THERE'S no business like show business.

While former beauty queen Jaime Teo admits it sounds like a cliche, 'it's true', she insists.

The 32-year-old had been more than happy to be away from showbiz for two years and enjoy her tai-tai life as radio deejay Daniel Ong's wife.

But not any more. She's now making a comeback by signing on with Irene Ang's artiste management company, Fly Entertainment.

Jaime told The New Paper: 'I have been in the industry since 2001, but it was only when I left MediaCorp after my contract ended in 2007 that I realised I really do have a passion for performing.'

Jaime, who acted as Siew Lan in Channel 5's MySassy Neighbour 3, said she misses 'the sense of achievement that could only come from working'.

Choices, choices

So, will she go back to hosting, acting or music?

Jaime, who was once part of a girl-band called One Fifth, said: 'Singing scares me the most, so I don't think I'll do that any time soon. Unless someone is willing to pay to hear me sing!'

She has also ruled out theatre work as 'it's really scary to perform in from of a live audience'.

She hopes to star in a movie one day, but for now, hosting is her preferred choice, as it is what she is most comfortable doing.

'It's more dynamic with hosting. I used to get so tongue-tied and stuttered despite having memorised my lines. So I want to know if I can still do it.'

But with so many things on her plate, is she at risk of becoming a jane of all trades, master of none?

'It's important to me that I've experienced everything. Life is all about experiences that you accumulate. It's not about accolades or awards.'

But will Singaporeans remember her?

Jaime had small roles in shows such as Mr Kiasu and I Not Stupid 2, and has hosted several food-related TV shows and travelogues. She was also a fixture on charity shows.

But it has been eight years since she wore that Miss Singapore Universe crown.

Jaime said comeback success needs luck. 'What roles you get and whether people like you or not, it boils down to luck.'

And she doesn't mind if people remember her only for her beauty queen title, though she has tried to break out of the beauty queen stereotype.

When she was in One Fifth in 2003, she set herself apart by sporting a short haircut.

Furthermore, she said she was always the one chosen to do stunts for charity shows, which one wouldn't normally associate with a beauty queen.

'I don't feel the need to shed the beauty queen title. It's what got my showbiz career started and I'll always be thankful for it.

'Even Maggie Cheung is remembered as a former Miss Hong Kong!'

In the end, she aspires to have a career like that of actress-host Wong Li-lin. 'Look at her. She's got a great career going. And after two kids, she's still getting all those endorsements.'

But Jaime pointed out that those years staying at home since she got hitched to Daniel in April last year haven't gone to waste.

She took up baking, polished up her piano-playing skills and learnt to play the guitar.

Has she been thinking of motherhood?

'Dan would love to have a child, but I don't think I'm ready. Maybe in one to two years' time?'

For now, Jaime is cherishing the relationship. The adoring wife was raving about the guitar Daniel got for her birthday and about how he cooks for her despite a tiring day at work.

Hubby says...

So what did hubby say about her wanting to trade in a life of leisure for work?

'Dan did ask me if I was prepared to open myself to potential criticism again. But I think bad press comes with the job.'

Criticism is not new to Jaime. During the Miss Universe competition, there were comments about how plain she looked compared with the more exotic beauties from other countries.

And when she ventured into acting, her 'wooden' performances set tongues wagging.

She said: 'I think I've experienced enough to know how to deal with criticisms. I used to get quite flustered about people's comments.'

Added Jaime, who admits to being an emotionally high-maintenance person: 'Of course, now there's someone at home who will always say 'Don't worry. You're the best' at the end of the day.'

'Being married has given me a sense of contentment and peace that I didn't have before. My life revolves around Dan. Family is my priority...

'I'm a very lucky girl.'

This article was first published in The New Paper.