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Tulsa, OK – (July 23, 2007) - Mighty big changes are happening for the SONBC nominated blog-series "The Guiding Light" as they prepare for new cast additions, a reality TV show twist, production changes and so much more!

Setside sources are revealing that a new production schedule is in place for the blog as well, beginning this week!

“After careful deliberation and council with my co-head writer (Dan Gobble) we have come to the conclusion that three episodes a week for the series will be beneficial to the stories we are telling,” executive producer Josh Hawkins stated earlier this week.

So what will this change in production mean for the beloved citizens of Springfield and to the readers of the blog? “Hopefully for the citizens it means that stories are going to be told a faster pace,” Gobble stated. “For our readers it will mean that episodes will become a little longer and a little more in-depth. We are committed to telling these stories and we hope that our readers are just as committed,” Gobble concluded.

The change won’t happened immediately however. TGL is taking a week hiatus beginning Monday, July 23, 2007 after Episode 078 is published. “We have to outline, plan and write,” Hawkins laughs. And another change is coming, a special graduation episode is planned for Monday, July 30th wrapping up the teen storyline with the birth of Michelle’s baby.


“We know that baby-related storylines have been beat to death in the daytime arena,” Hawkins continued, “so we don’t want to tell a story that will make readers turn away from the show.” That said however, it will be revealed on the August 1st episode that Baby Bauer has been in pre-natal intensive care since her birth. “The Bauer, Lewis and Danny really rally together in this time,” Hawkins says, “since it is still unclear whether or not Danny or Bill is the biological father.”

In addition to the baby storyline other stories that will be moved forward include: Holly continues to spiral downward as Ross and Blake prepare to marry, the Cedar's project is in full swing and those Lewis boys know something is up, Ben faces the truth that something is the matter with him health wise and Alan/Phillip/Beth/Olivia storyline takes a turn during this time.

"We have some great stories coming down the pike for the last six months in Springfield," Hawkins concluded. "We hope that you'll stick with us and see what we have in store for everyone."

Look for the final episode of TGL before hiatus on Tuesday, July 24th and then the blog resumes a regular air schedule on the 30th.

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CASTING ROUNDUP

- "The Guiding Light" will welcome Tamara Tunie (Jessica, As The World Turns) to the canvas shortly after the series returns from the schedule hiatus. "We have enjoy utilizing our sister soap," Hawkins smiled. Readers will note that early on in the blog it was revealed that Lillian Raines (Tina Sloan) shares a friendship with Dr. Susan Stewart (Marie Masters.) So will there be more ATWT/TGL crossovers in the future? "Maybe," Hawkins replies, "we don't want to use up a good thing. If the storyline requires something of the nature that would fit of course."

- There seems to be a reason why the contents of Ed's letter from Roger hasn't been opened yet on screen and it comes down to casting and time according to setside sources. Rumor has it that executives are attempting to lure a veteran charater/actress for a limited run in late summer/early fall. "TGL" doesn't comment on rumors.

- Could two of of the blog's brighest young starlets be on their way! Some of daytime's biggest and brightest young stars have been spotted roaming the halls of the studio including the recently married Jennifer Finnigan (ex-Bridget, B&, Jennifer Ferrin (ex-Jennifer, ATWT) and even DAYS young star Martha Madison (Belle, DAYS). Could this be a possible recast role or are they looking to fill a recent casting call for a young and powerful executive at Spaulding Enterprise, stay tuned!

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A NEW REALITY TWIST COMING

Final details are being ironed out for an exciting and interesting new reality twist that will tie into the storylines on "The Guiding Light." "I just recently got the approval from co-head writer," laughs the EP Josh Hawkins. The new reader-interaction event is slated to begin August 13th so stay tuned!

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