Hong Kong actress/singer Vivian Chow with writer Joe Nieh. [File Photo]

Hong Kong entertainer Vivian Chow and her partner, Joe Nieh, released separate statements Thursday announcing the end of their 19-year love relationship.

The Chinese entertainment media have unanimously devoted their headlines to the troubled couple, having been focusing on them since some photographs showing Joe Nieh kissing another girl surfaced.

Joe Nieh apologized to Chow in his statement, saying he appreciated her tolerance over the years. "I know that fans no longer think Vivian should date me. So I decided to be an ordinary friend to her. It's undoubtedly a big loss to me."

Chow said in her statement that she doesn't regret having been in love with Nieh.

Forty-one-year-old Chow is nicknamed "Jade Girl" for her squeaky-clean image. She had been dating 44-year-old Nieh, an author and radio show host, since 1989.

Earlier this month, Nieh was caught by paparazzi kissing a girl outside a nightclub. He later explained that he was drunk and didn't even know the girl's name.

(CRI December 13, 2008)