Brad Bell in an interview on MSN today confirms that Zach Conroy, formerly on GL, is joining the B&B cast in the role of Oliver, the brother of Sandy/Agnes, a guy who works in the music industry, and he will be romantically linked with the newly SORASED teenage Hope, Steffy will be interested in him too. Zach's first air date is January 20.

And, when asked if he's going to hire any more ex-GL stars, Bell reveals that he's got his eye on a certain ex-GL actress, and she may be appearing on B&B soon - I wonder who?

Whom exactly would be accusing B&B of racism if those characters were dismissed? African-Americans?

I don't mean to be overly sensitive or argumentative with that comment, but I, as an American first and African-American second, find it to be offensive. Contrary to the TOTALLY overused "playing the race card" cliche that a LOT of people seem to insist on running into the ground, I wish people would understand the following: in this day and age most African-Americans that I know of, myself included, who have experienced racism in its ugly forms DO NOT so casually yell "RACISM!" at the drop of the hat.

I seriously doubt that the NAACP would picket CBS Television City if Brad Bell dispensed with two satellite dull characters such as Marcus and Justin...perhaps if there is a civil rights group out there dedicated to rights of bland/bad actors (in the case of Texas Battle) maybe they would be up in arms. Personally, as far as the plight of African-Americans in this nation, believe it or not, there are far more serious and more pressing issues besides the pot of gloss that is B&B.

Furthermore, I would just like to state that even though there has been a TRAGIC and UNFORGIVABLE lack of true diversity on B&B in its twenty year history, I have never found the issue to be one of racism. Now if you want to truly discuss a daytime issue that many African-Americans view as very close to, if not venturing into downright racism, look no further than the various complaints/issues regarding the characters and/or actors of color across the hall at Television City at Y&R...

Since we call Y&R & other soap on their racism. He think we will compalin about B&B. B&B doesn't champion about being diverse. B&B treat black characters they same way the treat the latin & the white ones. Look at Thorne & Felicia & they are from a core family.

remember last year kim zimmer was one of the speculated upon rampant rumors about claudia's mother on gh and they never brought on her mother. and so far the show has been doing a lot for sandy they didnt do for claudia. but kz is in for a surprise when she acts with sjb, she isnt going to mop the floor with her. in fact, it could be the opposite.

but kz is in for a surprise when she acts with sjb, she isnt going to mop the floor with her. in fact, it could be the opposite.

KZ can easily hold her own and out act SJB, hands down. Not that thats saying much.

Here's a thought: what if KZ came aboard, and instead of one actress out-acting the other, they actually "sparkled", chemistry-wise, and meshed well in their scenes together?

Never mind. That's so absurd even I can't believe it.

Here's a thought: what if KZ came aboard, and instead of one actress out-acting the other, they actually "sparkled", chemistry-wise, and meshed well in their scenes together?

Never mind. That's so absurd even I can't believe it.

Here's a thought: what if KZ came aboard, and instead of one actress out-acting the other, they actually "sparkled", chemistry-wise, and meshed well in their scenes together?

Never mind. That's so absurd even I can't believe it.

I think Kim is realistic enough to know this is not her show and if she comes in she will have to have a good spark with her main co-workers. The days of feuding with Michelle Forbes or Cynthia Watros or whoever else are over.

I think Kim is realistic enough to know this is not her show and if she comes in she will have to have a good spark with her main co-workers. The days of feuding with Michelle Forbes or Cynthia Watros or whoever else are over.

Unless Brad is crazy enough to retire Sue Flannery for Kim Zimmer. If that happens, B&B will be full of Behind the Scenes bitches.

Unless Brad is crazy enough to retire Sue Flannery for Kim Zimmer. If that happens, B&B will be full of Behind the Scenes bitches.

I wonder if they should have recast Beth Logan with Kim Zimmer. Just say Beth got over her dementia (since when is this show interested in realism anyway) and have her raise hell.

They could bring someone like Lisa Peluso or Judi Evans in as Sarah Brown's mom.

I wonder if they should have recast Beth Logan with Kim Zimmer. Just say Beth got over her dementia (since when is this show interested in realism anyway) and have her raise hell.

As much as I hate Zimmer, it'd be better than Robin Riker.

As much as I hate Zimmer, it'd be better than Robin Riker.

I still don't get why she was cast, but then I don't get a lot of decisions with this show.

I still don't get why she was cast, but then I don't get a lot of decisions with this show.

Hell, who does?

I'd much rather see Brad Bell recast Beth w/ Jaime Lyn Bauer (ex-Lorie, Y&R; ex-Laura, DAYS). She'd be perfect as mother to the Logan girls.

I'd love to see them try Jaime Lyn Bauer on B&B. She has a strong presence which fits soaps, with the right role. She proved that well enough on Y&R, even with the weakly written 2003 return.

I'd love to see them try Jaime Lyn Bauer on B&B. She has a strong presence which fits soaps, with the right role. She proved that well enough on Y&R, even with the weakly written 2003 return.

I always liked her Laura on DAYS, even though she was written like a typical pathetic Jimmy Reilly plot device.

She'd be great.

What's more, I think Jaime Lyn Bauer's Beth would have amazing chemistry with Don Diamont's Bill. I'm serious. Put her, him, HT's Katie, and maybe a decent Stephen Logan in the same romantic quadrangle, and you'd have something I would want to watch.