If you even keep up with Channel 5's long-form drama series, Tanglin, you'd be aware that Michael Tong -- a character played by Eden Ang -- has been away for quite some time.

The plot involved Tong to be away in Brunei to serve his time as a full-time National Serviceman (NSF).

No more Eden Ang

However, Tong was most recently seen in a messaging conversation with his mother in the 721st episode that aired on May 3, 2018.

The avatar in the messaging app, however, does not display Ang's face.

Fans noticed

Followers of the show took notice that the face in the messaging avatar wasn't Ang and questioned where he went and who is this new actor.

Undisputed speculations

Some speculated that he was pulled from the show, while others hinted at the idea that he had to leave after something had happened to Ang in real life.

This alluding to a departure because of circumstances refers to the sexual harassment allegations against Ang.

Accused of sexual harassment

Since January 2018, Ang has been accused of sexual harassment by several individuals.

Some of the claims include asking the girls to wear g-strings, calling him "daddy", and apparently commenting on one of the girls' pubic hair and underwear.

Ever since the allegations surfaced, Ang has kept a low profile on social media and stopped posting videos on his YouTube page.

Left Tanglin in March 2017

Contrary to the insinuations that Ang left due to his alleged misdemeanours, he had, in fact, filmed his last scene as Tong on Tanglin more than a year ago in March 2017 -- way before any allegations surfaced against him.

According to his Instagram post from that time, he left Tanglin to "venture into a new path" as a content creator for his own production company:

"I believe there comes a time when the baton is passed and an artist grows into a content creator who nurtures a new team. Eden Ang Productions team and I have our eyes set on South East Asian and beyond."

Who's the new actor?

Speaking to Mothership.sg, a representative confirmed that Ang has worked with Mediacorp on a freelance basis.

"At this time, there are no plans for Eden to appear in future episodes of the series."

Mediacorp also shared that Royston Ong is the new actor taking over the role of Tong, and did not explain why Ang's freelancer stint was not renewed.

Ong previously appeared in local movie Taxi! Taxi! and Channel 8 drama The Last Rhythm.

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Other characters who have been replaced

Ang isn't the first character to have been replaced though in this long-running series.

Kimberly Chia, who used to play the role of Lauren, was replaced by 987FM radio deejay Kimberly Wang.

The role of Kalila, who was previously portrayed by Aleeyah Nabilah, is now played by Hannah Alya Tan.

Tanglin has been running since June 2015.

Top image via Eden Ang's Instagram page

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