WILL Christopher Lee and Fann Wong get married in the Year of the Rat?

The MediaCorp leading man has hinted at a time frame for marrying the actress, reported Lianhe Zaobao yesterday.

Speaking to the Chinese-language daily at the Star Awards on Sunday, he said he hoped the next year would bring him better roles - either a movie or the chance to shoot a show in China.

Then, in an apparent reference to the pair's wedding plans, he added: 'If it is fated, I may announce good news.'

But he declined to give details. 'I can't speak too plainly. Marriage is a matter for two. I can't announce it unilaterally, that is too irresponsible,' he said.

Lee and Fann, both 36, have been dating for about six years. They were seen holding hands in Bali in 2001 after starring in the TV serial Madam White Snake together.

The actor, who was born Lee Meng Soon, also said he will be using his given Chinese name again.

In 2004, he changed the Chinese character for Meng from 'inscription' to 'name', on the advice of a fortune teller. The two words sound the same and look similar, except that 'name' does not have the radical for 'gold'.

Lee, who described himself as bad-tempered, was told then that the new name would make him less moody. But he was involved in a drink-driving accident last year, and jailed for it this year.

His mother was convinced the name change had brought him bad luck, he said, and asked him to use his old name after his release.

As for his temper, she told him he would have to try to control it himself, he said.