BEIJING, Oct. 25 -- After being away from showbiz for 14 years, Hong Kong sex symbol Cherie Chung is back. But this time, the beauty has moved out of the silver screen and into the kitchen.

    In December, she will host a new TV show ¡°Super Housewives.¡± According to producer Yan Chong, Chung will be paid 80,000 yuan (US$10,000) per episode, a mainland record, and the details of the contract will be unveiled next month.     

    ¡°Super Housewives¡± is a Sino-South Korean invested TV program, mixing food with a talk show and quizzes. The program will reportedly be shot on location in four cities on the Chinese mainland for broadcast on the mainland and South Korea next year.     

    Yan explained they chose Chung for her extensive cooking experience gained since her marriage. It may be food for thought, but the biggest attraction for Chung is most likely the record payment. Yan said, ¡°I don¡¯t see any risk in attracting Chung with the high salary. On the contrary, Chung will make the program profitable.¡±     

    Since it is Chung¡¯s first time as a TV host, the 45-year-old superstar initially invited Taiwanese TV host Small S to join her as co-host. Small S is expecting a child and will not return to the screen until next October, so Yan decided to choose a male host through a national contest.     

    Chung, with her blend of natural beauty, sweetness and sensuality, was one of the most popular Hong Kong actresses of the 1980s. She appeared in more than 50 Hong Kong films, working with the best directors and many of the top leading actors, including Chow Yun-fat and Leslie Cheung.     

    Since her retirement in 1991, Chung has been enjoying married life and been involved in environmental causes.

    (Source:Shenzhen Daily)