Has Ali Lee Left TVB?

Missed by fans after TVB sharply reduced her drama projects and public appearances, HK actress Ali Lee (李佳芯)  finally appeared recently in Mahjong Orchestra , after a hiatus of over 2 years.

Just when speculation emerged that there might be positive developments amid her contractual limbo with TVB, Ali went back to being idle again after wrapping the drama. Recently, fans noticed that the TVB manager contact previously listed on her socials have been updated to “DM for work”, prompting guesses that she might have silently left the station!

Hints at Negotiation Breakdown

Celebrating her 42nd birthday recently, Ali has always enjoyed strong popularity with Hong Kong viewers and been a ratings guarantee for the dramas she leads. However, fans pointed out that Ali appeared to have dropped hints about leaving when she appeared at promotional events last month. Asked about the progress of her contractual negotiations, Ali had replied that the contract is two-way and if the terms cannot be agreed on, both parties need to consider, adding that there will be different needs at different phases and that she wants to “do what she enjoys right now”. Yet another sign that she might have left was when Ali was shockingly absent from the recent TVB Anniversary Awards, though she still remains listed on TVB’s official website with other female stars.

Being Blacklisted in China and Frozen by TVB

In October 2012, Ali officially signed on to TVB and changed her Chinese name, proving her acting chops. The peak of her career was winning the Best Actress accolade in 2018 with her role in Who Wants a Baby? < BB來了>.

In an interview last year, TVB Executive Manager Virginia Lok (樂易玲) expressed that she intends to engage in talk with Ali about her contract with has a long term remaining, and even praised Ali for being “a really good artiste”, adding that she was think of ways to continue having work opportunities with her.

After expressing pro-independence views, Ali was canceled in China and many speculated, frozen by TVB, despite the actress’s denials. The actress even had her face blurred out for two continuous years in the TVB Anniversary Awards version aired on Chinese streaming platforms, in addition to being cropped out of photos uploaded by Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education event for which she had appeared as a guest star. With little work opportunities from TVB, many netizens have expressed their support for Ali leaving the station once her contract is up.

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