Flora Chan Clears the Air: “I Never Retired From Acting”

Flora Chan says she never actually retired from acting – she just had other things on her plate (HK01)

You might’ve spotted a familiar face in D.I.D 12 recently – yep, it was none other than Flora Chan, the ‘90s TVB fa dan legend, making a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo. But while fans went wild seeing her share the screen with Bowie Lam again, Flora’s not calling it a comeback. Why? Because, in her words, she never left.

Speaking to media during the finale dinner for the drama, Flora explained she only appeared in the Bowie-starrer for a couple of minutes – purely as a favour to her old co-star and mate. “I never retired,” she clarified with a smile. “I’ve always loved acting. I just shifted my focus these past years.”

Since stepping back from regular dramas in 2008 to concentrate on family life, Flora Chan’s been far from idle. Between 2012 and 2017, she took up a role as an English lecturer in Shenzhen and later began a PhD in English education at the University of Hong Kong – which, by the way, she’s still working on. She’s also involved in educational projects with the university, keeping her firmly in the academic lane for now.

But even while knee-deep in research and lectures, she hasn’t shut the door on performing. “If there’s a good opportunity – a meaningful project – I’d love to take part,” she said. “It’s all about the script and the people. I’m open to fresh experiences, whatever the direction.”

Her appearance at the Memories Beyond Horizon TVB OST concert in Macau back in March also got the rumour mill churning. Fans were quick to hope it signalled a return to TVB – especially when she sang a duet with Bowie Lam that hit all the right nostalgic notes. The reception? Glowing.

And Bowie himself seems keen to team up again. “If we shoot a sequel, that’s even better,” he said, teasing the idea of picking up where D.I.D 12 left off. “Of course, we need to bring Flora back!”

As for her future in showbiz, Flora’s staying grounded.

“There’s only 24 hours in a day,” she laughed. “With everything I’m juggling now, I want to complete what I’m doing to the best of my abilities.”

Still, fans haven’t given up hope. Her last proper drama role was Watch Out, Boss in 2018, and in 2019 she hosted the education-focused show After School. Whether or not she makes a full-on return to acting, one thing’s for sure: Flora Chan never actually pressed pause on her passion – she just played it at a different pace.

“I’ve always loved singing and acting,” she said. “If the chance comes along, and it’s something with heart and purpose – I’ll be there.”