Some 500 TVB Staff Reportedly Tested Positive For Covid-19; GM Eric Tsang Denies Hosting New Variety Show To Save Ratings

Even general manager Eric Tsang, 68, is reportedly returning to the small screen to host new variety show Believe It Or Not? to prop up the ratings.

When asked if this is true, Eric quipped that he was actually saving himself as he’s been wanting to return to hosting for a long time.

He is also considering bringing back long-running hit game show The Super Trio Series which he hosted alongside Jerry Lamb and Chin Kar Lok for 18 years. The show ended its run in 2014.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Super Trio Series, and we might bring it back again. I am not pressured by viewership ratings, and with most people staying home now, I hope to bring joy to everyone during the pandemic and accompany them through difficult times,” said Eric.

Believe It Or Not? is fronted by Eric and Kar Lok, and each episode, they will be joined by guest hosts, who were reportedly hand-picked by Eric, as well as two groups of celebrities who will compete against each other to win prizes.

One of the stars who is slated to make an appearance is TVB actress Crystal Fung, who was earlier rumored to have been sidelined by the station.

As almost 70 artistes had signed up to take part in the game show, Eric says they had to undergo a pre-selection process, though it wasn’t specified how many made the final cut.

All staff have to undergo rapid antigen tests before starting work and only a maximum of 12 people are allowed to share the stage at any one time.

Due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in Hongkong, it was reported that TVB had ordered to cease all work till March 20.

When asked if work has resumed at the TV station, Eric said that as some staff are close contacts with infected persons, they are unable to return to work as scheduled.

However, he said the broadcaster has enough content to tide them through.

As to rumours that some 500 TVB staff had tested positive for Covid-19, Eric said: "TVB has more than 3,000 employees. If we say that 500 staff were hit with Covid-19, it is very consistent with the figure of one in seven announced by the government. However, most of them were not infected at work, and the majority have recovered and returned to work.”

Photos: TVB