'Most hard-working' star Kelly Chen takes a day off to marry boyfriend of 16 years

Singer-actress Kelly Chen Wai-lam becomes 'Mrs Lau' tomorrow: she's marrying her long-time boyfriend, businessman Alex Lau Kin-ho, with a lavish banquet at the InterContinental. But this 'most hard-working bride', as the singer is dubbed by the Chinese media, was still busy performing yet another show on Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin racecourse.

While Chen was performing for the racecourse's 30th anniversary, a familiar face was spotted in the audience. It was Chen's father, David Chen, making a surprise appearance. The proud father, who has been a jewellery designer for more than 30 years, said he had designed and was making a set consisting of a ring, brooch and bracelet encrusted with diamonds and precious gems as his beloved daughter's wedding gift. Some reporters asked why there wasn't a necklace. 'My daughter said she doesn't want to look like a Christmas tree,' he explained with a smile.

Chen's father refused to comment on reports that he had received a HK$10 million cheque from his future son-in-law as a wedding gift, but replied: 'It's not about the money: I am very happy with this son-in-law. Trust me, dating my daughter for 16 years is not an easy thing. I believe many guys wouldn't have his patience. I give him full marks.'

Kelly Chen said: 'I know he has liked Alex from the very beginning.'