Noel Leung, who's been noticeably absent for several years, will make her grand comeback to Hong Kong television in HKTV's new drama "The Menu." "The Menu," who was ordered a 24-episode run, will center on the newspaper and media business industry. Noel was last seen in a Hong Kong drama way back in 2003 for the show "Light of Million Hopes."

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Noel, has since been playing the roles of ancient beauties in a lot of TVB dramas. Feeling typecasted into the role, the actress said that she would not have filmed another television drama if it were not for her interesting role in The Menu.

In the upcoming series, Noel plays the role of a strict and brutal chief editor for "Smart Post," Alma Wong. Her character, she said, is her first villainous role in her whole career, which is why she said that she easily accepted HKTV's offer, despite knowing that she will have to endure exhausting work hours.

As for why she has avoided filming television dramas for almost 12 years, she explained that she got tired of being cast for the same roles. "If I have to film a period drama again, I would rather do so in Mainland China, where the pay and work hours are better," she added.

Noel expressed her gratefulness for the chance to finally break free from her typical roles and said that she was "enthralled" with the show's story after she read the script. And now that production has wrapped up, she revealed that although the schedule was gruesome, it was a very gratifying eight months that she even suggested to the network that they film a sequel.

Fully invested in the role, Noel did all of her stunts and almost went nude for a scene in which she showed her back and side boob. "It was not intentional," she said as it was simply because she didn't check the camera angles before they started filming. Though they redid the scene, she told the director to simply use the first one she shot "because it looked more natural."

HKTV temporarily stopped producing dramas in February. Reacting to this, Noel said that it's sad the network had to do that as the television industry in Hong Kong needs competition. Without rival stations, she said that Hong Kong dramas will not improve.

The 45-year old "Unbeatable" star also encouraged the struggling network to venture into the film industry as there are just "too many restrictions in the TV industry."

TagsNoel Leung, HKTV, The Menu