Gladys Bay's Dad Attended Star Awards Despite Having To Start His Freight Driving Shift At 4am The Next Day

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It was Gladys Bay’s night at this year's Star Awards, as the Star Search alum beat Emerald Hill’s Zhu Zeliang, YES 933 DJ Ting Fong, and her Under The Net co-stars Gladys Ng and Cai Chengjun to clinch Best Rising Star.

The 29-year-old is still overcome with emotion when she meets 8days.sg for a chat after her win, immediately blurting out: "I might cry. I really didn't think I would win."

While she admits she hoped to win, she never quite allowed herself to believe it, knowing she was up against strong competition.

She's particularly grateful for her family who showed up to support her, including her father who works as a refrigerated freight driver.

“They actually came down, and they texted me, but I haven’t had time to check the messages. They specially arranged to come because everyone’s so busy — they all have work tomorrow. My dad actually has to wake up at 4am,” she says.

She adds that she was aware of her husband Marcus Sim’s waterworks as she went on stage to receive her trophy. “Yes, I heard! We haven’t really planned how to celebrate because I didn’t think it was possible,” she says.

Gladys and Marcus have been married since 2023, but she previously revealed on a podcast that they only did their ROM, and may consider a wedding in the future when the time is right.

However, when asked if a banquet is now in the cards after reaching a significant career milestone, Gladys says: "For now, the focus is still on my work, and it’s the same for him as well."

"I think planning a wedding takes months, at least 10 months, and an artiste’s schedule just doesn’t work like that. So it’s not possible because my priority is to get more work and more chances to act. I guess we’re happy with the status quo," she adds. 

Aside from those closest to her, Gladys is also grateful for the people she has met since joining showbiz.

“I’m usually a more reserved person. I don’t tell people my problems and I try to go through them on my own. But after joining this industry, I’ve learned to open up. I’ve met so many new friends, and I’ve also grown closer to my friends outside of showbiz because they help me so much and give me the courage to keep going. That means so much to me,” she says.

To show her gratitude to her fans, Gladys is planning to treat them to meals, adding that there will likely be plenty of celebratory gatherings in the near future as she has “so many people to thank". 

Photos: Mediacorp Photo Unit

Catch Gladys' winning moment below.