Gillian Chung 'ready to get back into showbiz'

Canto-pop singer Gillian Chung Yan-tung, the scandal-hit star of the Twins pop duo, put on her new-found tough image to meet the press for the first time in more than a year, telling the world that she was prepared to live showbiz life despite criticism.

But Chung's mask of toughness almost came off as tears welled up in her eyes when she spoke of her Twins partner Charlene Choi Cheuk-yin, who had been left to go it alone because of the sex-photos scandal.

Chung made her official return to showbiz yesterday with a press conference attended by more than 100 journalists and photographers to announce her new role as ambassador for local fashion brand Bauhaus Tough Jeansmith. Ironically, the press conference was held in the same hall at the Hong Kong Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kowloon Bay where her ex-boyfriend Edison Chen Koon-hei made his public apology for the scandal in February last year. Chung was one of several stars embroiled in the scandal after photos of them having sex with Chen were put on the internet.

Wrapped in a grey, knee-length coat, Chung strode on stage with a show of confidence. She admitted that she was nervous and thanked her family, friends and colleagues for their support through a tough year.

'I have grown up a lot and [this experience] has made me tougher,' Chung said, adding that after visiting earthquake victims in Sichuan she realised that what happened 'to me was really not a big deal'.

Chung hoped that the Twins could return to the stage as soon as possible. 'Charlene has been handling this on her own and that wasn't easy. She looked exhausted on TV and I called her to apologise,' Chung said, trying to hold back tears. 'She told me to stop apologising. I must not let her down again.'

Chung said she saw fellow photo scandal victim Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi's interview on Cable TV, in which Cheung hit out at Chen for not personally apologising to the victims.