Ho (2020): Rumours of a budding romance surfaced during the filming of the drama The Unknown. Ho was cited as being exceptionally attentive to Chan on set, even reportedly accompanying her to find a lavatory, which led to accusations that Chan was interfering in Ho’s relationship with actress Rebecca Zhu. Both Ho and Chan publicly denied any romantic involvement, maintaining they were merely good friends.
- Ian Chan (2020): Later that year, Chan was photographed entering the car of Ian Chan of the popular boyband MIRROR. This sighting fuelled speculation of a possible secret romance, even suggesting cohabitation. Chan subsequently clarified the situation, asserting she was merely buying a car from the star, a narrative corroborated by Ian’s manager, “Sister Fa,” who denied Ian was the man in the car.
- Owen Cheung (2022): The two developed a close friendship while playing on-screen lovers in the series The Beauty War. Their bond was evident when Chan tested Cheung by feigning intoxication and requesting a late-night ride. Despite being busy, Cheung demonstrated his concern by quickly arranging for a friend to assist her.
- Danny Tam (2023): Sharing a mutual interest in photography, Chan and Tam grew close while working on the program Click Click. Their relationship gained significant media attention after they were repeatedly seen socialising together with mutual friends, including attending Hubert Wu’s concert and suspiciously posting Japan travel photos simultaneously on social media.
- Alex Fong (2024): The most recent rumour links Chan with Fong, an actor 15 years her senior, after they appeared together as guests on a panel show. Gossip suggested Fong was actively pursuing Chan, reportedly giving her plush toys. A public interest factor was added when a fortune teller on a television program claimed the pair possessed “spousal features,” prompting some internet users to pressure Fong via social media to confirm the relationship.
Navigating Scrutiny in the Spotlight
Whether these relationships were romantic reality or simply the byproduct of a consistently watched public figure working closely with attractive colleagues, Chan’s career trajectory has become inextricably linked to the media’s obsession with her dating life. The current focus on her alleged relationship issues with Brian Chu, juxtaposed with her professional collaborations with Roger Kwok—such as their intense scenes on the set of The Striking Forest—highlights the narrow line celebrities must walk between professional interaction and personal speculation.
As Chan continues to elevate her status in the industry, competing for top accolades such as the Best Actress award, her ability to manage this pervasive media narrative will remain a defining and highly visible challenge. For audiences, these continuous, high-profile rumours offer a compelling, if often unsubstantiated, glimpse into the personal sphere of one of Hong Kong’s most popular rising stars.