January 5, 2001

He's almost 41, but is definitely not over the hill. Jack Neo adds another feather to his cap as he crosses over to Love 97.2FM.

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Be warned. A new ruler is emerging on the airwaves.

Having hit it big on the small screen with Comedy Night and done the nation proud with his box-office successes, Money No Enough and Liang Popo - The Movie, we're betting that it is only a matter of time before Jack Neo conquers new territory.

Mr Showbiz Veteran brought along 25 years of experience as he crossed over to Love 97.2FM on the first day of the Real Millennium -- a move in line with the MediaCorp Radio station's brand new programme schedule.



But to Jack, 3 simple (and humble) words sum up his new role -- "Bu gan xiang" (Don't dare to think about it).

The novice DJ, who now co-hosts the morning time belt with vivacious Violet Fenying, adds swiftly in eloquent Mandarin that the task is "a new challenge", although "not exactly a novel concept".

Think Matilda Tao and Jiao Jiao, the natural comic tells you earnestly. The renowned Taiwanese TV hosts also enjoy tremendous popularity in their radio shows.

So, there's really no worry that his radio crossover will affect his popularity on TV.

"It's really a win-win situation for both the TV and radio stations!" he says with a confident smile and reminds us thoughtfully that the same theory applies to y.e.s.93.3FM DJs Dasmond Koh and Danny Yeo, both of whom can be seen on Channel 8 currently.

Loyal supporters of Jack, better known as Liang Zhiqiang, couldn't agree more. While he had been on air for less than a week when interviewed, complimentary phone calls and faxes have already been streaming in steadily.

Co-host Violet, who was initially apprehensive about working with "the star", was surprised at their instant chemistry.

The duo, who first met 5 years ago, are now having a cushy time delivering segments such as Birthday Dedications, The Speakers' Corner and sharing news headlines from MediaCorp newspaper TODAY from 7 am to 9 am.

After that, Violet, a 5-year veteran of the airwaves, continues the fun-filled programme alone for another hour, while Jack either heads home to catch his 40 winks or to the J-Team office to prepare his upcoming variety show, Top Fun, which will debut on February 12.

Looks like the beloved comedian is really becoming a Jack of all trades.

Newsflash: Jack, who turns 41 on January 24 (the first day of Chinese New Year!), told Eastciti that Violet will cross over to Top Fun, too, as she flaunts her comic talent with the wacky members of J-Team occasionally. So, watch out for more crossover action in MediaCorp.

Tune in to Jack and Violet's morning show, V.J. Connect, on Love 97.2FM every Monday to Friday from 7am to 9am.

Catch another of Violet's show, I Love Sunday, on the airwaves or at Plaza Singapura every Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.


The brand new Love 97.2FM programme schedule >>

Love 97.2FM's official website


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