What type of durian would Tay Ping Hui be?

SINGAPORE - During durian season, actor Tay Ping Hui indulges in his favourite fruit three times a week, every week. The most number of durians he has eaten in one seating is five. “I put on 3kg this season,” he said sheepishly. “Once I’m tempted by the smell or the thought of durian, I have to have it. It’s almost like a drug – just less dangerous and less expensive.”

He added: “I was once asked, ‘Between a date with a very beautiful girl and a really fantastic durian, which would you choose?’ I chose the durian.”

And if he were a durian, well, he’d be his favourite variety. “I’d be a Musang King, because I’m an alpha male,” he deadpanned. “In the whole cohort of durians, I want to be the King Of Kings,” he said. “I’m definitely bitter. Very, very bitter. But if you’re able to get past the bitterness, you’ll find that it’s quite enjoyable. And at the end of the bitterness, you’ll find that there’s an explosion of sweetness. Yes, I can be quite sweet. I think.”

It seems Tay Ping Hui, like durian, is an acquired taste.

Just how Singaporean can the TV star be? Read our full story tomorrow (http://tdy.sg/todaytelevision)