For noontime co-host, show must go on
MANILA -- Billy Crawford was all smiles during the live telecast of "It's Showtime" a day after his controversial split his from long-time girlfriend, singer-actress Nikki Gil, made headlines, shocking their supporters and peers in the industry.
The 31-year-old Crawford resumed his regular co-hosting duties on the ABS-CBN noontime program, as he did in episodes aired earlier in the week.
Crawford and Gil reportedly ended their relationship last week, after almost five years of being a couple. They would have marked their anniversary next month.
The "Bright Lights" hitmaker, however, in greeting the live studio audience of "It's Showtime" during its opening segment on Friday, quipped, "Kailangan ko kayo ngayon!"
"Ito pa ang the best na salubong everyday, ang marinig natin ang sigaw ng ating madlang people. Ito -- kailangan ko kayo ngayon -- make some noise, madlang people!" he said.
In subsequent segments of "It's Showtime," Crawford appeared cheerful and even joked around with his co-hosts.
After the noontime show's live telecast, co-host Vhong Navarro, who is known to be a close friend of Crawford, was approached by ABS-CBN News to comment on the "Trackin'" singer's break-up with Gil.
"Hindi ako kasama, ba't ini-involve niyo 'ko? Sila muna kausapin ninyo. Pag nagsalita sila, tsaka kami magsasalitang mga kaibigan niya," Navarro said as he rushed to exit the studio wing of the ABS-CBN compound.
Crawford, meanwhile, was already rushing to board his vehicle when ABS-CBN News caught up with him to ask for comment on his separation.
The singer only said, "I'm great, I'm good" and that he will "answer everything next time," before riding his car.
Gil has also yet to speak on the matter.
ALV Talent Circuit, the talent management firm led by showbiz veteran Arnold Vegafria, earlier issued a statement on behalf of Gil and Crawford.
"We are greatly saddened by their admission that they have indeed mutually agreed to end their relationship of more than four years," the statement read.
"With due respect to their privacy, we are refraining for issuing any other facts or statements related to the issue at this critical juncture," it said.
