First, the split. Then, the rebound.

The love life of MediaCorp actress Joanne Peh has pretty much been an open book recently.

Last month, Peh, 29, confessed to local magazine 8 Days she and Singapore-based Italian-American DJ-actor Bobby Tonelli had broken up after four years together.

She said they had grown apart and that it had slowly dawned on her that she "does not know him".

On Sunday, just three weeks after news of her split broke, 8 Days dropped another bombshell, reporting that she is now dating Singapore-based Chinese actor Qi Yuwu, 36.

Peh and Qi have known each other for nearly 11 years, since acting together in Peh's first drama, Beautiful Connection (2002).

Over the years, they were cast in six other dramas, the latest being this year's C.L.I.F 2.

Both Peh and Qi did not respond to repeated phone calls made by The New Paper yesterday and on Sunday.

When contacted on Monday, Tonelli, 37, was reluctant to comment on Peh and Qi opening up about their relationship.

"It was shocking, but as long as she is happy, that is the most important," he said.

When asked how he was coping, Tonelli said: "Right now I'm just living day to day. I've got a great group of friends and now I'm just getting through it."

Will he be sharing his side of the story soon?

"I went into the relationship with dignity and I will leave with the same," he said. "I don't see the need to draw media attention to this."

Peh posted an entry on her Weibo microblog on Monday morning, writing: "I've received everyone's blessings, thanks!"

In 8 Days, Qi said that when he realised Peh broke up with Tonelli, he felt "maybe it was possible".

"I told her how I felt about her, quite directly," he said.

Qi said they "confirmed the relationship" about two weeks ago, and were both comfortable about going public with it.

Although it was a piece of news nobody saw coming, some television viewers and netizens have expressed doubts on the sudden revelation, for three main reasons: Publicity stunt?

Some netizens allege it could be a publicity stunt by Peh and Qi, especially as the Star Awards is around the corner.

To be held on April 21 and 28, the duo are nominees in various categories.

Peh is nominated for Best Actress, Top 10 Most Popular Female Artiste and Sexiest Legs, while Qi is nominated for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste.

The popularity awards are determined by online and telepoll votes.

When asked by 8 Days if she and Qi planned to step out together at the awards, Peh told 8 Days: "There's a certain sequence to the appearances at the Star Awards, so I don't know. But I would love to."

But 27-year-old production planner Jamie Wong, who is neither a fan of Peh or Qi, feels Peh's popularity may take a hit as a result of the news.

"She might have wanted to be open about her love life, but to say she fell out of love, and then in love again three weeks later does not look good on her," said Wong.

Out of character

Qi is known to journalists for being extremely laid-back (read: boring).

Over the years, he has seldom talked about his love life, and to voluntarily say he is dating Peh is just out of character.

Also, the fact that his last known relationship was with a woman in Guangzhou 13 years ago has led to long-time rumours about his sexual orientation.

Qi brushed off the rumours in the interview with 8 Days.

"People can say whatever they want," he said.

"Whether I am (gay) or not, it's none of their business. Maybe it's my personality. I feel there's nothing that needs to be said."

Peh's changing stance on marriage

What exactly is her view on relationships and marriage?

Last August, she told TNP that she had a new take on relationships, and no longer had a fairy-tale notion of two people living happily ever after.

She said it was in part due to seeing people around her getting married, divorced and remarried.

But in response to Qi's confession, she confidently told 8 Days "there's no possibility that this relationship will fail".

She also recalled saying she wanted to get married at 24 and have two kids. "I still do!" she said.

"Just not at 24 anymore! Along the way, that got lost, and he (Qi) helped me find myself."

Despite the doubts and allegations, student Mike Toh, 19, who is a fan of Peh, wished her and Qi all the best.

"There's bound to be criticism no matter who she's with and when she reveals it," he said.

"As long as she's happy, that should be all that matters."

- Additional reporting by Noor Ashikin Abdul Rahman

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