Showbiz Tsismis: News in brief

Staying put

Megastar Sharon Cuneta has been silent after her show on TV5 aired its final episode. There are rumours circulating that the actress/TV host was disappointed with how her show was handled and was mulling returning to her former studio, ABS CBN. Cuneta celebrated her recent birthday without much fanfare — no TV special, no concert. Earlier, she would mark her birthday with a special event for her fans. But nothing was heard from Cuneta’s camp except she had a quiet dinner with family, fuelling talks of her disappointment with her current network. This was however denied by a TV5 executive, saying Cuneta is contracted with the network for five years and she is staying put in the Kapatid channel.

Moving ahead

Another top actress is joining TV5. Lovi Poe has decided to leave GMA7 to star in a new drama series that will be produced by the Kapatid network. The decision did not come as a surprise. Although Poe gets prime projects in GMA7, she is being handled by Leo Dominguez, who is a partner of the production outfit that has been given a primetime slot in TV5. In addition to Poe, the new drama series tentatively titled “Minsan May Isang Ina (Once There Was a Mother)” also star Nadine Samonte and Derek Ramsay.

Star sued

GMA Starstruck winner Sarah Lahbahti has been sued by her studio for breach of contract; this after the young actress reneged on commitments assigned to her, and allegedly fled to Switzerland. Lahbahti accused the network of trying to entice her to sign a co-management contract with another talent agency which would have meant bigger handling fees. The network has denied Lahbahti’s accusations and filed a complaint before local courts, after engaging their homegrown star in a war of press statements and tweets. The last tweet from the actress was a strong condemnation of the suit, saying she should be the one filing the lawsuit for unpaid fees. The battle is now in court, but it looks like it’s going to be a long and explosive war.

New couple?

Now that Elmo Magalona and Lauren Young are more open about their relationship, Julie Ann San Jose (Magalona’s official on-screen partner) is reportedly being seen with ‘real’ love Alden Richards. The two have, as always, denied any romantic involvement but sources close to both celebrities say they have been on frequent, secret dates; and that they even exchanged gifts last Christmas. The brewing romance is assumed to be true as both are single and not involved in any show together, so it cannot be tagged as a publicity stunt. Still, both stars are denying any link, and perhaps the only confirmation that the public will ever have is when they break up.