Errol

My understanding is Sara Bibel, Christopher Dunn, Teresa Zimmerman, Ron Carlivati and Gregori Martin are writing outlines. The script writers themselves are Susan Dansby, Lynn Martin, Danielle Paige, Judy Tate and Cheryl L. Davis. No. Wasn't there.

A ribbon cutting took place today during the first table read for episode 1 of Beyond the Gates, written by Susan Dansby. Robert Guza Jr. is the co-head writer. Will have photos and video up shortly.

I don't know what is happening in that regard but I will be there.

Don't blame Ron for this...

As long as the individual is over 18, there's nothing wrong with someone "thirsting" for a celebrity. Be it The Beatles, NYSYNC, or Backstreet Boys, for example, all had girls and guys "thirsting" for them. Soap actors, guys and girls, shouldn't be any different. IMO.

Although Andre Hamilton could also be working with the Hamilton's who model. It's there: Jibre Hordges stars as Jacob Hawthorne, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims. Jibre Hordges’ credits include “Grown-ish,” “9-1-1” and “The Resident.”

That and with some characters working at a law firm, police, fire and the hospital, there should be recurring characters to help flesh things out at each work place. Mike Manning as a journalist is likely to work in some capacity with Sean Freeman's character, Andre Hamilton, who is a photographer.

My understanding is these are the CONTRACT actors. We haven't been told anything about recurring characters yet. There could be some additional casting announcements coming. To be clear, the "additional casting announcements" I'm referring to would be recurring players and reported by the soap sites.

CBS Announces Final Cast for 'Beyond the Gates' CBS Announces Final Cast for ‘Beyond the Gates’CBS has announced the final cast for its upcoming daytime drama series, “Beyond the Gates,” with the additions of Clifton Davis, Mike Manning and Alex Alegria, among others. CBS Announces Final Cast for 'Beyond the Gates'

CBS announced the final cast for its upcoming daytime drama series “Beyond the Gates” on Tuesday. Leading the final casting announcement is veteran actor Clifton Davis (“Godfather of Harlem,” “Madam Secretary”) who joins the series as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita (Tamara Tunie) and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley), respectively. Joining Davis are actors Alex Alegria (“CSI,” “Gossip Girl”), Lauren Bugliogli (“Bad Monkey,” “Florida’s Man”), Ben Gavin (“Super 8,” “The Dark Tower”), Jibre Hordges (“grown-ish,” “9-1-1”), Jen Jacob (“The Union,” “Law & Order: Organized Crime”) and Mike Manning (“Days of our Lives,” “The Bay”). Rounding out the series cast are previously announced actors Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit. Set to premiere in early 2025 on CBS, “Beyond The Gates” tells the story of the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. Set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States, “Beyond The Gates” is where viewers will find a posh gated community filled with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions that the wealthy call home. Behind the pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. As for those living outside the gates, they are indeed watching closely. For every person who has “made it,” there are always those who have not. Follow the characters as they live, love, work, and play, all while trying to navigate life, some more gracefully than others. What follows is a breakdown of the latest “Beyond the Gates” cast along with a description of their characters. Clifton Davis as Vernon Dupree A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Clifton Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown and nine Broadway shows. Jibre Hordges as Jacob Hawthorne Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims. Mike Manning stars as Bradley “Smitty” Smith Husband to Congressman Martin Richardson and father to teenagers Tyrell and Samantha. A former political reporter turned househusband, Smitty is a fantastic dad who has guided his children with warmth and good humor. Smitty is thinking of resuming his writing career but is hesitant to tell Martin, who likes their home life the way it is. Mike Manning’s credits include “The Bay,” “Days of Our Lives” and “This Is Us.” Jen Jacob stars as Ashley Morgan Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Ashley was a latchkey kid who has never been afraid of rolling up her sleeves. She is a nurse at Washington D.C.’s Garland Memorial Hospital and has the perfect temperament for her profession – positive, cheerful, brisk, resourceful and independent. She can be serious but is also fun-loving with a smile that lights up a room. Jen Jacob’s credits include “The Union” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Ben Gavin stars as Derek Baldwin A devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Derek is fearless, holds nothing back and goes into a zone when he fights fire – which is almost personal for him rather than just a professional calling. Incredibly handy, Derek can fix almost anything. Ben Gavin’s credits include “Super 8,” “The Dark Tower,” “My Christmas Love” and “Missing at 17.” His recent roles include the films “A Place Called Home,” “Going for Two” and “Winterset.” Lauren Bugliogli as Vanessa McBride A high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and best friend to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. The mother of twins, Vanessa is in a loveless marriage with her high school sweetheart. Lauren Bugliogli’s credits include “Bad Monkey,” “Florida Man” and “A Jazzman’s Blues.” Alex Alegria as Tomas “Tom” Navarro A handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. Tomas has an eye for Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Alex Alegria’s credits include CSI and “Gossip Girl.” Created by Michele Val Jean, who also serves as showrunner/executive producer, “Beyond the Gates” is produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Robert Guza Jr. (“General Hospital,” “Sunset Beach”), Julie Carruthers (“All My Children,” “Port Charles”), Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld are set as executive producers alongside Val Jean and Ducksworth Production on the show is currently underway in Atlanta. Note: The post CBS Announces Final Cast for ‘Beyond the Gates’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

As part of the show’s upcoming 13,000th episode celebration, actresses Loren Lott and Chene’ Lawson will reprise their roles as Ana Hamilton and Harmony (aka Yolanda Hamilton) on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” beginning Wednesday, November 13. They will appear for several episodes as the wedding between Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) and Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) becomes a true family affair. Last seen in Genoa City in 2019, Lott has since appeared in episodes of “Cherish the Day,” “The Porter,” “A House Divided,” “Churchy,” and more recently, The CW’s “All American: Homecoming.” nIN 2023, she starred in the films “Praie This,” “Binged to Death” and “Once in a Valentine.” She will guest star in the Peacock original series, “Based on a True Story,” streaming next month. As for Lawson, she last appeared on “The Young and the Restless” in May 2023, when Harmony reunited with her biological son, Devon. Elsewhere, she currently stars in the sci-fi scripted podcast series “All Things Undone,” which won the 2023 Webby Award for Best Scripted Podcast Series, and reached the top position on the Apple Podcast fiction chart. Lawson also serves as co-creator, executive producer and director of the series which will launch Part Two on Audible in Summer 2025. In addition to “All Things Undone,” Lawson is launching a second podcast series in January 2025. Titled “Amorph,” the series is adapted from the short stories “Trojan Girl” and “Valedictorian” by Hugo award-winning author, NK Jemisin’s “How Long til Black Future Month.” “The Young and the Restless” airs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on CBS. Stream Live and On Demand on Paramount+. Note: The post Loren Lott & Chene’ Lawson Return To ‘The Young and the Restless’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

I totally misread the posts earlier. Thought they said his name was already in the Y&R credits. I need to rest.

CBS.com and Paramount+ wiped out Season 51 episodes, per their contract with Sony. Only Season 52 episodes are available, effective October 3, 2024. Only someone who DVRs the show could verify at this point. Point of reference, I was working on something regarding B&B credits the other day and as of the 9/6 episode (last time I paid attention), Casey and Ed were both listed as Supervising Producers at B&B. As of the 9/10 episode (didn't see the credits for 9/9), only Casey was listed as Supervising Producer at B&B. So it looks like early to mid-September Ed left B&B/re-joined Y&R (credit wise). Therefore, he likely made the switch formally in August.

Heather Tom is now a scriptwriter at B&B, with her first episode scheduled to air Wednesday, November 6, Soap Opera Network has learned. Heather Tom Joins Writing Team of 'The Bold and the Beautiful' As Scriptwriter

In addition to acting and directing, “The Bold and the Beautiful” star Heather Tom (Katie Logan) can now add scriptwriter to her resume. During a joint interview with co-star Don Diamont (Bill Spencer), Tom revealed to Michael Fairman that she has recently completed writing her third script, while also continuing to direct episodes for the CBS daytime drama series. “I’m directing more episodes,” noted Tom to Fairman in a video interview published to the Michael Fairman Channel on YouTube. “I’m actually also writing [for the show]. So I just finished my third script. That’s kind of a new development.” After learning of Tom’s writing, Diamont commented, “Heather will be equally wonderful at writing as she is at acting, and as director, her creative mojo is just off the chart.” He added, “She is just so gifted and so committed, and it all matters to her. I just cannot say enough. It is the best thing of my career to work with this wonderfully talented woman, and just wonderful person.” Since revealing her additional role at the show, Soap Opera Network has learned that the first episode written by Tom is set to air Wednesday, November 6, barring any last-minute preemptions likely as a result of ongoing election coverage. Led by head writer and executive producer Bradley P. Bell, the writing team for “The Bold and the Beautiful” also includes current cast member Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton). With the addition of Tom, the daytime soap opera continues to highlight the additional talents of its cast beyond their fan favorite characters. To hear more of what Tom has to say about her work on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” in addition to working alongside Diamont, check out their full interview with Michael Fairman below. Note: The post Heather Tom Joins Writing Team of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ As Scriptwriter appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Back from her annual summer vacation, “General Hospital” fans will finally get to see Laura’s perspective following the recent return of her son, Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson), when Genie Francis pops back into Port Charles beginning with the Wednesday, October 9 episode. Last seen in late August, when she and her husband, Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom), set off to find Lucky, who, at the time, was being held captive in a refugee camp somewhere in Africa, Laura is set to have an emotional reunion with her son on the Thursday, October 10 episode. Scenes between Francis and Jackson will mark the first time the two will have shared screentime together since 2015 when the latter briefly reprised his role to help celebrate the retirement and subsequent exit of Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer on the series. Additionally, with Jackson back on contract, this also makes it the first time in 25 years that both he and Francis will appear simultaneously on “General Hospital” in said capacity. Francis’ return comes as the daytime drama series has been ramping up the Spencer family with the additions of Alexa Havins (ex-Babe Chandler, “All My Children”) as Laura’s daughter, Lulu Spencer, and Van Hansis (ex-Luke Snyder, “As The World Turns”) as Lucas Jones, cousin to Lucky and Lulu. While a debut date for Havins has not been set, Hansis made his first appearance on the series on Friday, October 4. Note: The post Genie Francis Back To ‘General Hospital’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Currently in its 60th season, “Days of our Lives” is bulking up on the returns of several fan favorites following the recently announced Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), and the return of “Bope,” played by Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) and Peter Reckell (Bo Brady). Chandler Massey Peacock Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Christie Clark (Carrie Brady), Leann Hunley (Anna DiMera), Victoria Konefal (Ciara Weston), Chandler Massey (Will Horton), Thaao Penghlis (Tony DiMera), Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton) and Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan) are all set to reprise their roles on the daytime drama series in 2025, TV Insider reported on Thursday. “We always love it when members of our beloved family return to Salem,” said executive producer Ken Corday in a statement released to the outlet. “Fans are really going to enjoy what we have in store beginning this fall and well into next year.” For Reeves, who will also be part of the show’s 15,000th episode airing in December, she’s thrilled to be back again, working with some of her long-time friends and colleagues. “It’s literally like when you don’t see your family and then you have a family reunion,” Reeves points out. “I’m like, ‘I have to focus on the storyline but at the same time, I want to visit with everyone and find out what’s going on in their lives.’ You could text people that but there’s nothing like seeing people in person.” According to TV Insider, the returnees recently returned to the show’s Burbank Studios-based set to tape episodes that will air in June 2025. “Days of our Lives” is available exclusively on Peacock with all-new episodes released weekdays at 6:00 a.m. ET/3:00 a.m. PT on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming platform. For more information on how to tune in, visit peacocktv.com. Note: The post Victoria Konefal, Chandler Massey, Melissa Reeves & Charles Shaughnessy Among Several Returning To ‘Days of our Lives’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Last seen in Genoa City in 2023, actress Brytni Sarpy is set to reprise her role as Dr. Elena Dawson on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless.” According to several since-deleted posts on her Instagram Stories timeline, as reported by Soap Opera Digest, Sarpy revealed on Tuesday that she is back at the Television City studio where the daytime drama tapes, with one post containing a photo of dressing room door with a message on it stating “13,000 episodes,” followed by the words “Brytni Sarpy, Dr. Elena Dawson, Welcome back — we miss you!!!” In the caption, Sarpy said, “Missed you too.” Sarpy also shared another photo of herself and co-star Hayley Erin (Claire), who she previously worked alongside during their time at “General Hospital,” where Sarpy portrayed Valerie Spencer and Erin portrayed Kiki Jerome. “Is it Valerie & Kiki or Elena & Claire?” read the caption of Sarpy’s post, referring to hers and Erin’s alter egos. Sarpy exited “General Hospital” on the Friday, March 15, 2019 episode, only to make her debut on “The Young and the Restless” a few days later, starting with the Tuesday, March 19, 2019 episode. “It has been an incredible journey bringing Valerie Spencer to life,” Sarpy said at the time of her exit from the ABC drama series “I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to live in her shoes and paint her story on the Port Chuck Canvas.” Her final storyline on the show involved a potential romantic connection with Kristina Davis (then played by Lexi Ainsworth). Sarpy has been missing in action on “The Young and the Restless” since at least the Spring of 2023, with her character connecting with J.T. Hellstrom (Thad Luckinbill) to discuss his brain tumor on her podcast, and to see where things stood between him and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle). A return date for Sarpy was not known at press time, nor how long fans should expect her back on screen. That said, since the actress highlighted the “welcome back” message posted to her dressing room door, in light of the show’s 13,000th episode taping (the episode airs Wednesday, November 13), it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Elena back in Genoa City just as her ex, Devon Hamilton (Bryton James), is set to wed his fiance Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway), which is reportedly the central storyline for the upcoming milestone event. In addition to “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital,” Sarpy has also appeared in episodes of “The Haves and the Have Nots” and “New Girl,” among others. She also starred in the music video for the song “Good for You” by her former “General Hospital” co-star Robert Palmer Watkins (ex-Dillon Quartermaine). Among movies, Sarpy had roles in “A Boy. A Girl. A Dream.,” “The Wrong Husband,” “Prince of Detroit,” and “Four For Fun,” the latter of which was written and directed by soap alum Jason Cook (“Days of our Lives,” “General Hospital”). The film also starred soap alum Jacob Young (“General Hospital,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”). Note: The post Brytni Sarpy Back to ‘The Young and the Restless’ As Elena Dawson appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Best known for his portrayal as Dr. Roger Coleridge on ABC’s “Ryan’s Hope,” and later Mike Corbin on “General Hospital” and spinoff soap “Port Charles,” actor Ron Hale has died. He was just 78 years old. Born Ronald Hale Thigpen on January 2, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale died on Tuesday, August 27, according to an official obituary. He had been living in St. George, South Carolina. A cause of death has not been announced. “It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve lost another great one,” said Hale’s former “General Hospital” co-star Billy Warlock (ex-AJ Quartermaine) on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the late actor’s passing. “My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend. I will miss you.” In a Facebook post, Hale’s niece, Lori Brown, said, “It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of my uncle Ron Hale Thigpen. He died unexpectedly at his home in St George, SC on August 27. He was a wonderful human and he will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace.” In addition to “Ryan’s Hope,” “General Hospital” and “Port Charles,” Hale has also appeared in episodes of “Search for Tomorrow,” “MacGyver,” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.” He played Frank Sturgis in the 1976 film “All the President’s Men,” and appeared most recently as Father Reinhart in the 2017 film “The Ghost and the Whale,” starring Hale’s former “General Hospital” co-star and TV son, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos). Throughout his 14-year run on “Ryan’s Hope,” Hale received two consecutive Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series, first in 1979 and again in 1980. He also received a Soap Opera Digest award nomination for Outstanding Villain on a Daytime Serial in 1986. Hale is survived by his nieces and nephews, Lori Brown (Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (Laurens) and, Marc Brown (Betsy). Note: The post R.I.P. Ron Hale – ‘General Hospital’ & ‘Ryan’s Hope’ Actor Dead at 78 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

In a clip released on Tuesday, “Days of our Lives” stars Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) and Christopher Sean (Paul Narita) sat down with “Access Hollywood” to share their fondest memories of their TV dad, the late Drake Hogestyn, who passed away on Saturday, September 28, one day shy of his 71st birthday, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. “There was a particular sequence of scenes where in which I actually looked him in the eye and said, ‘How you doing man?’ And he did that little grunt that he does and said, ‘Kid, I’m on a journey, got to do my thing,’” Martsolf recalled of the last scene he shot with Hogestyn, which aired Monday, September 9, and marked Hogestyn’s final appearance on “Days of our Lives.” “I could tell that he was going to fight hard,” Martsolf continued. “He did not want to leave the program. He would compose himself off camera and get right in there.” Drake Hogestyn, Eric Martsolf XJJohnson/JPI Studios “’Oh, not feeling too good so I’m not going to talk much.’ And I said, ‘Oh geez,’” said Sean, reflecting on the last time he spoke with Hogestyn while together on set. “The first time ever he’s not telling me a story,” Sean continued, adding, “So I start talking to him and he stops me and is like, ‘You know what? This is what’s happening to me. I’m going to be honest with you’ And he told me everything. Oh man, I just remember thinking, ‘No, no, no, no. Not him.’” As for his relationship with Hogestyn, Sean said, “Absolutely love him. I loved him as a father on television and as a father in real life.” He added, “We would literally spend hours hanging out on set.” In addition to Martsolf and Sean, Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) released a statement on Hogestyn’s passing to “Access Hollywood.” The entertainment news show will also feature additional interviews with “Days of our Lives” cast members on its Tuesday, October 2 broadcast. Check local listings. Watch the “Access Hollywood” clip featuring Martsolf and Sean below. Note: The post ‘Days of our Lives’ Stars Eric Martsolf & Christopher Sean Remember TV Dad Drake Hogestyn appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

In a statement released to Access Hollywood on Wednesday, “Days of our Lives” icon Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) has opened up about the death of her long-time co-star and scene partner, Drake Hogestyn (John Black), who passed away on Saturday, September 28, one day shy of his 71st birthday, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. “For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” noted Hall, referencing both Hogestyn and his alter ego John Black. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains. My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene.” “He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew,” continued Hall. “Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it. Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees.” XJJohnson/JPI Studios Closing out her statement, Hall noted, “Victoria [Hogestyn’s widow] and their children were truly the center of his life. Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences.” Born Donald Drake Hogestyn in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 29, 1953, Hogestyn joined the cast of “Days of our Lives” in 1986, playing the roles of John Black and Roman Brady on the popular NBC daytime drama series. Throughout his nearly 40-year run on the series, Hogestyn played opposite Hall in a pairing known simply to their fans as “Jarlena.” The couple was recently named the 12th Greatest Couple of all time by the most recent issue of Soap Opera Digest, which now releases four special edition issues a year. In addition to the recent honor, the publication has previously awarded Hogestyn and Hall with the Favorite Couple award during the 2005 “Soap Opera Digest Awards,” with Hogestyn also winning the award for Hottest Male Star in 1994 and 1995. He received additional nominations in the category in 1997 and 1998. Note: The post Deidre Hall Pays Tribute To Drake Hogestyn, Her Long-Time ‘Days of our Lives’ Co-Star and Scene Partner appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

For the first time since revealing that she “took the cut,” following unsubstantiated rumors that she was let go from “General Hospital” due to not complying with the show’s request by talent to take a cut in either salary or episode guarantee, actress Kelly Monaco is sharing more details about her ouster from the ABC daytime drama series as Sam McCall. In a comment posted to the Soap Hub Instagram page, wherein the outlet highlighted Monaco’s former “General Hospital” co-star, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer; Eric Brady, “Days of our Lives”) showing his support of Monaco, the actress responded to disparaging comments by posters who claimed she had “no primary roles,” and that “she wasn’t fired she didn’t take the pay cut so she had to leave.” “‘No primary role’.. do your homework,” said Monaco in response, adding, “When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience.” “Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest,” continued Monaco, who closed out her post, saying, “I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.” Instagram “Duces [sic] ‘I’ve got your back and you always had mine,'” read the caption of a since-deleted Instagram post by Monaco published on the first anniversary of the late Billy Miller‘s death. On “General Hospital,” Miller first portrayed a recast Jason Morgan starting in 2014, but by 2017, it was revealed that the character was not Jason, but his twin brother, Drew Cain. Miller was let go from the show in July 2019. “I will tell our story soon enough…. I love and miss you… and beyond,” stated Monaco, closing out the post. Since Soap Opera Network first broke the news of Monaco being let go from “General Hospital” in late August, the actress’ fans have rallied to support her being rehired by the show. An online petition has since received more than 16,000 signatures, and a mobile billboard has been driven around the show’s studio at Prospect Studios in Hollywood and Disney’s headquarters in Burbank. In fact, on Friday, September 20, a billboard in New York’s Time Square could be spotted throughout the day. While efforts to rehire Monaco continue, Monaco’s mother, Carmina, announced on Friday, September 27 that her daughter cleaned out her dressing for the last time. In her post, she said, “This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength. You’ve stood by her through every twist and turn, celebrating her achievements and providing comfort in the hard times. Your love and dedication have meant more than words can express, not only to Kelly but to all of us who care so deeply for her.” ABC has not issued a formal statement on Monaco’s exit, despite other outlets reporting “storyline dictated” as the reason. Separately, while Monaco’s airdate has not been announced, based on the show’s current tape-to-air schedule, fans can expect to see the last of the actress as Sam McCall sometime in October when the character goes out with a bang. Note: The post Kelly Monaco Talks “Dismantling” Of Her ‘General Hospital’ Character, States “The Truth Will Set You Free” appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

No.

Last I spoke with a rep at ABC, Hudson West was still playing Jake. Additionally, I'm aware that Hudson wants to continue playing the character but the show just hasn't been using him. That said, I do expect them to recast because Hudson is turning 17 in March, and Colin (new Aiden) is somewhere between 22-23 in real life, having graduated H.S. in 2020.

Although his debut could be derailed by a potential preemption later this week, “As The World Turns” alum Van Hansis (ex-Luke Snyder) is returning to daytime television when he takes over the role of Lucas Jones on ABC’s “General Hospital,” last played by Ryan Carnes (“Desperate Housewives,” “Eating Out”). According to TV Insider, which first reported the news, Hansis is set to hit Port Charles on the Friday, October 4 episode, albeit contingent on whether or not ABC’s coverage of the Major League Baseball Wild Card Series causes a last-minute preemption of the drama series on Thursday, October 3. While storyline details have not been announced, it looks like Lucas is back in town just in time for the awakening of his cousin, Lulu (now played by Alexa Havins), who requires a liver transplant. Although Lucas and Lulu two are not related by blood, the show has recently made enormous efforts to rebuild the Spencer family, of which Lucas is a part as the son of the late Bobbie Spencer (the late Jacklyn Zeman) and the late Tony Jones (Brad Maule), with the couple adopting Lucas as a baby. The character was first introduced in 1989 and is the biological son of the late Cheryl Stansbury (Jennifer Anglin) and the late Julian Jerome (William deVry). In 2005, Lucas came out as gay, and so Hansis joining “General Hospital” comes as a full circle moment for the actor who previously portrayed one of the first gay male lead characters in daytime during his run on five-year run on “As The World Turns.” Jake Silbermann, Van Hansis PGP In August 2007, during a time when soap operas undertaking such a storyline twist was considered unfathomable, Luke and Noah (Jake Silbermann) became the first gay male characters from a daytime soap opera to kiss on screen. “I remember when Luke and Noah kissed for the first time, we had ‘Entertainment Tonight’ come. And I get it, but it’s great that we’re in a place where it’s so casual, just like how it is in life,” said Hansis, recalling a different time for soaps in an interview with TV Insider. “There are gay people in life so there should be gay people on soaps and queer people and trans people and all of that. So, the fact that it’s so ingrained and it’s not like ‘the gay character’ or ‘the gay storyline’ feels really nice.” As for returning to daytime after a 14-year absence, Hansis notes, “I’ve been in this industry long enough that I know there are no guarantees, but I didn’t know if I’d ever be back on a soap. But now that I am, I’m super excited to be here.” He added, “I’m really just making sure that I’m taking it in and enjoying being a part of something really, really cool. I’m old enough now that I’m like, ‘It’s okay to be proud of yourself and be grateful for the opportunity.’ I’ll try to do my best and get the most out of it.” Since “As The World Turns,” Hansis has gone on to appear in numerous other projects, including the films “Kiss Me, Kill Me,” “First Reformed” and “Easiders: The Movie.” On the small screen, he’s starred in the series adaptation of “Eastsiders,” and has appeared in episodes of such shows as “Psych,” “Nikita,” “FBI” and “The Deuce,” among others. In addition to taking over the role of a legacy character on “General Hospital,” Hansis also got to reunite with former “As The World Turns” co-star Maura West (Ava Jerome), who portrayed Carly Snyder on the CBS daytime drama series. “She didn’t know I got cast and I was coming out of a wardrobe fitting she was grabbing her wardrobe for the day,” said Hansis to TV Insider, recalling the experience. “This was the day that we had scenes together and she just looked at me and it was like she saw a ghost. She was like, ‘Van?’ And she gave me a big hug and then she was like, ‘Wait, are you Lucas?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah,’ and she screamed so loudly that the security guard came down to see because they thought somebody was getting hurt or something.” To find out more about what Hanis has to say about his daytime return, including reuniting with West, check out his full TV Insider interview here. Note: The post ‘As The World Turns’ Alum Van Hansis Joins ‘General Hospital’ As Recast Lucas Jones appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More