8-month pregnant Fann Wong bares her belly

She has done countless photoshoots in the course of a career as a model and actress that spans more than two decades.

But local star Fann Wong's recent photoshoot is her most daring to date.

The 43-year-old, who is nearly eight months pregnant, was recently photographed with only a blue cloth covering her chest and hips.

In the picture, Wong, who has put on 17kg since her pregnancy, is seen holding on to her round belly while beaming and gazing into the camera.

She told The New Paper: "It's liberating. It's a bold move for me, but I was willing to do it as it was done very stylishly.

"I think the timing could not have been more perfect. I am at a wonderful stage of my life and it feels good to share that feeling of joy and blessing."

The photo is part of a shoot for slimming specialist Marie France Bodyline, which last month appointed Wong as its latest spokesman.

The mum-to-be, who is due to deliver next month, created a buzz when she uploaded the photo onto her social media accounts on Thursday night.

The photo has had more than 67,000 likes and 600 comments on her Facebook account.

The set was cleared for the photoshoot on June 23 so that Wong would feel at ease and comfortable. Her husband, local actor Christopher Lee, 42, was not present.

Wong, who prepared for the shoot by having a good night's sleep, said: "I was not at all shy during the photoshoot. The Marie France Bodyline team and the crew made sure I was totally at ease.

"I was excited upon learning the concept of the shoot. This is something I've never tried before and will be a good keepsake for me to remember this very precious moment of my life by."

Ms Aileen Chua, group marketing director of Global Beauty International, which owns Marie France Bodyline, explained the reason behind the photo: "We wanted a campaign that was bold and befitting Fann as she is one of the most iconic spokespersons we have had.

"She was game with the concept and the photo really captured her glow and beauty both as a woman and a mother-to-be."

SEXY

Many people had positive comments about the photo, with netizens commenting that "Fann looks very sexy and is in great shape" and that "she is radiant and glowing".

Lee also told her that "the photo is very nice and beautiful".

Wong's good friend, celebrity hairstylist David Gan, told TNP: "Fann seldom takes such photos. This is definitely a very daring picture. She looks very beautiful and sexy, and she has maintained her body well even with the pregnancy. I'm happy for her.

"However, Singapore is still a conservative society. I'm worried that the photo will receive negative feedback from people who think that she is revealing too much. I try not to think so much about that."

There was some criticism from netizens yesterday.

Facebook user Kok Wai Mun wrote: "She is showing a lot of skin, I feel that there is no aesthetic appeal."

Another user, Siew Cheng Toh, wrote: "It's not nice. Ridiculous!"