WAYBACK:Toni Gonzaga denies having any conflict with Angel Locsin

It was recently announced that Toni Gonzaga was taking over the lead role in the upcoming fantaserye Kokey at Ako after Angel Locsin was apparently pulled out from the show. During the pictorial for the series, Toni clarified that it was ABS-CBN management who was responsible for the casting changes. “Hindi pa kami nagkakausap ni Angel. I guess alam naming lahat na ang lahat e management decision. Kami bilang talents e sumusunod lang sa kung anong proyekto ang ibigay sa amin.”

Angel was pulled out from Kokey at Ako because she was scheduled to start work on a teleserye that will have her star opposite John Lloyd Cruz. Meanwhile, Vhong Navarro will still be the leading man in Kokey at Ako.

Upon hearing that she was to replace Angel, Toni recalled, “Actually naninibago nga ako kasi nung unang na-confirm na si Angel ang gagawa nitong Kokey at Ako, I was among the first one na nag-interview sa kanya tungkol sa project na ito. Super happy pa siya at excited na gawin itong Kokey at Ako. Medyo ironic lang for me na ako pala ‘yung papalit sa kanya dito.”

The actress-TV host added that she also had some concerns about accepting the project. “Nung narinig ko na sa akin na ibibigay yung role ditosa Kokey, nag-worry ako sa magiging reaction ng mga fans ni Angel.” But when she learned that Angel had only good words for her in a statement published online, Toni was relieved and pleased. “I’m very happy na puro kind words ang narinig ko kay Angel. Mabait talaga siyang tao. Kahit naman anong mangyari, Angel Locsin is Angel Locsin. Walang pwedeng pumalit sa kanya.”

In return, Toni said that she will also be looking forward to Angel’s much anticipated project with John Lloyd. “Kahit nawala sa kanya itong Kokey meron naman siyang gagawing isa pang napakagandang proyekto, ‘yung teleserye nga with John Lloyd. Ngayon pa lang marami nang nasasabik sa first time nilang pagsasama. Isa ako sa mga magaabang niyan. Sana kapag nag-promote siya nun e ma-interview ko uli siya, ma-clear din naming dalawa na wala namang issue sa pagitan namin.”

Toni is very excited that she will be acting again on TV after last year’s Precious Hearts Romances Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin. She’s also happy about being paired with her good friend Vhong whom she got to work with in two blockbuster films. “Kaibigan ko talaga ‘yan si Vhong. Kapag magkatrabaho kami para lang kaming naglalaro,” she shared.

Toni, who also hosts Pinoy Big Brother, said she is happy to have as part of the Kokey at Ako cast Pinoy Big Brother Double Up alumni Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco. “Sina Melai at Jason feeling ko para ko nang mga kapatid ‘yan. Bilang host kasi ng PBB, nakita ko ‘yung growth ng relationship nila. Nagsimula sa friendship tapos ngayon naging sila na. Hindi na sila iba sa akin kasi madalas ko na sila nakakausap.”