Ada Choi and Max Zhang have one of showbiz’s most envied relationships, and for good reason. The lovebirds, who first met while filming TV drama Paradise in 2003, tied the knot in 2007. Since then, they’ve been very open about sharing their love for each other both on television and on social media.

However, it turns out that the couple nearly broke up before they got married.

On a recent episode of the reality show Viva La Romance, which casts the spotlight on celeb relationships, Ada and her fellow celeb wives took on a dance challenge, where they formed their own 'girl group' ala reality talent competition, Sisters Who Make Waves.

While Ada started the challenge brimming with confidence — she even revealed that she has “a background in dance” — the 46-year-old actress turned out to be very stiff during the dance rehearsals.

Max, who was watching Ada practice her dance moves, couldn’t help but poke fun at his wife, commenting that she “only has good facial expressions and that she’s terrible at everything else”.

Later, after dance practice ended, everyone sat down together to discuss their relationships. The topic eventually turned to weddings, with Ada sharing: “I was very happy that day, my dad held my hand [as I prepared to go inside the wedding hall], and Max was inside singing a love song. In spite of all the obstacles and hardships I’ve met in my life, [I knew that] from that day on there would be someone by my side, accompanying me as we navigate a better life together.”

But their road to wedded bliss wasn’t exactly smooth. Max shared that when they were still dating, it was Ada who broached the topic of getting hitched, thanks to this ultimatum she issued Max.

“At that time, we had been dating for four years, Ada told me: ‘I'm running out of time already, if we’re not getting married, then let’s just break up’. She allowed me to reflect on this by myself ‘cos I had the idea that a man needs to have a successful career first before he can tie the knot,” Max said.

After much self-reflection, Max realised that you can’t guarantee success in showbiz, no matter how much effort you put in, and that it takes time to achieve certain goals.

“I finally understood that my career and marriage do not need to contradict each other. After tying the knot, I will still work hard for my career, so I told Ada, ‘No matter how my career turns out, I’ve chosen you, [and I] believe in you, so let’s get married now',” he revealed.

Photos: Ada Choi/Instagram, Max Zhang/Instagram