The Guiding Light

A shuffle behind the scenes of "THE GUIDING LIGHT" have brought production of the SONBC blog to a halt!!

"As of Thursday, February 15, 2007 David Tom was released from his contract role as Shayne Lewis." Executive Producer Josh Hawkins said.

Tom who joined the SONBC blog on September 4, 2006 completed twenty-three weeks as the son of Josh and Reva Lewis. "All actors and actresses, with the exception of a handful are on a thirteen week cylce." explained Hawkins. Executives and Tom came to the conclusion to terminate that agreement three weeks early.

"David has been nothing but wonderful during his time at "The Guiding Light," however age became an issue." Hawkins stated, "We've all seen the writing on the wall lately and the pre-nominations were the final straw, so to speak." Tom exits immediately and on good terms with the soap.

"I've loved my time here at "GL" and would love to return perhaps one day." Tom said, "Afterall this is a soap opera and my sister does call it home. Josh and Dan have crafted a great story for Shayne that some actor will be fortunate to play."

"Immediately after this became an issue Josh and I began debating back and forth as to who the new Shayne would be." Shares co-Head Writer Dan Gobble. "We brought in three fine young actors and screen tested them with Robert Newman (Josh), Kim Zimmer (Reva) and Marcy Rylan (Lizzie.)

Drew Tyler Bell (Ex-Thomas, B&, Scott Clifton (Dillion, GH) and Ben Hogestyn (Ex-Harry, B& all read for the role and after careful debate between Hawkins and Gobble they decided on, Ben Hogestyn.

"Ben is an amazing addition to the cast and "The Guiding Light" family." Smiled Hawkins. "He has every feature we were looking for to be the offspring of Josh and Reva."

Hogestyn who is the son of "DAYS OF OUR LIVES" leading man, Drake Hogestyn has had short term roles on "General Hospital" as Lucas Jones and "The Bold and Beautiful" as Harry. "Ben has had a bumpy ride in daytime so we're glad that he is here with us to play a role that we clearly adore." Gobble said.

"The writers know who Shayne is. They care about his relationship with his parents, with Marah, his friends and the entire community." Hogestyn said after landing the contract role, "I have big shoes and high expectations to fill and I look forward to doing just that."

Because of the recast, production came to a stand-still during the Valentine's Day episodes earlier this week. "Those episodes were a group effort and we had to go back and reshoot."

Hogestyn first appears opposite Stephanie Gatschet (Tammy) and appears in the credits immediately.

Setside sources close to "THE GUIDING LIGHT" are reporting that there is an uproar behind the scenes.

"It is not our policy to comment on rumors." Shared head writer/executive producer Josh Hawkins. "However there is some casting shuffles going on at "TGL" and we'll keep you up to date!"

UPDATE

There are confirmed rumors that one ACTOR is OUT at "The Guiding Light." The actor in question assured executives he wanted them to make the right choice for the character and if he was not it then he would leave. Josh Hawkins (Executive Producer/Head Writer) & Dan Gobble (Head Writer) saw the writing on the wall late last night when this story first broke.

"Dan and I went behind closed doors to resolve the issue." Hawkins stated, "We'll announce later tonight/early Friday who is no longer with us."

Just wanted to update readers...because of a busy Thursday & Friday with school and work Saturday...Episode 045 & 046 will be posted on Saturday!

Also I will post some storyline news & casting stuff for next week as well tomorrow night!

Teresa Hill who originated the role of Eden August on the CBS drama, "Guiding Light" will reprise the role on the next episode of SONBC blog, "THE GUIDING LIGHT."

"We wanted to wrap up the Eden story that was open ended when I took over the stories so we wanted to conclude it." Says Executive Producer Josh Hawkins. Hill appears in Episode 044 which is scheduled to air on February 07, 2007. Hill's appearance is for this episode only and she is not slated to appear in any further episodes.

After a little over three months of airing as Michelle Bauer-Santos, former "DAYS OF OUR LIVES" starlet, Christie Clark has opted not to continue with the blog.

"Christie was wonderful as Michelle and we wish that she could have stayed." Shared Hawkins, "In the end it was a mutual decision to part ways and we wish Christie the best."

So what is going to happen to Michelle?

"We brought back the three previous actresses who have played Michelle to retest for the role." Hawkins continued, "We wanted a familiar face to work with the cast." To that end, Bethany Joy Lenz, Rebecca Budig and Nancy St. Alban were brought it and tested with Peter Simon (Ed), Paul Anthony Stewart (Danny) and Alexa Havins (Marah) for the role.

"The chemistry between Havins and Budig was there, but in the end it wasn't enough for her to win the role." Hawkins said and confirmed that in fact it is "One Tree Hill" and former Reva-clone actress, Lenz who has won the role.

"Dan and I talked and fought about this for a long while." Hawkins shared, "In the end though it was Bethany who had the most chemistry with the three actors we paired her with and we look forward to working with her in the future and telling Michelle's story."

Lenz begins Friday, February 09 and will have her own, "IN the LIGHT" next week.

Hello readers! After careful thought I have decided that a the blog would undergo a name change effective immediately! After viewing the 70th Anniversary episode of "GUIDING LIGHT" I begin to think of what the show was about and have decided that at 11:59 CST tonight, the blog will have a new name:

Of course it is what the original name of the show was, but I think it will fit the type of stories Dan and I are writing!

After tense and long negotiations, but the executive producer and head writer of "THE LIGHT" Josh Hawkins is confirming that indeed Stephanie Gatschet is staying on as Tammy Winslow!

"It was tough to get Stephanie to stay with the SONBC series, but we did." smiles Hawkins.

Gatschet who joined the original "Guiding Light" in July 5, 2002 has signed on for two more years with the blog. Details at press time were sketchy, look for more information and an interview with Gatschet this weekend in the newly created, "Weekend Update."

Sources closes to the production team of "THE LIGHT" are reporting that contract negotiations for one younger leading lady are going into the night as both parties seem to be at an impasse as both parties are stalling!

Setside sources says that the executives of the SONBC series wants very much for the actress to continue in the role and are hoping a contract is signed. Negotiations between "TL" and the actress began prior to the Christmas holiday and have continued well into January, with the deadline being 11:59 PM/CST, January 18th.

"We do not comment on contracts negotitations." said Executive Producer Josh Hawkins. He did add however that when something was decided he would announce it immediately.

• Braxton and his mother, Sandra have a special reunion that is mixed with emotions. He inquires as to what she is doing in Oakdale, when they clearly talked about her going to Springfield. Sandra tells him that she just wanted to see his face before she arrived in Springfield…he tells her that’s nice and then becomes very cold and angry with her and tells her to stick to the plan!

• Harley frantically begins searching for where Alexandra could have fled off too. In hopes of finding some information she sneaks into Alexandra’s old office at Spaulding Enterprises and hopes to find something…only to be caught red handed by Phillip!

• Vera and Gus return home…alone in her bedroom Vera images what life will be like for her and Gus years down the road and in that life she envisions Harley to be DEAD and not apart of it! She is jolted back to reality when Alexandra calls and tells her she is staying at a house tucked far away in Maine!

• Vanessa asks Billy if he’s heard anything from Little Bill and he tells her he has not. Billy then inquires as to what has got Vanessa so worked up so suddenly. She decides to tell him what she’s learned, Vanessa reveals that Michelle Bauer Santos is pregnant and that their son could be the father!

• Phillip demands to know what Harley is up to and she tells him that she is looking for Alexandra. Phillip tells her that he has no idea and notices that she is wound pretty tight…he suggests that Harley get away and notes the time they spent together at a house in Maine! Harley’s wheels begin to turn and Alexandra’s whereabouts dawn on her!

• Springfield High School is buzzing as the second half of their senior year begins. Lizzie, Marina, Tammy and Shayne are equally surprised to see that they have homeroom together. Lizzie begins to feel like an outsider because she was away at boarding school for the first semester suggests that the four of them hang out on the weekend, but Marina turns her down while Tammy says she’ll think about it, Shayne however remains very quiet at first and then declines Lizzie’s offer.
  
  
• Everyone at the board meetings is stunned and surprised by Alan-Michael’s return. Alan greets his son with a firm hug followed by Phillip and Alexandra. A-M explains that he wanted to come home for a visit since he missed the holidays and figured that this was the perfect time. For a single split moment Alexandra considers that she nominate Alan-Michael for CEO but decides against it and recalls the board meeting to order!
  
  
• Lucy arrives at Company and finds it very quiet for a morning! Buzz is in the kitchen and doesn’t hear Lucy arrive! When he comes out though he is surprised and stunned to see his little girl standing before him! The two embrace in a big bear hug!
  
  
• As Alexandra taps her gavel one more person enters the meeting: Ross Marler. Blake is surprised that he is there and clearly upset because now she will have to interact with him!
  
  
• Lucy explains to Buzz that she and A-M flew in from Europe to see everyone and for A-M to handle Spaulding Enterprise business up close and personal for once. She explains that he is getting a little too cranky just pushing papers in the Europe offices and wanted to feel important. Buzz inquires if the trip will be a short visit or a long-term stay?
  
  
• After homeroom Tammy and Marina head off together for their next class. Tammy tells Marina that she thinks something is wrong with Shayne and that he hasn’t been acting himself lately. Marina says she hasn’t really noticed anything but suggests that maybe his behavior/mood change is because of the tension and fighting between Marah and Reva. Tammy agrees, but decides to do more to find out what is really wrong.
  
  
• Alexandra is short and to the point. She says that after careful consideration she feels that Spaulding Enterprises would be managed better by Alan, rather than herself and admits that she only maneuvered her way to CEO for revenge and selfish reasons and that she is stepping down as CEO of Spaulding Enterprises, while remaining as COO (Chief Operating Officer) and Senior Vice President of the company. She urges the board to elect Alan, which they unanimously do and Alan Michael’s wheels begin to turn!
  
  
• Lucy however assures her father that this visit is only short-term! That she and A-M don’t want any part of the power struggle between Phillip, Alexandra and Alan. Lucy tells Buzz she just wants to visit with her family and not think about when they’re leaving! Buzz hugs her one more time and tells her it is so good to see her!

• At breakfast Alan requests that Olivia join him at the office today during the board meeting, because he doesn’t know exactly what Alexandra is up to. Olivia is moved that he has asked her and takes the moment to introduce an idea she’s had. Olivia asks Alan to form an Interior Design division at Spaulding Enterprise with her as the President.
  
  
• Having previously had doubts about Vera’s claim that she is Gus’ biological mother Harley decides to question the woman solo and compare what Gus told her that she said to what Vera tells her when Gus’ isn’t around. After spending all morning with her talking Harley concludes that small, minor details about how Vera came to know Joe Augustino and his wife Angela. As she is preparing to leave for the board meeting Harley decides to confront Alexandra once and for all!
  
  
• Phillip and Beth return from Las Vegas very much happy! Phillip tells his wife that he isn’t sure what Alexandra is up to with this board meeting and that has him worried. Beth assures him that everything will turn out all right and he returns with a question for her: can he trust her…
  
  
• Alan-Michael and Lucy awake at The Beacon and he prepares for his meeting, also curious as to what is going on. Lucy tells her husband that she will stop by Company and see her father, Frank and then later that day Marina and Harley. Alan-Michael reminds her that they will be having dinner with the family that night and she should act like she is enjoying it. Lucy tells him that she will if he remembers the promise that he made her, that is this visit will be short and for business only. Alan-Michael kisses her on the cheek, says it will and leaves!
  
  
• Alan tells Olivia that is something that will be discussed after everyone learns exactly what Alex is up to. Olivia smiles and agrees but secretly wonders if Alan is genuine with his offer!
  
  
• Beth is upset that he has even asked her such a question. She tells him that from now on she’ll always be right behind him giving her support and encouragement to both he and Alan, since that is what Phillip wants. As the limo gets closer to the Spaulding building Phillip suggests they tell Lizzie about their marriage tonight and not wait any longer!
  
  
• At Spaulding Enterprise, Harley finds Alexandra alone in her office as everyone begins to arrive downstairs. Alexandra is so deep in thought that she doesn’t hear Harley enter the room until she slams the door! A stunned Alex stands to confront Harley who tells her that she came for the truth, all of it this time!
  
  
• Alexandra tells Harley she has no idea what it is she’s talking about, that the truth is out and Vera is Gus’s mother! Harley says that she doesn’t buy it because Alexandra went to great length to keep Vera and Roy Baker’s secret and she wants to know what. Alexandra tells her that is what friends do and goes to leave. Harley becomes filled with anger and threatens Alexandra not to play games with her or the man she loves. Alex manages to wiggle out of Harley’s grasps and tells her she is not playing games and storms out of the room!!
  
  
• With Phillip, Alan and the members of the Ex-Wives Club assembled Alexandra calls the board meeting to order…when Alan-Michael opens the door stunning everyone!

Two Special HOMECOMINGS!

Maeve Kinkead & Lisa Brown

Two very special homecomings are finally set in stone! "It went sort of down to the wire but we were able to pull it off." Shares executive producer Josh Hawkins who confirms that Lisa Brown (Nola) and Maeve Kinkead (Vanessa) will reprise their famous roles as Vanessa Chamberlain Reardon and Nola Reardon Chamberlain respectively later this week.

"Josh and I have crafted a beautiful episode that will honor Maureen on the anniversary of her death." Shared co-head writer Dan Gobble. "This is what "IN the LIGHT" episodes should be about!" He continued.

It is because of that special episode, airing on Thursday, January 11, the day Maureen died that Brown and Kinkead will have their first appearances on the blog.

Brown's stint is only for two days and she'll be sharing scenes with Peter Simon (Ed) and Christie Clark (Michelle). However insiders are hinting that Kinkead has recieved a special recurring contract to appear from time to time as storyline requires. "Maeve has ties to Springfield and we'll be seeing her throughout 2007." Shared Hawkins.

So why is Kinkead in and Brown out, so to speak. "The character of Nola is awesome! Lisa Brown is a gem! But there is just no room for the character at this time." Shared Hawkins.

Look for Brown and Kinkead to arrive on January 11, 2007 as we REMEMBER MAUREEN!