Zoe Tay never wanted to be a star, or so she says. Going through "a frustrating period" before she became the household name that she is today, the 32-year-old reminisces about her early days in showbiz.

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"I never really plan my life…'cos things that I plan always don't come true," the screen diva divulges with mock disappointment. Her childhood ambition to be a teacher was a good testament. "How can I realise my dreams when my school grades barely even made it?" she chortles merrily.

Like her unintended move to be model, she reveals unreservedly that she has never wanted to be an artiste, too. If so, why did she sign up for Star Search - the first ever nation-wide star-hunting contest in 1988?

"Ah…I was hoping that the participation will help me raise my profile and, of course, modelling fees," she explains, with a twinkle in the eye. At that time, Zoe was initially thinking of embarking to Hong Kong to further develop her modelling career.

This lucky gal has certainly gotten more than what she bargained for. With the cool confidence and experience that she garnered from her modelling job, she breezed her way to clinch the crown in the championship - witnessed by millions of households in Singapore.

Into showbiz for 12 years now, Zoe has come a long way, indeed.

The self-confessed slow-learner describes her early days in the industry as "a frustrating period". In fact, she was so depressed that she actually wanted to become a production assistant instead.

Remember My Fair Lady - Zoe's maiden serial? Shielding her face in her hands, the embarrassed girl lets out, "Arrgh…do you know I dare not watch it? My performance in it was so horrible?

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