Deadline looms for Lau, while beauty kisses and tells

Andy Lau (pictured), 47, is finally prepared to walk down the aisle with long-time girlfriend Carol Chu, 43, according to Singapore's United Evening News, which says it was the final wish of the recently departed Chu's father that she should marry her "Heavenly King".

According to Chinese tradition a couple in this situation should marry within 100 days after the death, or wait 3 years, so it looks like Lau will be following in the footsteps of his Infernal Affairs co-star Tony Leung and tying the knot soon with his long-time lover. Leung married Carina Lau in 2008 after 20 years of courting. Lau and Chu have been seeing each other even longer, 24 years, according to a Hong Kong East Weekly report that said they will marry in April.

Like most HK celebrities, Lau has never admitted having a relationship and at the funeral of Chu's father in Malaysia he spent most of his time playing an elaborate game of cat-and-mouse with the press. But on Tuesday, Lau and Chu returned to HK hand-in-hand, while a Channel News Asia account said Chu had piled on the pounds and held her belly, "indicating a possible pregnancy". Better late than never.