Errol

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.

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.

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“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.

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.

“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.

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3 minutes ago, DramatistDreamer said:

Oh how the mighty have fallen! 

Remember when soaps would actually use real roller coasters?

 

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.

26 minutes ago, DramatistDreamer said:

Why did I think this had already been announced?  Am I going crazy? I thought this was common knowledge.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

“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.

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.

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12 hours ago, Donna L. Bridges said:

@Errol I'm not saying this anywhere but here. There is a rumor that Disney has bought B&B. All of it. Current & vintage. Sounds crazy. Leave it with you. It was said at the Y&R Fan Weekend. 

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.

1 minute ago, Errol said:

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.

1 hour ago, janea4old said:

Oh I see I didn't need to post that tweet at all.  The tweet showed the new picture and also linked to the website that has this photo.  I don't know what was in the ig story back in February, but this is an actual spoiler pic.
@Errol
Judi Evans in the sparkly wardrobe and the sort-of-Bowie hairstyle
Spoiler pic via soapoperaNews.net for episode #15657 (August 10)

  Reveal hidden contents

Source:
https://www.soapoperanews.net/2023/08/days-of-our-lives-sneak-peek-pictures.html

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.

On 8/6/2023 at 8:45 PM, Paul Raven said:

The networks aren't spending any $$$ in SOD-at least the print edition. I think its more a case of access to actors for those 'what was the kookiest thing that ever happened to you on vacation?' items.

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.

On 8/5/2023 at 5:44 PM, Donna L. Bridges said:

Okay, ex-soap journo Michael Kape said to me that he would not comment except to say that it was about who owns SOD. So, I went to see about that somewhat quixotic statement that seemed pointed. 

SOD is owned by Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group, Inc. One individual is listed as principal, David J. Pecker. 

 

David J Pecker is an American publishing executive and businessman who was the CEO of American Media until August 2020. He was the publisher of Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Fit Pregnancy, Shape and Star. He was also the publisher of National Enquirer, Sun, Weekly World News, and Globe 

 

 

Soap Opera Digest is owned by a360 Media. 

3 minutes ago, Bright Eyes said:

I don't get it.

Frank Valentini. General Hospital.

1 hour ago, Donna L. Bridges said:

So, Alarr will sue Corday Inc. 

From what I have seen (external to what is already public), I do not doubt he will sue. Won't elaborate but it's ironic he fired the DAYS PR team considering he himself has retained a consulting firm focused on communications counsel and crisis management.

33 minutes ago, FancyShoes said:

I don’t think it will go to court well maybe civil

No crime was alleged nor committed in the legal sense, as no charges were brought against him. When he sues, it'll be civil.

With multiple allegations brought against Albert Alarr during an internal misconduct investigation that took place over a nine-week period, the result of which initially called for him to receive just a “written warning” and asked to “undergo training,” the now former co-executive producer and director of “Days of our Lives” is speaking out now that he has been let go from the daytime drama series. Effective immediately, longtime producer Janet Drucker replaces Alarr as co-executive producer.

In a statement issued to TheWrap, Alarr believes that the basis of the investigation into his behavior behind the scenes of the series was the doing of two individuals, who “at a time of industry-wide cutbacks and economic uncertainty, have been relentlessly angling for greater pay and increased influence on the show.” Further, he indicates that race might have played a role in his ouster, saying, “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.”

Calling the decision to let him go “heartbreaking,” Alarr further states, “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.”

Wanting to set the record straight, Alarr says, “Every day, I worked with hundreds of people, the overwhelming majority of whom would disagree with recent mischaracterizations of me. I have been in this industry for decades, and not a single complaint has ever been made against me until now.”

Alarr also says that claims published by the media are “simply false.” He adds, “Others have been taken so out of context or are so twisted that they are unrecognizable from the truth.”

According to Deadline, the nine-week investigation was launched in March and was “triggered by a complaint related to a recent round of layoffs.” 

Filed by a female employee, the complaint alleged that a number of recent staff cuts had “disproportionally impacted women” who were not receiving equal pay on the show compared to their male counterparts, people close to the matter told the outlet. 

Seven contract actresses were said to have departed the series around the time of the 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. Separately, one male actor was laid off.

Since details of the investigation first became public last month, more than 25 cast members signed a petition demanding Alarr’s dismissal as co-EP and director. On Friday, July 28, it was reported that when cast/crew learned that Alarr’s name was on the production sheet for directing the planned August 4 episode, the news allegedly didn’t go over well, forcing the show to extend its planned two-week hiatus to a third week. The show execs to resume production on Monday, August 7, which until now likely would have included Alarr’s continued presence on set had he not departed. “Production will resume, as planned, on Monday with new leadership in place,” said Ken Corday, the show’s owner and executive producer, in an email sent to cast and crew on Friday. “As a reminder, we still have a pre-planned hiatus set for the week of August 14th,” Corday’s email stated in conclusion.

New protocols are said to now be in place to promote a “safe and inclusive workplace environment,” including implementing an HR presence on set.

You can read Alarr’s full statement on his exit from the show below.

“It is hard to overstate how heartbreaking I find this situation. 

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. 

It’s important to set the record straight. Every day, I worked with hundreds of people, the overwhelming majority of whom would disagree with recent mischaracterizations of me. I have been in this industry for decades, and not a single complaint has ever been made against me until now. 

Many of the claims recently referenced in the media are simply false. Others have been taken so out of context or are so twisted that they are unrecognizable from the truth. 

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. 

I will always be proud of being the only Black director/producer in daytime soap operas. And, while I am devastated by the manner of my departure, I will always treasure my years at ‘Days of Our Lives’ and wish the wildly talented cast and crew the very best for the future.”

Note: The post Albert Alarr Issues Statement on Ouster as Co-Executive Producer of ‘Days of our Lives’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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52 minutes ago, Toups said:

Thanks for posting Janet's history at DAYS.  What stood out to me is that she didn't get a promotion for almost 20 years.  I'm happy she will be getting the chance to run the show now. 

 

Albert getting fired at the end of the week was an easy prediction to make. And Janet being promoted as the most logical choice.

 

 

As I said elsewhere, news dump Fridays exists for a reason. Haha. I figured he'd be fired by today as well as there is just no way he could continue in the job on Monday with the cast and crew against him. I just didn't think it would drop at 8:00 p.m. pacific time.

5 minutes ago, JAS0N47 said:

VARIETY'S REPORT:

 

Via: https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/albert-alarr-days-of-our-lives-janet-drucker-1235688476/

 

Albert Alarr Out at ‘Days of Our Lives’; Janet Drucker Elevated to Co-Executive Producer

 

By William Earl

 

Albert Alarr is out as executive producer of NBC’s long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives” after a 20-year tenure as a director and producer for the show. His exit follows a misconduct investigation by “Days” producer Sony Pictures Television.

 

Janet Drucker, a veteran producer who has been with “Days” since 1984, has taken on his duties for leading the production of the daytime serial.

 

In recent weeks, the “Days” production team has been rocked by public criticism of Alarr’s management of the series and by a petition circulating among current and former “Days” actors calling for him to step down from the Corday Prods./Sony Pictures TV series. Alarr has been accused of creating a caustic environment on the set, among other allegations raised in a detailed expose published by Deadline last month.

 

Corday Productions’ chief Ken Corday issued a statement late Friday acknowledging the transition at the company’s cornerstone series.

 

Alarr served as a director for ABC soaps “General Hospital,” “All My Children” and “Port Charles” before joining “Days” in 2003.

This is why I'm not too fond of the mainstream press sometimes. Don't do any real research, make mistakes (Albert wasn't the executive producer, and Sony isn't the producer of DAYS), and write short enough articles that include just enough bits and pieces that help pass as if they are covering a story...not to mention only covering it when it's all over.

On 8/3/2023 at 7:23 PM, dragonflies said:

Errol given all the sh*t Bill has been forgiven for, ie trying to kill a PREGNANT woman, locking Katie in a tower, etc, this is far from "unforgivable" 

 

 

This is true. Soap characters are just vile.

15 minutes ago, te. said:

To be fair, the other person they named might not have wanted to take in reigns after the Alarr mess, plus might not have the pull with not only the on-set cast/crew and but the other backstage people. Janet Spellman-Drucker seems like a good choice since she's been with the show for so long. I look forward to seeing what she can bring on air.

While Sonia has produced her own original series, "Tainted Dreams," she's mostly been a director. It's possible Ken Corday wanted to save money by giving Janet one title and not both. Allegedly, Alarr was making about $2 million a year in his dual role. I'm sure Janet is a LOT cheaper.

Just now, JAS0N47 said:

WGA has listed any writers who went fi-core. She was not one of them.

Correct. But we don't know how quick the list is updated, plus GH writers aren't listed and we know they have fi-core writers or "scabs"

5 minutes ago, JAS0N47 said:

And with his "Days" writer wife on strike, they now go from two paychecks to none.

Do we know if she's on strike? There's no guarantee that she's automatically out of a job, too, since technically she didn't do anything wrong, although I can't imagine her staying knowing that her husband was accused of the things he was accused of, regardless of whether the people speaking out were anonymous or not.

Time’s up for Albert Alarr as he is no longer co-executive producer and a primary director at “Days of our Lives,” reports Deadline. Effective immediately, he will be replaced by longtime producer Janet Drucker co-executive producer. Production on “Days of our Lives” will resume on Monday, August 7, with new protocols, including implementing an HR presence on set. The announcement was made this evening via email to cast and crew by executive producer and series owner Ken Corday.

“Effective immediately, Janet Drucker will be elevated to co-executive producer of ‘Days of Our Lives,’ replacing Albert Alarr, who will be exiting his role,” Corday wrote in his email obtained by both Deadline and TheWrap. “Moving forward, we will be implementing additional HR protocols, including an increased HR presence as well as channels for reporting any concerns. It is imperative that we have a safe and inclusive workplace environment.”

Earlier this week, more than 25 cast members signed a petition demanding Alarr’s dismissal as co-EP and director. Last Friday, when it was learned that Alarr’s name was on the production sheet for directing the planned August 4 episode, the news allegedly didn’t sit well with cast and crew, forcing the show to extend its planned two-week hiatus to a third week. The show planned to resume production on Monday, August 7, which until now likely would have included Alarr’s continued presence on set had he not departed. “Production will resume, as planned, on Monday with new leadership in place. As a reminder, we still have a pre-planned hiatus set for the week of August 14th,” Corday’s email stated in conclusion.

Launched in March, the nine-week investigation was “triggered by a complaint related to a recent round of layoffs,” Deadline revealed. Filed by a female employee, the complaint alleged that a number of recent staff cuts had “disproportionally impacted women” who were not receiving equal pay on the show compared to their male counterparts, people close to the matter told the outlet. Seven contract actresses were said to have departed the series around the time of the 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. Separately, one male actor was laid off.

In a since-deleted Instagram story, former “Days of our Lives” star Lisa Rinna said, “Karma is a bitch,” referring to the news of Alarr’s behavior behind the scenes. “Well, this took a long time. Let’s see, when’s the last time I went over there and did that week on Peacock I couldn’t believe the work environment,” said Rinna of her return to the role of Billie Reed on spinoff “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” (Chapter One), which took was taped and aired in 2021 on the streaming service. She called the experience “disgusting” and said she was “shocked” at how things were managed on set. She further noted, “I let many people know how I felt, Albert included, and they didn’t do a thing until now, it seems.”

Without the cast working together and the fans rallying behind them, Alarr’s alleged behavior could have continued as the concluded investigation was reportedly handed over to Corday Productions, owner and producer of the series, by distributor Sony Pictures Television which handled the HR investigation as the show up to that point did not have in-house HR representation. 

In a statement released to Deadline following the investigation’s conclusion and the outlet’s reporting on the subject, Corday Productions said, “After a two-month investigation, the independent investigator produced a report with its findings. Based on those findings, Corday Productions has taken a series of actions designed to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.” 

The supposed actions at the time included Mr. Alarr reportedly receiving a “written warning” and being asked to “undergo training.” The plan would have seen Alarr keeping his dual roles as co-EP and director, which is said to be what sparked outrage among the cast and crew.

As for Drucker, in a 2015 interview when the show was celebrating its 50th anniversary, she discussed her role as a producer, noting that as part of her job, she would work closely with the writers, on stage with the cast and even the control booth “doing a little bit of everything,” she said matter of fact. 

Check out Drucker’s interview below and tell us what your thoughts are in the comments below.

Note: The post Albert Alarr Out as Co-EP at ‘Days of our Lives’; Veteran Producer Janet Drucker Replacing Him appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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Quote

SOD: Greg Vaughan (Eric) will be temporarily played by a different actor this month for a handful of episodes. Jason Gerhardt (ex-Cooper, GH, 2007-08) will fill in for the Emmy-winning Vaughan, who was unable to film to finish out the season before the show went on a holiday break at the end of 2022. Look for Gerhardt to play out some pivotal Sloan/Eric scenes.

The scenes with Gerhardt were filmed in February. Where did they get the "end of 2022" from?

8 minutes ago, Donna L. Bridges said:

I'm sorry you don't have a dog. 

After I talked to them, I sorta got very formal. But, it was me. Just a little bit scared now. So not so breezy & casual. 

Errol, I just looked & I do not find it. Sorry. 

• Nothing to be sad over. I haven't had a dog in 20 years. I was just pointing out how much I'd trust something that doesn't exist before I'd believe that person.
• Don't be scared. If it's true and something you can stand by and post about, why be scared about it afterward?
• My understanding is it was via an Instagram story, but nothing I can trace via screenshot or what was specifically said just yet. Sources claiming it was there are trustworthy, but I'd prefer the context/content/visuals.

Just now, janea4old said:

I don't know what (if anything) Judi said on IG.  My understanding is that Judi posted a photo on her instagram stories in February -- and that photo matches what was described in the Deadline article. I don't have the photo.  Jason47 believes it and Jason posted it on his facebook. Jason isn't known to post things unless he can verify it.
I mean if she taped this in February then it should air in the next few weeks and we'll know for sure.
Link to Jason's FB post:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0fEbiAfFr2QDssWfwfeH8Ley9FZjK87dZf5Z8aaWME8hgaVTCDStwRy7hivjcHxvul&id=100063892362234

Oh, I do not for a second doubt @JAS0N47. He's 100% and wouldn't stick his neck out unless he was sure about something. My reasoning is because I have something to add to this but I want to be careful about it.

Just now, Donna L. Bridges said:

That's me. 

Okay. Good to know. The writing style I'm used to from you changed and I wanted to be sure because there is someone (won't name them) saying things on social media about the situation as if they are in the know all of a sudden, and I'd morso trust my dog than anything they said (I don't have a dog).