Xian Lim promises to give 100% as John Lloyd Cruz's replacement on 'Bridges'

Speaking for the first time since rumors arose that he would be replacing box office star John Lloyd Cruz on upcoming soap Bridges, Xian Lim seemingly had no issue in being a second choice for the role. Even though no airing date has been released yet for the said soap which will also star Jericho Rosales Maja Salvador, rumors that John Lloyd backed out from the show began circulating soon after the project was announced.

While Maja and Jericho have both expressed sadness over Lloydy's decision, they both refused to give out a specific reason why the latter opted not to push through with the serye and instead highlighted that he has "valid reasons." 

“Nakakadalawang taping day na ako. I'm really excited to begin wth the soap. Laking pasasalamat ko sa Star Creatives dahil pinagkatiwalaan nila ako for this project,” Xian said in an interview at the recently-concluded press conference of his upcoming rom-com film Past Tense opposite love team Kim Chiu together with Ai-Ai de las Alas.

The 25-year-old actor acknowledged that he feels pressured over the role that John Lloyd left behind.

“Yes, of course, there's added pressure knowing that it came from him [John Lloyd]. But I can't really speak on his behalf. I'm just really thankful and I'm excited and I will give it my all to make everything work,” he assured.

As a message to those that might compare him to the A-List actor, Xian promised, "Makakasiguro sila na pagbubutihan ko and they will see a 100% of Xian."

In an earlier interview with Jericho, the Red actor was actually the first to confirm that Xian was onboard the show. He even related that Xian even spoke to him about his excitement for the project.

Xian echoed this and shared, "Yeah, [nagkausap na kami ni Jericho]. Sabi niya he's really happy na I'm working with him. Sinabi niya 'yun sa interview niya na [he's] really excited and his prayers are going out to me. Sabi ko nga sa kanya isang karangalan na makasama ko sila [ni Maja].” 

Meanwhile, Xian shared that he hopes that the KimXi fans would offer the same amount of support for Past Tense that they did to Bride for Rent early this year.

After months of not working together while Kim was paired with Coco Martin in Ikaw Lamang, Xian claimed that he missed his leading lady.

"Na-miss talaga kasi medyo matagal din," Xian said. "Noong una nga kaming nagka-eksena medyo nakakapanibago, kasi dati from dire-diretso tapos naputol, so glad to be back."

Past Tense will hit the theaters on November 26.