THIS JUST IN: BREAKING SUDS FLASHES
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith who? Yesterday, Soaps In Depth tweeted their first major scoop since George Bush’s first “Presidential” administration: Austin Peck has been unexpectedly “released” from his World Turns contract. Suds Report has learned that Peck, who recently separated from his wife, Tara, is currently embroiled in a controversial affair with one of his married castmates which ultimately polarized the set. “Everyone wanted him fired because the woman he had an affair with left her husband, whom we all love,” reveals one actor. Another source reports another reason for increased tension on the Brooklyn set: “Michael [Park, Jack] and Austin have been at odds for some time.”
Reportedly, the cast is “universally happy” that the “home wrecker” has been let go. Suds Report reminds the World Turns cast that it takes two to tango, kids. As a rule, I do not write about actors’ personal lives — unless, of course, it affects what we see on our screens. I’m not really sure how Peck’s personal choices led to him being fired — nor do I understand why his female lover still has a job if Peck was fired. Reverse sexism much? But this is the wacky, nonsensical world of soaps, after all … I’m going to miss my Brad and Katie. Click here to read my interview with 2008's Sexiest Couple Alive.
As for Bradski, Peck’s pre-nominated Emmy role will not be recast. Spoiler alert: Brad will be killed by Jack, which sends Carly’s ex-husband off on a spiritual quest.
• Editor's note: Tune into TVGuide.ca tomorrow for a catch-up interview with Victoria Rowell (ex-Dru, Y&R).
• Shocking industry buzz: Rumour has it that Thorsten Kaye (Zach) will decline to move to L.A. when All My Children permanently moves their production out west.
“ABC doesn’t want to lose Thorsten,” says a show insider. “In our eyes, Thorsten is the star of the show — not Susan Lucci [Erica]. We are doing everything to change Thorsten’s mind, but it sounds like he’s staying in New York permanently because of his family.”
However, it is expected that Kaye will be approached to join his real-life wife, Susan Haskell (Marty), on One Life to Live in either his original role as Patrick or as his brother, Ian Thornhart (which he played on Port Charles), if the popular actor does not change his mind. “Whatever happens, ABC wants Kaye on their network,” continues an industry insider.
Sadly, word is that Emmy winner Susan Lucci (Erica), who is reportedly still furious over ABC’s decision to move out west, is, as expected, planning to tell the AMC brass that she will not be moving to L.A., either! “Susan hasn’t told ABC yet,” the source continues. “Maybe she’ll change her mind but right now — her answer is no.”
A shocked network mole informs The Suds Report that ABC chief Brian Frons has a backup plan should La Lucci quit. “He won't recast Erica Kane, but he has his eye on two former superstar divas to come on to AMC in a new role to headline our show,” issues an insider.
Speculation is that those two aforementioned divas are Deidre Hall (ex-Marlena, DAYS) and Genie Francis (ex-Laura, GH; ex-Ceara, AMC).
Hopefully, One Life will absorb the AMC actors not willing to uproot their lives for a show destined to be cancelled in two years or so.
AMC actors have until Sept. 8 to make their decision whether to join the embattled sudser on the left coast despite the fact that they are all on contract.
Stay tuned. This is going to get juicy — and maybe ugly.
SUDSIEST QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
“Adam, I wish you could see how cute I look.”
—Y&R’s Abby to her blind brother to which he responded, “I’ll take your word for it!”
Translation: I’m so much hotter than Rafe or Heather!
“It’s almost as if TPTB have been given carte blanche to do what they want. They seem to have thrown out ‘the book’ that made the show what it was. Agnes Nixon — where are you?”
—Emmy winner Cady McClain (Rosanna, World Turns) on her titular website
Translation: Eating pancakes, I bet!
“Maybe she’s an alien. Or a man.”
—Blair to Dorian regarding Téa’s big secret on One Life
Translation: Which would explain why Todd loves her.
“Recently, I saw this on the Internet because I am guilty of checking what the fans say because I want to know what they are thinking … somebody thought that on a recent episode, I called Victoria ‘Ashley’ when I said, ‘actually.’ So they wrote this whole post saying, ‘Get him off the show. He called Victoria Ashley.’ I promise I did not call her that. And do you think for one minute Paul Rauch would let me call Victoria ... ‘Ashley?’”
—Sean Kanan (Deacon, Y&R) to Michael Fairman in a recent revealing interview
Translation: Who can blame me for not recognizing Victoria Newman? She’s an imposter! Plus, Paul would have castrated me!
EMMY CENTRAL
Daytime Emmy presenters announced
Soap presenters for the 36th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards have been announced and they are: Kristen Alderson (Starr, One Life), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH), Brandon Buddy (Cole, One Life), Patrick Duffy (Stephen, B&B), Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC), Colin Egglesfield (ex-Josh, AMC), Anthony Geary (Luke, GH), Van Hansis (Luke, World Turns), Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe, Y&R), Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip, DAYS), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B), Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC), Cameron Mathison (Ryan, AMC), Billy Miller (Bllly, Y&R), Ronn Moss (Ridge, B&B), Robert Newman (Josh, GL), James Scott (EJ, DAYS), Jake Silbermann (Noah, World Turns), Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH), and Kim Zimmer (Reva, GL).
CRUISING SOAPS
Jeff Branson (Shayne, GL) joins Cameron Mathison’s bon voyage!
Also, TV Guide Canada will be offering a fan the chance to interview their favourite soap star in a printed feature in TVGuide.ca. Can you out-bitch Nelson Branco? I dare you!
END GAME
The longest running soap opera in American history is wrapping up storylines as they prepare to pack up the sets, costumes and props after 72 memorable years on CBS. GL may air its final episode in mid-September, but the show won’t go dark completely. Adoring fans in Pittsburgh will have the incredible opportunity to get to know 10 of the best-loved actors from Guiding Light in a day and evening extravaganza as they say “so long” to Springfield on Oct. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport. For tickets go to www.solongspringfield.com or call 1-866-364-0330. A portion of all proceeds from this event will benefit The Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
THE IDIOT RATINGS
Winner — All soaps sink! One Life ABC’s top soap again!
Loser — World Turns is a hair above GL!
Ratings for the week August 3-7, 2009
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)
Courtesy of Soap Opera Network
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,703,000 (-235,000/-350,000)
2. B&B 3,367,000 (-104,000/-214,000)
3. DAYS 2,531,000 (-273,000/+51,000)
4. OLTL 2,476,000 (-98,000/-44,000)
5. GH 2,442,000 (-158,000/-226,000)
6. AMC 2,410,000 (-14,000/-55,000)
7. ATWT 2,226,000 (-58,000/-401,000)
8. GL 1,995,000 (-8,000/-308,000)
Households
1. *Y&R 3.4/11 (-.2/-.3)
2. B&B 2.4/8 (-.1/-.2)
3. AMC 1.9/6 (+.1/same)
3. GH 1.9/6 (same/-.2)
3. OLTL 1.9/6 (same/same)
6. *DAYS 1.8/6 (-.1/-.1)
7. *ATWT 1.6/5 (-.1/-.3)
8. GL 1.5/5 (same/-.1)
*ties low rating
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All My Children, A/ABC — Beautiful Yaya!
• Justice: America’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 runner-up Yaya DaCosta (ex-Cassie) has been recast as Nico, Wilhelmina Slater’s daughter, for the upcoming season of Ugly Betty. According to EW.com’s Michael Ausiello, Nico (previously played by Jowharah Jones) will turn up on the Oct. 9 season première.
• Meanwhile, Mr. Eden Riegel, a.k.a. Imaginary Bitches’ genius Andrew Miller, tells The Suds Report, “We’re thrilled to have AMC moving to L.A.! Especially since they’ve been trying so hard to incorporate imaginary characters into their storylines (Annie, Spike’s imaginary mom). With our two shows being in the same city, I hope they’ll feel comfortable coming to us for help and maybe together we can expand the opportunities for the imaginary community.” |
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As The World Turns, Global/CBS — Jean Christina who?• Ciao, Jean Passanante and Chris Goutman: Emmy winner David Kreizman is head-writing life in Oakdale. Expect a lot of surprises from the show killer. Some scary — and some good. Sorry, my lips are sealed. All I can say is there is no need to worry … yet. Six months from now, we will.
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The Bold and the Beautiful, CTV/CBS — Exclusive: Kay jumps to prime time!
• Great news: Emmy winner Lesli Kay (Felicia) tells The Suds Report that one of our favourite soap bitches has landed a guest-starring role on Raising The Bar! Congrats, Lesli! Glad to know someone appreciates your talent.
Days of our Lives, Global/NBC — Sweeney and Kanan?
• 2009 Emmy nominee Rachel Melvin (Chelsea) is on a roll: the starlet has not only been cast as Hayden Panettiere’s college (read: lesbo) roommate on Heroes, but she has also landed a role in the upcoming Lifetime Movie Network mini-series, Sins, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Congrats, Rachel! |
• According to
Michael Fairman, Sean Kanan (Deacon,
Y&R) could have been romancing Alison Sweeney (Sami)! Now that I would have liked to have seen! Kanan, who is killing it on
Y&R, told one of the nicest people in the business, Mr. Fairman, that he had tested for various soap roles. He claims, “I had flown to New York to screen-test for
World Turns and it’s strange. I did not feel a connection to the material and did not feel right. I gave it my best. I wanted a job. I did not really want that part. I did not want to move to New York, but I really wanted and needed a job. So when I did not get it, I was not that upset. Then there was a part on
DAYS and for one reason or another, I did not get to screen-test and I was a little upset about that. I thought I gave a strong audition but the reality was I think that Galen Gering (Rafe) was coming off of
Passions and they just made him an offer. But in retrospect, it all was happening because I was meant to do something else.” Memo to Kanan: consider yourself lucky. Not about losing the
DAYS part, but the
World Turns role.
Daytimeconfidential.com, ITunes — Mimi Torchin speaks!
• Do yourself a favour and listen to one of DC.com’s best podcasts ever here. My mentor, Soapgeist superstar, Ms. Mimi Torchin, brilliantly explains why soaps are dying and passionately explains how GL betrayed its most loyal viewers when it came to the best soap opera love story, Otalia. If Emmy Awards were handed out for best podcast, Luke Kerr would win one! Long live, Battlestar Gallactica!
General Hospital, CTV/ABC — Geary’s back!
• Were they really ever gone? Anthony Geary (Luke) and Constance Towers (Helena) will return to the sudser on Sept. 30.
• Sorry, Kim Kardashian — according to Emmy producer James Romanovich, Kelly Monaco (Sam) has re-signed with GH.
• Need tips to prepare for the Enema Awards? Click here for Emmy-nominated actress Becky Herbst’s (Elizabeth) expert advice.
• Jamey Giddens’ worst nightmare: this week, JaSam reunite! [Gag]
Guiding Light, Global/CBS — Natalia Is back!
• Jay Hammer (Fletcher) will return to the show that made him one of daytime’s best actors before the finale.
• Be happy, Mimi: Natalia returns this week! Finally. Let’s see how that Mormon fixes this mess…
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One Life To Live, A/ABC — The Hunt For Crystal October!
• Vote for your favourite One Life Soap Opera Weekly cover here. My choice? The Megan-Sarah-Viki cover. Duh.
• “The Blair Snitch Project?” The recent episode title on One Opus To Write has put me on the offensive. Oh, it’s on, One Life — it’s on … I will so outdo that. Trust me.
• Larry Carpenter and Roger Mooney — I love you. You are the best in the business. Thank you for making my life much easier.
• Why haven’t I written about the best soap wedding of 2009 yet? Find out Monday. |
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• After watching Crystal Hunt’s feeble — and embarrassing — attempt at acting during Stacy’s miscarriage, all I can say is: if
One Life doesn’t recast this role, I will. Memo to Hunt: you should be ashamed of yourself. You have no business being on this show. It’s sad because you don’t realize how lucky you are to be working for two of the greatest artists in daytime. Get rid of her,
One Life. Like yesterday.
• Memo to Brian Frons: One Life is the worst soap on the dial. It’s horrible. Like really horrible. Focus on AMC and GH, please. [Looks both ways] Is he gone yet? OK, One Life is the best soap in daytime right now! Praise Trevor St. John and Robin Strasser! Shhh … don’t tell anyone!
• Tika Sumpter (Layla) is the most beautiful woman on soaps. Sorry, Crystal Chappell (Olivia, GL)!
• Is that a precedent in your pocket? When One Life is cancelled, I’m so sending Emmy winner Ron Carlivati’s resumé to Law & Order’s Dick Wolf. No one writes a legal story better than RC. No one. If Ron was a Llanview lawyer, I’d bet my life that he’d be Téa and not Nora.
Welovesoaps.net — Why did Herring choose to join the worst soap on daytime? Who knows!
• Those soap bitches at welovesoaps.com delivered another must-hear podcast starring Lynn Herring (Audrey, World Turns). Listen here.
The Young and the Restless, CBS/Global — Recast Heinle NOW OR ELSE!
• This is trouble: Y&R’s sexiest inglourious basterds, Daniel Goddard (Cane) and Joshua Morrow (Nick), have teamed up for their first-ever joint fan event. On Saturday, Aug. 29, the two hunks will get up close and personal with fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs from 8:30pm to 11:30pm at the Studio Suites located inside The Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Hollywood Dr. in Universal City, Calif. There will also be a free raffle and the winners will get the chance to act out some of Nick and Cane's classic scenes from The Young and the Restless with the actors. Now that’s a prize! The event will cost $65 and includes one drink, appetizers and colour photos. Payment must be made in U.S. funds only via cheque or money order, payable to Cathy Tomas or by PayPal at CathyTomas@aol.com. Please include the names of everyone in your party and mail to: Cathy Tomas, c/o The Young and the Restless, CBS-TV, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Suite 3305, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Make the Fan Club Dinner a fan club weekend and join the fun! For further information, email Cathy at yrfanclub@cbs.com or call (818) 503-2599.
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• This is what happens when you try to hit Kitty: Christian LeBlanc (Michael) is recovering from a broken wrist, according to Soap Opera Digest.
• This week, JT and Victoria cheat on each other! Good for you, Thad! Luckinbill is a great actor — maybe he can teach his wife how to act while he’s whispering sweet nothings in her lazy ear. My patience is wearing thin, Y&R — really thin. Fix this problem NOW!
• Corbin Bernsen (Father Williams) is a gold mine.
• If Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) becomes any more beautiful, it will hurt to look at her.
• Memo to Sharon Newman: Can you do me a favour? I’d love you forever if you could walk across the studio and slip Heather Tom (Katie, B&B) into your purse and bring her back to the Y&R studio. Thanks. |
SOAP OPERA MYSTERY HOUR: This week’s hottest blind items
—Which two
GH actors are angling to sign on with
Dancing With The Stars?
—Which Emmy winner will be returning to her alma mater very soon?
—Which east-coast actress is pissed with her lack of screen time?
—Which west-coast writer is furious with a certain star?
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Nelson Branco is a Toronto freelance entertainment journalist, who regularly contributes to Hello! Canada, The National Post, The Los Angeles Times' theenvelope.com, TV Guide USA, tvguide.com, Inside Entertainment, OUT, and fab magazine, along with spearheading the soap coverage for TVGuide.ca's popular daytime TV hub. After graduating from Ryerson University in 1997, he moved from Toronto to New York in 1998 to take on the roles as senior news editor at Soap Opera Update. Branco first freelanced for Soap Opera Weekly as an intern in 1994, and after leaving Soap Update to help create and launch Bauer Publishing's In Touch Weekly in 2003, Branco continued to freelance occasionally for its sister publication, Soaps In Depth. Most recently, he helped create and launch Canada's first celebrity magazine, Weekly Scoop in 2005 as its news and entertainment director. Branco is also a contributor to a new TV show titled Planet Soap to air in Canada and America.
