Errol

After responding to a social media post highlighting it being 19 years since she debuted as Belle Black on “Days of our Lives,” actress Martha Madison recently spoke with TV Insider’s Michael Maloney about her decision to exit the daytime drama series with her last appearance scheduled to air sometime in early November. On Thursday, August 10, a Twitter fan account that shares photo collages every day of key points in “Days of our Lives” history noted that it had been 19 years since Madison assumed the role of Belle with a tweet that included screenshots of the actress and her character’s then on-screen love interest, Phillip Kiriakis (then played by actor Kyle Brandt), with the coupling dubbed “Phelle.” In response to the tweet, Madison said, “Feels like yesterday and a million lifetimes ago all at the same time. Thank you to all the fans who supported me on my bumpy journey through Salem. It was a wild ride.” After seeing her response, fans immediately picked up on her words in the past tense, seemingly confirming rumors that Madison had already departed the series earlier this year, and before the outcome of the reported behind-the-scenes turmoil that plagued the series over the last couple of weeks and eventually led to the ouster of now-former co-executive producer Albert Alarr. Speaking of Alarr, he is the one who told Madison back in March, one day before the show received its two-year renewal order from Peacock, that her contract wasn’t being renewed and that Belle would be written off the show, which became a “lightbulb moment” for Madison. “I was surprised to hear I was leaving, too! [Laughs] Actually, I wasn’t,” commented Madison shortly after addressing the quick end to the Belle and EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) romance storyline, which she pointed out got wrapped up in just one episode. Greg Rikaart, Martha Madison and Dan Feuerriegel (“Days of our Lives’) Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios “Albert called me the day before the renewal was announced to let me know that they decided to write me off the show again. I asked why they chose me, and he said it was budget-dictated. He told me specifics about how they were going to send my character off, and then I thanked him [and] wished him well, and that was that,” Madison says of how she learned she was being let go from the show for the umpteenth time. In the first Deadline article that brought the misconduct investigation to the public’s attention last month, the outlet noted that seven contract actresses had departed the series around the time of layoffs, five of whom were either let go altogether or dropped to recurring status. The remaining two actresses reportedly made the decision to leave the series on their own. “Honestly, the writing had been on the wall since they squashed the EJ and Belle story so abruptly, so I wasn’t fully surprised,” Madison pointed out again in the interview with Maloney. “But then weeks later as I was saying my goodbyes to everyone, I randomly got another script. I was so confused because it indicated that Belle was staying in town, but nobody had spoken to me about that. Ultimately, they said they’d like me to stick around to ‘occasionally do legal stuff,’ and ‘then, you never know what might happen after that,’ and really that was just such a lightbulb moment for me. “In my opinion, Belle was never meant to be a peripheral character. She is the only child of Marlena [Deidre Hall] and John [Drake Hogestyn], and, after 19 years of coming and going from the show, it just finally clicked for me that they were never going to showcase the character the way I felt she should be. So, I declined the opportunity to recur and shot that last episode in April. Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful to have played Belle for two decades, but I’m ready for more. It was just time to leave.” Even though she formally left the series prior to the ongoing writers and actors strikes, Madison makes it clear that she stands by her words even today, saying, “Yes. I feel like I can be patient now and wait for the right opportunities and the right projects. I’m very lucky that I have a full-time job as a vice-president at a recruitment agency [One Haus]. So, I’m very fortunate that I don’t have to make these career decisions based on financial needs. I’ve worked very hard to get to this place in my life where I’m able to make decisions based on what’s fulfilling for me and what’s going to feel good in my life.” Janet Drucker, Albert Alarr Courtesy of YouTube (via Screengrab); Photo by Howard Wise/JPI Studios With a change in leadership at the show following Alarr’s ouster and Janet Drucker replacing him, Madison might consider returning to the show should they ever reach out, but she’d need some assurances first. “I asked ‘DAYS’ for a contract when the show came back from the covid break in 2020,” Madison reveals. “It was going to require me moving my family back to Los Angeles from Dallas, so I needed some assurance from the show that they were going to use me regularly. I’d still need that [if I were to go back], and like I mentioned before, it would need to be because they were going to tell compelling stories with Belle in a pivotal position in those stories. I’ve spent my entire life, from six years old, training to be an actress. I want to act. “But I think the show is in excellent hands with Janet; she is kind and compassionate and has been there a long time. She is excellent at her job and has the full respect of the cast and crew. I think she’s going to do great.” As for Alarr himself, Madison addresses the matter by saying this: “All I’ll say is that I would not wish that type of public fallout on anyone, and I hope everyone involved is able to find some peace going forward.” Meanwhile, she’s open to other acting projects should they come her way, of course following a hoped-for positive outcome to the actors strike, or even another soap opera which isn’t part of the strike due to differing contracts. “I’m absolutely open to projects that would offer the chance to play a compelling character in a fun and collaborative environment,” Madison says of future possibilities. “I love daytime TV and working in soap operas. I’m a huge fan of the genre. I’d be honored to work on any of the shows. I’d just want to make sure it’s going to be a dynamic character that would be featured regularly.” For more from Madison in her TV Insider interview, click here. Note: The post Martha Madison Exiting ‘Days of our Lives’; Reveals “Lightbulb Moment” and Why She Declined to Go Recurring appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

In a Facebook live on Sunday, Eric Braeden (“The Young and the Restless”) announced that he is now cancer free. The news comes nearly four months after he first announced his bladder cancer diagnosis. “I want to talk to you tonight because I want to tell you I’m grateful for all of your good thoughts and your prayers,” said Braeden in the video, which ran for nearly 26 minutes overall. “It’s meant a great deal to me, and I can tell you it obviously has helped because I had my last cystoscopy two days ago – that’s when they thread a camera into your bladder – and I’m cancer free! They couldn’t find a damn thing.” Again thanking fans for their support and prayers, Braeden went on to make clear that this does not mean the work is done. “This does not mean that it is all over. I need to still do about three prophylactic infusions,” he says, referring to BCG treatment where they “infuse your bladder with some stuff that apparently kills the cancer.” Braeden shared that his latest update stems from a visit to the doctor three days prior (Friday, August 11), noting, “the original surgeon did a great job getting all the cancer out. I needed the treatment because there were some “high-grade cancer cells left.” In addition to the cancer-free diagnosis, Braeden revealed that he’s waiting for results from a recent MRI which will determine whether the cancer might have spread elsewhere in the body. “And then I should be free for a while,” the actor shared. “Every so often, every few months, I’ll have another cystoscopy, all to find the damn thing early and to fight it. To hell with it.” For more on what Braeden had to say about his health status, watch his Facebook live video below or click here. Note: The post Eric Braeden Announces Cancer-Free Diagnosis During Facebook Live with Fans appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Are we talking about streaming altogether or just streaming TV services? Regular Streaming Services: Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube, IQIYI Streaming TV Services: Hulu+Live TV, FreeVee, Pluto TV

Correct. Just addressed that matter as you posted. Hope it helps!

The non-issue I see is complaints about someone posting too much. Not seeing your (not you @Vee) last comment on the latest page of a thread because others have since commented is a non-issue to me. Commenting in threads, even when one might be wrong about some of the things they are saying, is not spam and is also a non-issue to me. Real issues are people spamming the board -- real spam like I had to deal with a few weeks back. Registering multiple times, using a VPN or altering an IP address in any way is an issue to me. Threatening people publicly or via PM is an issue for me. Yelling and screaming at each other over a disagreement beyond real vs. reel is an issue for me. That said, since people say that they have a particular person on ignore, even though there is evidence proving otherwise, as I've seen in the last couple of pages of this thread alone, I have removed the community posts sidebar altogether. This way, ignored users will be officially unable to get their posts noticed by those who have them on ignore. Ironically, it benefits the boards in the long run as sidebar ads will now be shown more, at least to those who also aren't using ad blockers (which is a HUGE problem for this place, but that's another conversation).

I fail to see an issue with active posting by one or several users. The point of a message board is to have active discussions. As I am the webmaster and owner of one, you will never make it make sense where I should punish or silence someone because they like to post. If you don't like how much they post in any given topic, which they are free to participate in, you have the ignore button in your settings. Utilize them. The more childish I see the board becoming with always complaining about the most benign issues, I just can't believe this is coming from adults. Someone posts too much and I that's a problem worthy of my attention? Like seriously? I just can't. So someone who posted on the boards couldn't take the fact that someone else who posts on the boards posts too much, in their opinion, and decides to leave. Again, I fail to see how this is an issue warranting any attention whatsoever.

As “Days of our Lives” prepares to say a formal on-screen goodbye to Victor Kiriakis and his portrayer, the late John Aniston, several fan favorites are set to return to the series in tribute, including Jen Lilley (Theresa) and Zach Tinker (Sonny), among others, sources confirm to Soap Opera Network. The actors are set to be a part of the funeral episodes, set to begin airing later this month on the daytime drama series. For Theresa, she’ll be around to support Brady (Eric Martsolf), her former partner and father to their son, Tate, as Brady mourns his grandfather. Meanwhile, Sonny is Victor’s great-nephew and their bond grew ever closer when Sonny came out as gay in 2011 (when played by Freddie Smith). Despite some concerns, Victor continued loving, supporting, and respecting Sonny after he returned to Salem. In fact, Victor’s only concern about the matter was how other people would react to the news. Lilley last appeared on “Days of our Lives” in 2018. She joined the series in July 2013, marking Theresa Donovan’s first appearance on the show as an adult. Lilley left the series in November 2016, going on to make a name for herself in several Hallmark Channel and Great American Family movies. Earlier this year, it was announced she’d be starring in a new holiday movie co-starring Matthew Morrison (“Glee”), titled “Paris Christmas Waltz.” The TV movie will be directed by Michael Damian (“The Young and the Restless”) from an original screenplay he co-wrote with his wife, Janeen Damian. Tinker joined the “Days of our Lives” family in 2021, first appearing in the spinoff series “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” (Chapter One). He also played the character in the show’s first Christmas movie, “Days of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas.” He officially joined the cast of the mothership series in March 2022. Sadly, with little story to tell, the writers wrote Sonny and his partner, Will Horton (Chandler Massey), off the show, with Tinker last appearing as a series regular in December 2022. However, he continued appearing in a recurring capacity throughout early 2023. In January 2023, Tinker reprised his role of Fenmore Baldwin on “The Young and the Restless” for just one episode, which was dedicated to Tracey E. Bregman, who played his on-screen mother Lauren Fenmore, as she celebrated her 40th year on the show. Watch a promo from this week’s episodes of “Days of our Lives” wherein Salem begins to learn the fate of Victor Kiriakis, whose plane has gone down. Note: The post Jen Lilley and Zach Tinker Back to ‘Days of our Lives’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

The annual Daytime Stars and Strikes fundraising event is returning for its 19th year in October, and things will be extra special this time. Not only will proceeds continue going to the Autism Society of America and the Jerry verDorn Scholarship Fund, but the event will return in-person for the first time since 2019. It will also provide soap opera fans expanded opportunities to meet some of their favorite stars from “As The World Turns” and “Guiding Light.” Daytime Stars and Strikes for Autism First up, “As The World Turns” fan favorites Trent Dawson, Roger Howarth and Michael Park will participate in a play reading and meet and greet session on Saturday, October 7, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., with additional actors expected to join them. Each actor will perform a play reading followed by an intimate meet and greet, question and answer session. Tickets cost $70.00 per person with proceeds from ticket sales and auction items benefiting The Katonah Classic Stage. To purchase tickets, click here. Also taking place on Saturday, October 7, from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Bradley Cole from “Guiding Light” and his band will perform. Look for some of your favorite actors to perform alongside Cole and his band. Tickets cost $125.00 per person and benefits will go to the Jerry verDorn Scholarship Fund. To purchase tickets, click here. On Sunday, October 8, the main event, “The 19th Annual Daytime Stars & Strikes Bowling Event for the Autism Society and the Jerry verDorn Scholarship Fund,” will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and will be hosted by “Guiding Light” favorites Elizabeth Keifer (Blake Marler), Ron Raines (Alan Spaulding) and Michael O’Leary (Rick Bauer). The theme for the event will be “The 80s” with special awards and prizes given, including the following: The Ross Marler Award – Best Overal Individual Score The Blake Marler Black Out Award – Most Strikes The Alan Spaulding CEO Award – Most Strikes in a Row The Reva Shayne Award – Most Spares The Four Musketeers Award – Best Score for a Team of 4 (to honor characters Rick, Phillip, Mindy and Beth) Best Eighties Costume – Photo in Soap Magazine with actor of choice in attendance Tickets cost $125.00 per person and benefits will go to the Autism Society of America and the Jerry verDorn Scholarship Fund. Food and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. To purchase tickets, click here. Hosted by Michael O’Leary from “Guiding Light,” “The 5th Annual Bauer BBQ” closes out the Daytime Stars and Strikes fan weekend on Sunday, October 8, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., with food, fun, games and laughter, including BBQ trivia, Burgers, Michael impression and handbag bingo, and much more. Tickets cost $125.00 per person and benefits will go to the Autism Society of America and the Jerry verDorn Scholarship Fund. Food and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. To purchase tickets, click here. In addition to Keifer, Raines and O’Leary, additional daytime stars tentatively scheduled to take part in both the bowling and BBQ sessions include: Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding, “Guiding Light”) Beth Chamberlain (Beth Raines, “Guiding Light”) Bradley Cole (Prince Richard, “Guiding Light”) Brian Gaskill (Bobby Warner, “All My Children”) Rick Hearst (Alan-Michael Spaulding, “Guiding Light”) Mart Hulswit (Ed Bauer, “Guiding Light”) Crystal Hunt (Lizzie Spaulding, “Guiding Light”) Maeve Kinkead (Vanessa Chamberlain, “Guiding Light”) Kurt McKinney (Matt Reardon, “Guiding Light”) Robert Newman (Josh Lewis, “Guiding Light”) Denise Pence (Katie Parker, “Guiding Light”) Sonia Satra (Lucy Cooper, “Guiding Light”) Nancy St. Alban (Michelle Bauer, “Guiding Light”) Krista Tesreau Strauss (Mindy Lewis, “Guiding Light”) All events are scheduled to take place at the Frames Bowling Lounge, located within the Port Authority building in New York City. Note: There is a special block of rooms at the Four Points by Sheraton Midtown – Time Square Hotel, which is close to the event’s venue. For information on hotel accommodations, click here. Jerry verDorn (“Guiding Light, “One Life to Live”) co-hosted the charity event for 17 years before he sadly passed away last year after a battle with cancer. He was just 72 years old. The vision of Daytime Stars and Strikes for Autism is to raise funds and awareness on behalf of individuals on the Autism Spectrum by ensuring all receive opportunities to learn, socialize, establish friendships, receive educational and employment opportunities and live their best life without barriers and in a safe environment. The organization is one of the longest-running soap-based charity events where fans encounter their favorite actors in an informal, relaxed, personal setting. Over the course of 18 years, Daytime Stars and Strikes has raised more than $500,000 for its beneficiaries. The small group of volunteers is thrilled to continue the mission as the landscape of daytime drama and web dramas continues to evolve. The Jerry verDorn Scholarship Fund honors Jerry’s legacy through his love for the theatre and Daytime Stars and Strikes, which he hosted for 18 years. The scholarship fund sends children with autism to theatre camps tuition-free. For more information on Daytime Stars and Strikes, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter (@DStarsNStrikes) and Facebook. Note: The post Daytime Stars and Strikes Returns In-Person with ‘As The World Turns’ and ‘Guiding Light’ Fan Favorites appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

“Days of our Lives” star Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera) will soon become a first-time father! The actor recently announced that he and his wife, Julana Dizon, are expecting their first child in December. “Boatman, party of 3!” boasted the happy couple in a dually shared Instagram post that included shots of the sonogram photos, Carson wearing a hat that said “Boat Baby,” again referencing the family name, and the duo leaning in for a kiss as they kept close eye contact. “Congratulations to you beautiful people! Now, be prepared to never sleep again! 😂 🤷🏻‍♀️😘 But seriously, very exciting….,” commented Boatman’s “Days of our Lives” co-star Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe). Other co-stars responded, too, including Stacy Haiduk (Kristen), Raven Bowens (Chanel), Tina Huang (Melinda), Eric Martsolf (Brady), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Tamara Braun (Ava), Lucas Adams (Tripp), Greg Rikaart (Leo), Dan Feuerriegel (EJ), Victoria Grace (Wendy), Sal Stowers (Lani), Aketra Sevillian (Talia), Martha Madison (Belle), Blake Berris (ex-Nick), Alison Sweeney (ex-Sami), Zach Tinker (Sonny) and Melissa Reeves (ex-Jennifer), along with the show’s head writer Ron Carlivati, among others. “Coming December 2023 ?? But you already came ???” joked Feuerriegel, who plays Boatman’s on-screen father, EJ DiMera, with a tongue-in-cheek comment that has since garnered more than two dozen replies. With a much more tame response, Adams stated, “Ahhhhh!!! Y’all are gonna be such amazing parents!!!! Congratulations y’all!!!” Both Carson and Julana responded to Adams, with Carson saying, “thanks man! Cant wait to see uncle Lucas and Shelby in action!” Boatman was referring to Adams’ real-life wife, Shelby Wulfert. Meanwhile, Julana said, “thank you 🥹 Excited to add a new little member to the crew!!” While the pair didn’t share the sex of the baby just yet, one can’t help but wonder that their decision to wear mostly blue attire in the photos could indicate that they are expecting a boy or it’s just a coincidence. Either way, congratulations to the happy couple! Carson and Julana were married in July 2021 and recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. In a post noting the two year mark, Carson said, “Free piggy backs for life. Love you more than words can convey. Happy second anniversary.” The post included a music mix featuring the song “Forever and Ever, Amen” by both Randy Travis and Brent Morgan. Check out the announcement post with the photos below. Note: The post Carson Boatman Reveals He and Wife Julana Dizon Are Expecting Their First Child, Due in December appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

When Deadline reported a new set of allegations brought against now former “Days of our Lives” co-executive producer Albert Alarr following its initial report on the conclusion of an investigation that cited multiple instances of misconduct on and off set, one allegation that reportedly occurred just a few months ago stood out: “an actress [who] donned a spangly, somewhat tight-fitting ’70s-style jumpsuit and a David Bowie-style flock-of-seagulls haircut for several scenes.” It’s understood that the event allegedly led to Alarr calling the actress who donned said attire and hairstyle a “big d*ke.” In the time since Deadline published their story, reports began circulating that the actress referenced in one of the allegations shared by the outlet was Judi Evans, a veteran on the show who plays Bonnie Lockhart. Said scenes with the look noted in Deadline’s reporting aired today, August 11. “As the actress was walking off the stage with her male co-star, Alarr ‘comes walking on the set and in a big booming voice goes, ‘Hey, you big d*ke,’” said Deadline, citing an insider who was on the set that day. The outlet added that “the shocking remark caught everyone by surprise, evoking gasps among the actress, her co-star and the crew.” Filmed in February of this year, Evans’ scenes had her appearing alongside co-stars Wally Kurth, Robert Scott Wilson, Paul Telfer and Suzanne Rogers. Judi Evans, Paul Telfer, Suzanne Rogers (“Days of our Lives”) Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios Following Deadline’s reporting, the Jason47 Facebook page, home of the ultimate “Days of our Lives” historian, confirmed Evans as the actress the trade publication referenced. Further, sources with direct knowledge of the situation, but speaking on condition of anonymity, told Soap Opera Network that Evans was indeed the actress referenced in the Deadline piece. Suzanne Rogers, Judi Evans (“Days of our Lives”) Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios Alarr, nor his representatives, responded to a request for comment by Soap Opera Network at press time. Meanwhile, Evans seemingly responded to the situation today on social media with an emotional video addressed to the fans as she thanked them for supporting her “not only today but every day for the past 40 years.” “I can’t even begin to tell you how overwhelmed I am by all your love and support, not only today but every day for the past 40 years. It’s truly been my honor and my privilege to be able to entertain you… maybe make you laugh [or] maybe a little cry all these years, and you’ve given me so much more than I think I could possibly ever give you,” said Evans in her emotional video, which shows her on the verge of tears throughout. In the video, Evans says, “You’ve been there with me in the best of times and the worst of times, and your love never fails. And I really do appreciate each and every one of you. I’ve always said it’s because of you that I get to do the one thing in my life that I really love to do: entertain people. “So, thank you! Thank you so much. I really, really, truly appreciate you, and I wish I could just say that to every single one of you in person, but just know that I’m hugging you and holding you and thanking you with all my heart.” A fan brought up how Evans’ character looked in today’s episode of “Days of our Lives” and compared it to how Evans herself looked in her video shared on social media, saying, “[the] hairdo you are sporting above is better than the Faux Mullet you had in today’s episode. I hope it wasn’t a fav of yours,” Evans responded, stating, “that’s what we call ‘Barn Hair’ round these parts…lol….but seriously, I always love and respect the talented hair, makeup, and wardrobe department….their artistry is phenomenal…” In response to the allegations brought against him, which led to his ouster as co-executive producer and director at “Days of our Lives,” Alarr stated, “These allegations were already examined in a detailed and entirely independent investigation that lasted for two months. Dozens of individuals cooperated and every claim was thoroughly looked into. At the end of that process, the decision was made that I should continue in my role as co-executive producer. Now, with no new facts presented, the studios have reversed course and caved to a cynical pressure campaign to force me out of my job.” He added, “To be clear, this whole situation stems from the animus of just two individuals. Those individuals, at a time of industry-wide cutbacks and economic uncertainty, have been relentlessly angling for greater pay and increased influence on the show, and, it appears, believed that their best strategy to get it was to play on vile stereotypes in order to bring down a Black man in a position of power.” In support of Evans, fans dedicated today, August 11, #WeLoveYouJudi day! The day featured pictures, memories and a flood of support. Joining in on the praise and support of Judi was her on-screen husband, Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis), who said, “With Judi, what you see is what you get. Her talent is one thing, but her humanity and personality and generosity of spirit are a gift to the world. love ya Judi.” In response to Kurth’s post, Evans said, “Oh Wally….I feel the exact same way about you!!! Generous, kind, thoughtful, gentle, multitalented, and what a voice….you are such a wonderful partner!! Love ya right back, Mister!!!! Lucky to call you friend all these years….” Check out Evans’ video message to fans below. Note: The post Judi Evans Seemingly Responds to Recent Turmoil at ‘Days of our Lives’, Thanks Fans for Their Support appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Noel Maxam, whose name has been attached to “Days of our Lives” since at least August 2007 when he joined the show as a director and later as a supervising producer, recently updated his LinkedIn profile to indicate he’s a consulting producer at the daytime drama series. According to the update, Maxam has been in the role since at least April 2023. In fact, at the time, he linked to a report on the soap opera receiving a two-year pickup at Peacock. Fran Bellini, Noel Maxam (On the set of “Days of our Lives” in 2009) Photo by Paul Skipper/JPI Studios In addition to directing episodes of “Days of our Lives” and serving as supervising producer from August 2008-October 2011, Maxam was the show’s co-executive producer from June 2011-February 2012, although he continued on as a director in the years since his exit in that position. In 2021, Maxam directed at least two episodes of the spinoff series “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” (Chapter One). He followed that up by directing the show’s first Christmas movie, “Days of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas.” “Days of our Lives,” its spinoff series and the holiday movie, can all be streamed anytime on Peacock. Maxam got his start in daytime television as an associate writer at “As The World Turns” from January 1995-November 1997. Soon after, he began directing episodes of “The Young and the Restless,” continuing in that role until 2008. He returned to the director’s chair at the soap opera in October 2011, departing in March 2019. Later that year, he became the show’s interim supervising producer, a position which lasted for just under three months. Maxam was also a freelance director at “General Hospital” throughout 2013. Noel Maxam providing directing notes to actors Eric Martsolf and Arianne Zucker on the set of “Days of our Lives,” circa 2011 Photo by Paul Skipper/JPI Studios According to IMDb, the most recent episode of “Days of our Lives” directed by Maxam aired in May. A representative for “Days of our Lives” and Corday Productions, Inc. did not respond to a request for comment by Soap Opera Network at press time. Note: The post Noel Maxam Adds Consulting Producer at ‘Days of our Lives’ Title to Resume appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Whelp...Jen Lilley IS back.

Although the news was quietly revealed in a YouTube video dated May 4, 2023, “Days of our Lives” writer Jamey Giddens only recently confirmed that he has joined the Season 7 writing team of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas.” “So, this cat is out of the bag… When you let God order your steps, you never go wrong!” said the Daytime Confidential co-owner on Twitter in response to the YouTube video reveal. When a follower congratulated Giddens on his next move, even going so far as to say that he could be the show’s next showrunner, Giddens said, “Thank you, but #DAYS is in good hands with Janet [Drucker, new co-executive producer] & Ron [Carlivati, head writer]! I’ll see y’all on cable.” The Season 7 writing team of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” also includes “David Makes Man” writers Lucien Christian Adderley and Richard Wilson, April Powell (“House of Payne”), Maggie Bush, and Kourtney Richard (“Raven’s Home”). This marks the first time that Tyler Perry has created a writers room for the series after previously writing every episode from Season 1 through Season 6 himself. Giddens is said to be writing the season’s first episode, titled “A New Beginning.” Back in April, Giddens announced his departure from “Days of our Lives,” where he served as a breakdown writer, noting that he opted not to renew his contract and would be departing the series the following month with plans to join a “hit primetime soap that I won’t be able to discuss deets on for a while.” A few weeks after Giddens made that announcement, the Writers Guild of America (WGA West/WGA East) announced that its writers were going on strike after the guild failed to secure a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This has not only delayed Giddens’ ability to work on “Tyler Perry’s Sistas,” but he also now owes Corday Productions, producer of “Days of our Lives,” more scripts. When asked if he’s still writing for “Days of our Lives” by a follower, Giddens noted, “Technically, yes. I resigned last spring, but I still had 2 weeks on my contract when we went on strike. Once the strike is over, I still owe #DAYS 2 weeks, aka 2 scripts.” While Giddens makes it clear it was his choice to leave the soap, he does reveal that the show’s head writer, Ron Carlivati, had to fight to keep him and other writers of color on the payroll. He said, “Ron really fought for me and other writers of color. Unfortunately, the commitment wasn’t across the board. Honestly, I blame Sony. This problem also exists at #YR.” Giddens elaborated further in response to another tweeter, stating, “We all (daytime’s black writers) try to support each other but it was demoralizing as F%$*. Josh Griffith [head writer/executive producer, ‘The Young and the Restless’] fired his break[down writers] at #YR to save money. Sony wanted #DAYS to do the same, but Ron fought for his team. That has to be noted. There ARE good eggs.” Photo by Chris Alleyman/Alleyway Studios When someone pointed out that soap alum Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla Winters, “The Young and the Restless”) warned people about the lack of color behind the scenes at the four daytime dramas, Giddens responded to the tweeter, saying, “She totally did, and they gaslit her and called her crazy.” Further, he shared, “Daytime’s audience is 40% black, but the white powers that be have no interest in bringing on black voices.” Despite all that, the positive will always outshine the negative. Referencing BET+, STARZ, ALLBLK and Tubi, among others, Giddens pointed out that other platforms are realizing “black audiences will turn up and turn out for diverse, sudsy content.” Ultimately, Giddens is proud of his time at “Days of our Lives,” saying, “I will forever cherish my time at #DAYS, but booking my most recent gig with #SistasOnBET reminded me of my WORTH & to get…my…bag.” Check out the writing team announcement video below for more information on what to expect from Season 7 of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas.” The series airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on BET. Note: The post Jamey Giddens Joins Season 7 Writing Team of ‘Tyler Perry’s Sistas’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

First announced during “The Bold and the Beautiful” Fan Club Luncheon and on Instagram on Sunday, August 6, Don Diamont (Bill Spencer) will be a first-time grandfather. Sharing the news with fans of the daytime drama series, Diamont revealed that his son Alexander and daughter-in-law Audrey are expectant parents to a baby boy, due in 2024. In a twist, Diamont’s big revelation happened to come on Audrey’s birthday, as noted in his post where he said, “Happy Birthday to my PREGNANT daughter-in-law, @audreyfeyzdiamont! She’s the creature in the picture blocking her father-in-law.” He added, “@cindyambuehl and my first grandchild! So excited! So happy for Alexander and Audrey.” The post also included a picture of the birthday cake. With his first grandchild being a boy, the Diamont family looks to be carrying on a tradition with boys dominating the dynamics as the actor detailed in his 2018 autobiography, “My Seven Sons and How We Raised Each Other.” In the book, Diamont explores life as a father of seven sons and how together they’ve become closer than ever despite numerous trials and tribulations, including marriage, divorce and the death of Don’s sister, among other situations. “That’s my grandson in there!” commented the proud grandfather-to-be in a post shared on Audrey’s Instagram page, which included photos of her bare belly as it continues growing the life of the next generation of Diamonts. “God is so so so so good,” said Audrey in the post’s caption. Check out the photos below. Note: The post <strong>Don Diamont Announces He’ll Be a First Time Grandfather</strong> appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

If you tuned into recent episodes of “General Hospital” and were shocked to see Scarlett Fernandez back in the role of Charlotte Cassadine, don’t worry, your mind wasn’t playing tricks on you, and it won’t be a one-time occurrence. Soap Opera Network can confirm that Fernandez is officially back in the role for the first time since exiting the series in December 2021, when the daytime drama series replaced her with newcomer Amelia McLain. In a post on Instagram following news of her being replaced by another actress in the role, Fernandez said, “I’m super grateful for the opportunity that @fvalentinigh and @markteschner gave me in 2016. Playing Charlotte Cassadine was my favorite and I’m sad it’s come to an end. I will miss my castmates and the crew and I know the fans will support the new actor playing Charlotte. Thank you for all the support!” Meanwhile, AnaSofia Bianchi took over the role of Charlotte earlier this year, but the actress appeared for just one episode. In the story, Charlotte and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) visit Lulu (last played by Emme Rylan) at the rehabilitation facility where she’s been placed while remaining in a coma. During thier visit, Charlotte shared updates on what’s happening in Port Charles with her mother, hoping to inspire Lulu to wake up. Reportedly, plans are underway to resurrect the Lulu character at some point later this year, although the ongoing Writers Strike might delay or even escalate those matters. Fernandez has not officially commented on her “General Hospital” return. Still, she did share an Instagram story today highlighting that she and her friends are in the last days of summer, which she pointed out by using the song “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift off of the “Lover” album. Photo by @madeleinemcgraw/Instagram (via Screengrab) Fun Fact: Fernandez appeared as a young Kiri (played as a teenager and older by Sigourney Weaver) in “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which grossed over $2.248 billion at the worldwide box office during its theatrical run. Note: The post Scarlett Fernandez Reclaims Role as Charlotte Cassadine on ‘General Hospital’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

“Days of our Lives will celebrate Suzanne Rogers and the 50 years since she originated the role of Maggie Horton Kiriakis on the daytime drama series. Set to air Friday, August 18, the episode will include a series of flashbacks as Maggie looks back on her life in Salem, USA, including her time with husbands Mickey Horton and Victor Kiriakis, primarily played by the late actors John Clarke and John Aniston, respectively. John Clarke, John Aniston (“Days of our Lives”) Courtesy of NBC via Everett Collection First appearing on the show on August 20, 1973, when the character went by the surname of Simmons under the penmanship of the late William J. Bell, co-creator of “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Maggie has been synonymous with “Days of our Lives” for 50 of the show’s current 57 years. In 2003, Maggie was unceremoniously killed off as part of the Salem Stalker Murders storyline, which found several popular characters killed off in a major whodunnit. The characters were later brought back when the show’s then-head writer, the late James E. Reilly, revealed no one had died and that they were all just being held in a fictional town called Melaswen. Rogers received the first-ever Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, winning the award in 1979. She won opposite such legends as Rachel Ames (Audrey Hardy), the late Susan Brown (Gail Baldwin, “General Hospital”), the late Lois Kibbee (Geraldine Saxon, “The Edge of Night”) and “Days of our Lives” co-star Francis Reid (Alice Horton), who passed away in February 2010. To watch the on-air tribute, tune into “Days of our Lives” on Friday, August 18. Also, tune in to every episode after that as the people of Salem learn Victor Kiriakis’ fate. Check out a photo from Maggie and Mickey’s 1986 wedding, which also took place alongside Melissa Horton (Lisa Trusel) and Pete Jannings (Michael Leon) — Melissa is Maggie and Mickey’s adopted daughter. (top, l-r) Michael Leon, John Clarke, (bottom, l-r) Lisa Trusel, Suzanne Rogers (“Days of our Lives Courtesy of Columbia TriStar Television via Everett Collection “Days of our Lives” airs Weekdays on Peacock. Note: The post ‘Days of our Lives’ to Celebrate 50 Years of Suzanne Rogers as Maggie Horton Kiriakis with On-Air Tribute appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

This (as in the Y&R clip) will be what we can expect as the budgets continue to dwindle for these shows, the continued use of CGI and the advancement of AI. No matter how cheap it looks, that's the best we can get.

As the article states, it was announced last week on August 4. I'm just getting myself up-to-date on the latest news in soaps as I've been working behind the scenes on several projects and, in-between, have taken a mental vacation as doing all that I do is exhausting.

“I guess you can add mother to my resume,” stated “The Young and the Restless” star Camryn Grimes last week Friday, August 4, while sharing several Polaroids on Instagram which showed Grimes cupping her baby bump. In a picture compilation highlighting all of the aforementioned Polaroids, Grimes also revealed that “Baby Foster” is arriving in December 2023. For those who were unaware and thought that would be the baby’s name, Grimes pointed out, “Foster is our LAST name, sorry for the confusion!” In January 2022, Grimes got engaged to Brock Foster Powell (known professionally as Brock Powell), an actor who is well known for voicing characters in animated projects, including “Mickey Mouse Funhouse” and “Hamster & Gretal,” among others. In fact, last year the happy couple co-starred together in last year’s “Mickey Saves Christmas,” where they voiced Santa and Mrs. Clause, respectively. Several of Grimes’ current and former cast mates at “The Young and the Restless” shared their joy at the couple’s news, including Hunter King, Sasha Calle, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sharon Case, Eileen Davidson, Michelle Stafford, Melissa Claire Egan, Bryton James, Courtney Hope, Tracey E. Bregman, Melissa Ordway, Christian Le Blanc, Lauralee Bell, Jessica Collins, Rory Gibson, Brytni Sarpy, Greg Rikaart, Loren Lott and Judah Mackey, among others. Additionally, some of Grimes’ current and former daytime colleagues also chimed in, including Annika Noelle (“The Bold and the Beautiful”), Robert Palmer Watkins (“General Hospital”), Ashley Jones (“The Bold and the Beautiful”), Angelica McDaniel (former president of CBS Daytime) and Lauren Swickard (“General Hospital”), among others. “AHHHHHHH!!! soooo insanely excited for you!!!” commented Alyvia Alyn Lind, who previously played Faith Newman on the daytime drama series. “SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!” stated Michelle Stafford, who plays Phyllis Summers on the soap. On-screen mother Sharon Case used a “heart” emoji to share her happiness for Grimes and Powell, while Bryton James posted dozens of “party popper” emojis and an “orange heart” emoji to display his delightedness over the news. Overall, Grimes’ announcement has since garnered more than 25,000 likes on Instagram. Check out the baby bump photos below. Note: The post <strong>Camryn Grimes Announces She’s Pregnant with First Child, Due in December</strong> appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

During the show’s Fan Club Luncheon on Sunday, August 6, “The Bold and the Beautiful” star Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) provided an update on when she is due to give birth to her fourth child, months after first announcing her pregnancy on “The Talk.” Since June, Wood has mostly kept herself out of the public eye with no new posts shared on social media, particularly Instagram, where she is known to share some important personal and professional details about her life. In fact, many had wondered when they’d next get to see the two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress considering how some of her biggest fans have been on pregnancy watch. Taking the stage alongside original cast member Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Wood revealed that she was due in two weeks, something that caught many by surprise, but that she “feels good.” To the fans attending, she said, “I definitely wanted to be here today to meet all of you.” Wood has yet to officially reveal the sex of her and husband Elan Ruspoli‘s fourth child. However, the couple has three sons together – Rise (born March 2019), Lenix (born February 2021) and Brando (born May 2022). On whether she is looking to have a girl, Wood told Michael Fairman TV in June, ” Everyone says that, but no. I don’t really care. It’s funny because we want a big family. I do hear, “You’re trying for that girl, right?” I think four children is nice and even, and this will be the last one … I think so … I think we’re good.” She added, “It’s funny because I’m technically an only child. I have a half-sister, but she’s 20 years older than me, and my husband’s an only child. So, we are now diving into this big family, and it’s so cool. We never got that. So, it’s really exciting.” Check out Wood’s full baby bump below. Photo by Jill Johnson/JPI Studios Note: The post Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Shares Pregnancy Update at ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Fan Club Luncheon appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

East Coast fans who might have missed their opportunity to meet Melody Thomas Scott from “The Young and the Restless” during the show’s recent Fan Club Luncheon are in luck: On Tuesday, August 15, Scott will host two different one-night-only fundraising events for the Lucille Ball Little Theatre in Jamestown, NY, and you can join in on the fun! Starting at 7:30 p.m., Scott will host the “Always Young & Restless: An Evening with Melody Thomas Scott” event at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre at 18 East Second Street in Jamestown. Scott will take the stage and reflect on her career as she shares personal photos and video clips of some of her most memorable Hollywood moments while interacting with the audience and answering their questions. Autographed copies of her memoir, “Always Young and Restless: My Life On and Off America’s #1 Daytime Drama,” will be available in the lobby before the event, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the theatre. Tickets are just $45. For those looking for a more personal experience, at 9:30 p.m. “The VIP Experience with Melody Thomas Scott” includes a ticket to the theatre event as well as one to a special gala reception in Melody’s honor that will take place from 9:30-11:00 p.m. Limited to just 65 tickets, the event costs $150 and includes premium seating at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre. Additionally, the 65 ticket holders will get to meet Scott one-on-one at the reception for photos and autographs. A silent auction featuring several pieces of unique memorabilia donated by Scott – including a script signed by several cast members from “The Young and the Restless” and an iconic wardrobe item Scott wore on the series – will also be part of the gala. Champagne and desserts will be served. “An opportunity like this has never happened before for Little Theatre. A veteran television actress who has been part of our daytime TV viewing lives for decades has reached out to us and offered to come to Jamestown and present a show and a reception — all at her own expense and with all proceeds benefitting the Lucille Ball Little Theatre,” said Holly Weston, board president of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown. She added, “At a time when so many nonprofits are struggling with the financial aftereffects of the pandemic, we have Melody to help us through it, and we couldn’t be more grateful.” “I’ve admired Lucille Ball my entire life and am so looking forward to raising money for the Lucille Ball Little Theatre,” said Scott of her involvement. “It’s a great opportunity to both support the arts and honor Lucy, a legendary Jamestown native who’s kept the world laughing for more than 70 years. I always enjoy spending time with my fans who have been so loyal to me and ‘Nikki’ all these years.” Fans of Melody Thomas Scott and “The Young and The Restless” who want to attend either event are encouraged to purchase their tickets early as they are expected to sell out quickly. Theatre seating capacity is limited to 400 people and only 65 tickets will be sold to the VIP Experience to guarantee every VIP guest has individual time with Scott. Tickets to both events are now on sale exclusively at www.LBLTJ.com and will be held for pick up at the theatre box office the evening of the show. You can also purchase tickets by clicking here. Note: The post Melody Thomas Scott to Host Two One-Night-Only Benefits For Jamestown’s Lucille Ball Little Theatre appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Starting with the Monday, August 7 episode of “Days of our Lives,” actor Jason Gerhardt has been stepping in for Greg Vaughan in the role of Eric Brady on the daytime drama series. Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios “Unfortunately, I tested Positive for Covid & TPTD had to keep moving forward & thanks to our incredible #marniesaitta casting; my old friend / Castmate Jason Gerhart stepped in that week for 4/5 shows,” shared Vaughan on Twitter, revealing the reason for the casting switcheroo. To clarify for fans wishing him a full recovery, Vaughan noted, “FYI… this temporary fill in was over 3 months ago!!” According to a representative for the series, Gerhardt will appear in about five episodes, the last of which should air around the first week of August 28. Jessica Serfaty, Tina Huang, Jason Gerhardt (“Days of our Lives”) Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios Gerhardt is best known for his portrayal of Cooper Barrett on “General Hospital” and its spinoff series “General Hospital: Night Shift.” At one time, the character was a love interest for Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms). Sadly, Cooper was killed off during the infamous Text Message Killer story arc when the killer, Diego Alcazar (Ignacio Serricchio), mistakenly thought Cooper was hot on his trail. Instead, Cooper suspected Diego’s father, Lorenzo (Ted King). Ironically, during the period Gerhardt appeared on “General Hospital,” Vaughan was also on the series playing Lucky Spencer. Outside of soaps, Gerhardt’s credit includes appearances in such shows as “Melissa & Joey,” “Perception,” “Vegas,” “Bones,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Chicago Med,” “NCIS” and more recently, the TV movie “Stressed to Death,” among others. The actor also co-starred in the short-lived ABC series “Mistresses.” Nearly one year ago, Gerhardt helped launch a YouTube channel for his daughter titled “Day By Day with Scarlett.” Only one episode was produced but it showed father and daughter working together on DIY home construction projects. “My precious little girl has been wanting to start a YouTube channel. Well, this is what she has come up with,” said Gerhardt of the channel at the time on Instagram. “If it is anything like her, it will be full of life.” Watch the episode below. Note: The post Jason Gerhardt Temporarily Steps in for Greg Vaughan as Eric Brady on ‘Days of our Lives’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

I was at both the Y&R and B&B Fan Club weekend. Nothing of the sort was said by anyone on stage. I was literally at a table full of journalists. To be clear, I was at the luncheon for both.

Yes, I have that photo. That's what I was referring to about confirming the Judi situation before I reported. I've since gotten direct confirmation from a few sources that the Deadline piece was about her even though the photo was coming out this week due to spoilers. Correct. The shows see SOD as the primary method in which soap actors will ever see themselves on the front page of a print magazine and are looking to preserve it for as long as they can. To do this, they give preferential treatment to the publication, particularly regarding exclusives and interviews. I can't fault either party in that game, as we'd all do it, too, if we were in their shoes. My issue, however, is that until more recently, the shows have treated online outlets as afterthoughts, especially the ones who were in charge of As The World Turns, Guiding Light, All My Children and One Life to Live. To them, online didn't deserve any attention because, at the time, SOD and the twin SID magazines were king. If they only embraced online sooner, I wouldn't doubt at least one of the four would still be on today. Now the twin SID mags are gone while the domain remains, primarily featuring articles from posted items on Instagram and stuff from Soap Opera Digest, which ironically is owned by the same company that now owns Soaps In Depth -- a360media. Hey, it makes money. I know that for a fact. If this site survives on what it survives on (not including Message Boards), SID's site probably makes 50x more per month based on traffic data.

Soap Opera Digest is owned by a360 Media.