TRIBUTE TO MARIE HORTON and BIG CASTING NEWS!!

Be there for a Salem Lives event!!

Last week, it was announced in the Salem Lives Insider that a tribute to the late Lanna Saunders would take place on the April 5 and April 6 episodes. It was also mentioned that Salem Lives has decided to write off the character of Marie Horton permanently. Fans already saw this plan begin to be realized last week when Alice (Francis Reid) recieved word of Marie's death and news quickly spread to loved ones in Salem. Next week, fans will be treated to two special episodes dedicated to the character of Marie Horton and, more specifically, Lanna Saunders who was considered by many to be the definitive Marie Horton.

Fans may note that just last summer the character of Marie was portrayed by Marie Cheathem, the role's originator, but EP/HW Tim Lowery says he feels this decision is the right one. "I feel doing this way is a tribute to Lanna and Marie understands that," says Lowery. "Marie originated the role but Lanna had such a big impact on all of us. She will be sorely missed and fans of all ages will be treated to a fitting and very emotional tribute next week. I can promise that. My co-EP/HW Patrick L. Ewing was the brainchild behind this and I know he is going to throw himself into this, like he does in all his writing for Salem Lives. It's just going to be a great tribute." Below is a list of the actors and actresses who will be returning for this special occasion. "We are thankful they could all make it back on such short notice," adds Lowery. "Jaime, Kale, Lisa, Alli, and Jed only left us in December so that wasn't hard but the others we really haven't seen since last August during the funerals then. I am grateful they are all here. It wouldn't be the same without them." These actors and actresses are returning for April 5 and 6 ONLY and here they are:

Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton)

Roark Critchlow (Mike Horton)

David Tom (Jeremy Horton)

Lisa Trusel (Melissa Anderson)

Pamela Roylance (Sandy Horton)

Alli Brown (Sarah Horton)

Jean Bruce Scott (Jessica Blake Fallon)

Scott Palmer (Joshua Fallon)

Stephen Schnetzer (Steven Olsen)

Justin Hartley (Spencer Olsen)

Michael Leon (Pete Jannings)

Jed Allen (Don Craig)

Kale Browne (Bill Horton)

Larry Bryggman (Tommy Horton)

In addition to these names, Salem Lives has casted Blake Berris as Nick Fallon, Jessica and Joshua Fallon's son. "We are introducing him," says Lowery. "We just want the fans to know he is there as he has never been known to this point. The actor is great and it just opens another story door for the future, kind of like last summer when we brought these funeral guests on and hinted at possible future stories. It keeps some options open." Berris will appear ONLY in the April 5 and 6 episodes.

In other big casting news, look for a BIG surprise on May 1 as that day will mark the one year anniversary of Salem Lives. "We have someone big coming on that day," admits Lowery. "We are going to keep it a surprise until this person appears. It's a big name actor and one that will shock everyone. It will really shake things up and it's a great way to celebrate Salem Lives' one year anniversary. Between VENDETTA and this person coming aboard, it really shows what we have been about since day one: solid story and entertaining fans. The fans will love it so look out on May 1 for that."